Boronia Essential Oil (Absolute): Unveiling Nature's Unique Elixir
Boronia Essential Oil is a fragrance like no other; it is a symphony of spice, freshness, subtle citrus, floral notes, and the sweet richness of honey. It's a scent so enticing it seems good enough to devour!
Belonging to the citrus family (Rutaceae), the Boronia megastigma scrub/tree produces precious oils from the foliage and flowers. The color of this absolute essential oil is golden brown, thick in consistency, and has a strong initial aroma. It is often called brown Boronia.
An absolute/solvent method captures the essential oil. The aroma is further enhanced when the leaves are gently crushed, releasing a captivating scent, exemplified in the lemon-scented Boronia citriodora.
Accurate plant selection for distillation is critical due to the unpleasant odor associated with certain Boronia varieties, like B. pinnata.
Among the Boronia family, the Brown Boronias (B. megastigma) stand out for their highly perfumed flowers, while others, such as the Native Rose (Boronia serrulata), boast an extraordinary aroma. The rarity and uniqueness of Boronia's scent render it an exquisite and expensive commodity, primarily featured in high-end perfumery and aromatics.
Purchasing pure Boronia essential oil can be challenging, often leading to diluted versions. Prices can soar, with reputable suppliers listing the oil at around $200 for just 1/6th of an ounce, and availability remains a constant challenge, adding an air of exclusivity to this extraordinary fragrance.
Interesting Facts About Boronia Oil
- Boronia absolute is also used in the culinary arts. As with perfumery, it is used as an enhancer, but this time, it improves the taste of whatever it is added to. For instance, it enhances fruit flavors in ice cream, beverages, baked products, and candy.
- Boronia megastigma grows wild in abundance all along the coasts and swamplands of western and southwestern Australia. This cash crop is known for being grown on plantations.
- Often, the perfume industry buys all future Boronia absolute oil far in advance, making it difficult to find for use in aromatherapy.
- This plant is related to the citrus tree and can grow as a small or bushy shrub from about 4 to 6 feet high.
- Boronia is known for treating depression and irritation and for its aphrodisiac properties.
Benefits of Boronia Essential Oil
Boronia absolute should be diluted to less than 5 percent when used on the skin in a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil. In vapor therapy, Boronia Absolute is soothing and inspiring and may aid in the treatment of depression. The derived essential oil is also known for its aphrodisiac properties.
Therapeutic Properties
- Antidepressant: helps to prevent and treat depression
- Aphrodisiac: stimulates sexual desire
Aromatherapy Using Boronia Essential Oil
Due to the rich woody undertone, only 1 or 2 drops of Boronia are necessary for a blend. Boronia essential oil has the characteristic of being able to enhance the fragrance of other essential oils.
Boronia can further improve the scents of clary sage, black currant, bergamot, helichrysum, violet, costus, and those from floral families like yellow freesia.
Using Boronia with Other Essential Oils
Boronia absolute blends well with other oils such as:
- Damask rose absolute
- Jasmine absolute
- Helichrysum
- Myrrh
- Neroli
- Ravensara
- Sweet Orange
Safety and Use of Boronia Essential Oil
Always dilute Boronia essential oil (absolute) to 5% or less in carrier oil before applying it to the skin. It can cause sensitivity.
