Seasonal artisan hydrosol: Osmanthus

Osmanthus fragrans is one of the ten famous flowers found in China. Historical records show that O. fragrans has been cultivated in China for more than 2500 years. During the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644), the medicinal functions of O. fragrans were documented in Li Shizhen’s monumental pharmaceutical encyclopaedia Compendium of Materia Medica . O. fragrans is classified as a pungent, warm and nonpoisonous Chinese herb. It is used to promote saliva secretion, deodorize and clear phlegm. It is believed to be effective in the treatment of toothaches. Descriptions of the uses of O. fragrans , such as “ O. fragrans root can be used to treat toothache due to virtual fire,” “ O. fragrans flower can be used to treat bad breath” and “ O. fragrans fresh bark or root bark is applied to the injured area to treat sprains” are found in the Compendium of Materia Medica.

Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the active substances of Osmanthus have anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-thrombotic, anti-melanogenesis, neuroprotective, possesses hepatoprotective activities, anti-bacterial, anti-aging and the floral aroma of Osmanthus is one of its most important qualities because of its anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects. Osmanthus has been used traditionally for the treatment of weakened vision, halitosis, panting, asthma, cough, toothache, stomachache, diarrhea, rheumatism, physique pain and hepatitis.

Osmanthus has an approx 100 varieties that are divided into 4 categories according to their traits and characteristics; whose flowers appearing in different colours ranging from creamy white to deep orange, and each "colour category" possesses different olfaction notes thus smelling pretty different from each other. The species that I distilled this time is from the Golden Osmanthus - which has a bright floral-sweet aroma followed with a complex body of woody/violet odour.

This rare, aromatic hydrosol is steam distilled at my home studio, using freshly dried Osmanthus flowers imported from China. This is the First Distillate, meaning it possesses the most potent, therapeutic and medicinal qualities of Osmanthus at its purest and truest form. You will be able to experience the liquid essence of Osmanthus at its highest strength and deepest core – both with her aroma and her healing benefits.

Sources:

Herbal medicinal resources of Osmanthus: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9340074/

Analysis of aroma-active compounds of Osmanthus: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4097373/

PLEASE READ: If you appreciate and want to experience First Distillate pure hydrosol, then choose the original Osmanthus hydrosol, either batch 1 or batch 2. Generally, her scent is STRONG, and batch 2 is stronger than batch 1.

If you prefer something lighter/milder on your nose, I created a beautiful blend of Australian Sandalwood hydrosol and Osmanthus First Distillate hydrosol which balances synergically well together.

P/S Feel free to blend the First Distillate hydrosols yourself too! She goes really well with Rose hydrosol and sandalwood hydrosol :)

How to use: Use it as a face toner or anytime when you want it, or as a natural scented perfume mist on face and body. You can also use this hydrosol in desserts and as beverage flavouring. You may also diffuse it in your diffuser (with no added water) to enjoy the scent of Osmanthus heaven in your living space :)

Aromatherapy properties: Anti-depression, anti-anxiety, uplifts mood and energy, nervous system tonic, neuroprotective effects (good for brain health), brings courage and strength to the spirit and mind, helps release emotional burdens.

Skin benefits: Whitens skin, anti-aging, anti-oxidant - promotes and preserves youthful beautiful skin, anti-tumour/anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial.

Health benefits (ingestion): Promote good oral health (helps with toothache and bad breath), anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-thrombotic, anti-melanogenesis, neuroprotective, possesses hepatoprotective activities, soothes respiratory discomfort, improve blood flow.

Scent: Strong, perfumed, aromatic, tenacious, intensely sweet, floral-fruity with spicy-woody undertones. Scent lingers onto skin after spraying. You may opt for the diluted sandalwood x osmanthus hydrosol blend for a beautiful musky, floral-woody variation.

Ingredient: Osmanthus fragrans flower distillate

Raw material origin: China

Manufactured/production origin: Singapore

Extraction: The aromatic waters (first distillate) collected during steam distillation of dried golden Osmanthus flowers.

Plant part: Fresh dried flowers

Best Before: Once opened, please use within 1 year as this is a fully natural product without the use of any preservatives. Otherwise, please refer to the best before date on the bottle label.

Storage: If not using for more than 1 month, you may store in the fridge to help extend its shelf-life. Keep away from direct heat, light/sunlight and refrain from opening bottle cap around wet, moist areas to prevent contamination.