Ambrette Essential Oil (Abelmoschus moschatus)
Overview
Ambrette may also be referred to as Muskmallow, Abelmoschus moschatus seed oil, Hibiscus abelmoschus l. seed oil, Annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, Muskdana, Musk mallow, Musk okra, Musk seeds, Ornamental okra, Rose mallow seeds, Abelmosk, Yorka okra, and Tropical jewel hibiscus. It is typically processed using steam, solvent or co2 extraction as a method for extracting oil from the seed.
Summary
Although ambrette oil is said to be helpful in blends intended for aches and poor circulation, ambrette essential oil is mostly used for fragrance and natural perfumery. Aromatically, ambrette is a rich, woody, musky oil that is wonderful to work with and experiment with when creating exotic, oriental or masculine blends. It is also said to act as an aphrodisiac. Several sources mention that ambrette essential oil may also be helpful for reducing anxiety.

Essential Facts
- Aroma Description:
- Common Name(s): Muskmallow, Abelmoschus moschatus seed oil, Hibiscus abelmoschus l. seed oil, Annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, Muskdana, Musk mallow, Musk okra, Musk seeds, Ornamental okra, Rose mallow seeds, Abelmosk, Yorka okra, and Tropical jewel hibiscus
- Botanical Family: Malvaceae
- Botanical Genus: Abelmoschus
- Major Compounds: Farnesyl acetate, Farnesol, Ambrettolide, Decyl acetate, Dodecyl acetate
- Perfumery Note: Base
- Consistency: Light
- Strength of Initial Aroma: High
- Color: Pale Yellow
- Indigenous Country: India
- Processing Methods: Steam, Solvent or CO2 Extraction
- Part Typically Used: Seed
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Ethically and sustainably sourced
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Vegan
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Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
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Not recommend or safe for children
Essential Details
Benefits & Uses
May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:
Aches
Anxiety
Depression
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Poor Blood Circulation
Stiffness
Therapeutic Benefits of Ambrette:
Blends
Cautions & Safety
Cautions when using Ambrette:
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, readEssential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Safety Precautions for Ambrette:
Botany
Botanical Description of Ambrette:
Abelmoschus moschatus plant produces bright yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with purple centres, followed by hairy seed pods containing several kidney bean-shaped seeds.
History
History of Ambrette:
The Chinese used it to treat headaches, and in Egypt it is used to sweeten the breath and as an emulsion in milk to treat itches.
Articles
Ambrette Articles or Publications:
- PubMed: Inhibitory effect of essential oils against Trichosporon ovoides causing Piedra Hair Infection.
- PubMed: Screening of some essential oils against Trichosporon species.
- PubMed: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. and Abelmoschus moschatus Medik: seeds production and analysis of the volatile compounds.
- PubMed: Evaluation of Abelmoschus moschatus extracts for antioxidant, free radical scavenging, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities using in vitro assays.
- PubMed: Abelmoschus moschatus (Malvaceae), an aromatic plant, suitable for medical or food uses to improve insulin sensitivity.
- PubMed: Volatile organic nitrogen-containing constituents in ambrette seed Abelmoschus moschatus Medik (Malvaceae).
- PubMed: Improvement of insulin sensitivity in obese Zucker rats by myricetin extracted from Abelmoschus moschatus.
- PubMed: Mating compatibility among helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) occurring on selected host plants and Bt cotton survivors.
- PubMed: Ethnomedicines used in Trinidad and Tobago for reproductive problems.
- PubMed: Mediation of beta-endorphin by myricetin to lower plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
- PubMed: Myricetin as the active principle of Abelmoschus moschatus to lower plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
- PubMed: Betaine distribution in the Malvaceae.
- PubMed: A Hibiscus Abelmoschus seed extract as a protective active ingredient to favour FGF-2 activity in skin.
- PubMed: Larvicidal activity of Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn. (Malvaceae) against mosquitoes.
- PubMed: Ecotoxicological effects of cadmium on three ornamental plants.
- PubMed: Phospholipids from the seeds of Hibiscus abelmoschus.
- PubMed: [Role of the root system in formation of generative organs of Hibiscus abelmoschus].