Description
Lilac Essential Oil *Pro
Amber glass bottle with dropper containing 30 ml
Lilac essential oil, though commonly referred to as such, is typically a rare and precious oil, more precisely an absolute or essence extracted from the flowers of Syringa vulgaris, a flowering shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. Native to the Balkans and Eastern Europe, lilac is widely cherished for its enchanting, sweet, and delicate floral fragrance that evokes spring. Below is a comprehensive description based on what is known about this essence.
Origin and Extraction
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of purple, white, or pink flowers, depending on the variety. The oil is primarily extracted from the flowers, often through organic solvent extraction or, in rarer and more costly cases, supercritical CO2 distillation, as traditional steam distillation cannot effectively capture its complex aroma. This process explains why true lilac oil is so rare and valuable, often reserved for luxury perfumery. Its geographical origin includes regions like Bulgaria, where conditions are ideal for its cultivation.
Physical Characteristics
Lilac essential oil, or rather its absolute, appears as a viscous, sometimes waxy substance with a color ranging from pale yellow to golden. Its fragrance is rich, floral, slightly green, and fresh, with subtle notes reminiscent of amethyst or a springlike sweetness. This essence is often described as ethereal and feminine, with a depth that distinguishes it from synthetic imitations.
Chemical Composition
Although precise data on its composition may vary depending on the extraction method, lilac oil typically contains compounds such as ß-linalool (a soothing terpene alcohol), floral aldehydes, and sometimes traces of farnesol or other aromatic molecules. Floral waxes present in supercritical extractions add skin-beneficial elements, though its full chemical analysis remains poorly documented due to its rarity.
Properties and Benefits
Lilac oil is prized for both its olfactory qualities and its potential therapeutic benefits:
- Aromatherapy: Its sweet, slightly sedative aroma acts as a natural antidepressant, helping to calm anxiety, stabilize mood, and promote relaxation. It is ideal for creating a soothing ambiance.
- Skincare: When applied topically (always diluted in a carrier oil), it is reputed for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it useful for treating irritations, acne, or minor skin infections. It also helps reduce wrinkles and firm the skin, offering a rejuvenating effect.
- Physical Effects: It possesses analgesic and antispasmodic properties, potentially relieving muscle, joint, or menstrual pain. Some attribute fever-reducing (febrifuge) properties to it.
- Energetic: Emotionally, it is considered harmonizing and sometimes associated with heightened spiritual perception.
Uses
- Perfumery: Its primary use is in high-end fragrances, where it adds a refined floral note.
- Cosmetics: Added to creams, lotions, or body oils, it scents while nourishing the skin.
- Aromatherapy: Diffused or inhaled, it creates a relaxing atmosphere. It can also be added to a bath for a calming effect.
- External Use: Diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or olive, it is applied in massages for its calming or skin benefits.
Precautions
Lilac oil should be used with care:
- It is intended for external use only; ingestion is not recommended.
- As with any essential oil, prior dilution in a carrier oil is advised before skin application, with a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children should consult a professional before use.
Particularities
Unlike common essential oils like lavender or tea tree, lilac oil is not widely produced for mass therapeutic purposes, limiting in-depth scientific studies on its effects. Its high cost and extraction difficulty make it an exceptional product. In summary, lilac essential oil is a luxurious essence that combines a divine fragrance with soothing and regenerative properties, but its rarity and price make it a treasure reserved for connoisseurs or specific uses. Prepare for a unique sensory experience!
100% pure lilac essential oil
To soften the olfactory intensity and bring out the delicate, floral notes of certain essential oils, it is recommended to dilute the 100% concentrate with a blending oil.
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