Natural Perfume Academy Main Glossary

strongly scented materials; specifically refers to rich, balsamic essences, but can be used to refer to nearly any deliciously scented botanical material

Country of origin the Philippines and Indonesia. See: Ylang Ylang 

See: Ylang Ylang

Title: Artemisia Alba (Wormwood) 

Description:
Artemisia Alba, a perennial plant native to Mediterranean countries, is closely related to the wormwood plant and shares similar silvery leaves. Its essential oil is known for its distinctive aromatic properties.

Characteristics:
The oil of Artemisia Alba is characterized by its very green and bitter notes. This potent, herbaceous scent makes it a unique addition to the perfumer's palette, offering a fresh and sharp aroma that can add complexity to various fragrance compositions.

Country of Origin:
Artemisia Alba is primarily found in Mediterranean regions, where it thrives in the local climate and soil conditions.

Perfume Type and Combinations:
Artemisia Alba oil is particularly useful in chypre and green perfumes. Its green, bitter notes provide an excellent counterbalance to sweet and floral elements, creating a sophisticated and layered fragrance. It pairs well with other green and herbal notes, as well as woody and citrus elements, enhancing the overall complexity and depth of a perfume.

Usage in Natural Perfumery:
In natural perfumery, Artemisia Alba oil is valued for its ability to introduce fresh, green, and bitter nuances to a composition. It is especially effective in creating bold, dynamic scents that stand out for their uniqueness and complexity.

Reference:
Steffen Arctander; Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

Title: Artemisia Annua

Characteristics:
The essential oil of Artemisia Annua has a green, basil-like odor. This fresh, herbaceous scent is appealing and versatile, though it is predominantly used in more utilitarian applications.

Country of Origin:
Artemisia Annua is primarily cultivated in Yugoslavia, where the conditions are favorable for its growth and high yield.

Perfume Type and Combinations:
Due to its green, basil-like fragrance, Artemisia Annua oil is commonly used as a perfuming material for soaps. Its fresh and herbaceous notes blend well with other green and herbal scents, as well as floral and citrus elements, making it suitable for creating clean and refreshing aromatic profiles.

Usage in Natural Perfumery:
In the realm of natural perfumery, Artemisia Annua is valued for its affordability and its ability to impart a clean, green note to products. It is less commonly used in fine perfumery due to its more utilitarian scent profile but is an excellent choice for everyday products like soaps and household items.

Reference:
Steffen Arctander; Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

Title: Attar

Description:
Attar, also known as Ittar, is a traditional form of perfume originating from South Asia and the Middle East. It is typically created through the hydro-distillation process, where sandalwood oil serves as the base medium for the extraction of fragrant compounds from flowers.

Characteristics:

• Base Oil: The primary base oil used in the production of attar is sandalwood oil, prized for its deep, woody, and long-lasting scent.
• Fragrance Profile: The final fragrance of an attar varies significantly depending on the flowers or plant materials used in the distillation process. Common floral ingredients include roses, jasmine, and other aromatic flowers, which impart a rich, complex, and enduring scent to the sandalwood base.
• Appearance: Attars are usually oil-based and can range in color from clear to pale yellow or green, depending on the source materials.

Country of Origin:
Attars have a long history in South Asia and the Middle East, particularly in countries like India, where traditional methods of attar production are still practiced.

Perfume Type and Combinations:
Attars are highly concentrated and used sparingly in natural perfumery. They are often worn as single-note fragrances or blended with other essential oils to create bespoke scents. The combination of the floral top notes with the deep, grounding sandalwood base makes attars versatile for both personal wear and in the creation of complex perfume compositions.

Usage in Natural Perfumery:
In natural perfumery, attars are cherished for their purity, depth, and longevity. They are used in high-end perfume formulations, as well as in aromatherapy and spiritual practices due to their natural origins and therapeutic properties.

Traditional Significance:
Attars hold cultural and historical significance in various traditions, often used in religious ceremonies, as offerings, and in daily grooming rituals. They are considered luxurious and are sometimes presented as gifts during special occasions.

Reference:

• Steffen Arctander; Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
• Traditional perfumery practices in South Asia and the Middle East.