LENTISQUE ESSENTIAL OIL
A distinctive aromatic oil with fresh green, herbaceous and softly woody notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Pistacia lentiscus
Common Name: Lentisque / Mastic Tree
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin of Plant: Mediterranean region
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves and young twigs
Note: Middle
Colour: Clear to pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh, green, herbaceous, woody and lightly resinous
About This Essential Oil
Lentisque Essential Oil is distilled from the leaves and young twigs of Pistacia lentiscus, an evergreen Mediterranean shrub. Its clean green and resinous aroma adds freshness and structure to diffuser, perfumery, massage and body-care formulations. It should not be confused with mastic resin or resin-derived extracts from the same plant.
Key Benefits
• Provides a fresh, green and herbaceous aroma
• Creates a clean and revitalising aromatic atmosphere
• Adds character to carefully formulated massage blends
• Popular in botanical body-care formulations
• Complements seasonal diffuser blends
• Blends well with woody, citrus and resinous oils
History
Pistacia lentiscus has been valued throughout the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Its aromatic resin, known as mastic, was used in incense, flavouring, varnishes and traditional preparations. The essential oil described here is distilled from the leaves and young twigs rather than the resin. Today, Lentisque is used in European aromatherapy, natural perfumery and aromatic body-care products.
Main Chemical Components
Reported constituents commonly include alpha-pinene, myrcene and limonene.
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and green
• Herbaceous and woody
• Lightly resinous
• Clean middle aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Creates a fresh atmosphere in diffuser blends
• Adds green character to natural perfumes
• Suitable for carefully formulated massage and body products
• Complements seasonal aromatic blends
• Adds freshness to woody and resinous compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as fresh and revitalising
• Opens with crisp green and herbaceous notes
• Develops soft woody and resinous nuances
• Grounding without feeling heavy
• Individual responses to aromas vary
Blends Well With
Cedarwood, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Myrtle, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Thyme.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• People sensitive to plants in the Anacardiaceae family should seek advice before use.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or medical conditions.
• Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
