Rhododendron Essential Oil (Rhododendron anthopogon)

Overview

Rhododendron may also be referred to as Dwarf Rhododendron. It is typically processed using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the flowers, leaves.

Summary

Rhododendron Essential Oil smells sweet, green and floral with underlying woody characteristics.

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Balsamic Earthy Exotic Floral Fresh
Common Name(s): Dwarf Rhododendron
Synonyms(s) for Rhododendron anthopogon: Rhododendron anthopogon haemonium, Rhododendron anthopogon var. album, Rhododendron haemonium
Botanical Family: Ericaceae
Botanical Genus: Rhododendron
Chemical Family: Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes
Major Compounds: a-Pinene, B-Pinene, Limonene, Delta-Cadinene, (3Z)-B-Ocimene, a-Amorphene, a-Muurolene, p-Cymene
Perfumery Note: Middle
Consistency: Thin
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong
Indigenous Country: Nepal
Cultivation: Wild Harvested
Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
Part Typically Used: Flowers, Leaves
Shelf Life: 4 - 5 years

Ethically and sustainably sourced
Wild Harvested
Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Therapeutic Benefits of Rhododendron:

Analgesic Anti-anxiety Anti-bacterial Anti-depressant Anti-fungal Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant Anti-spasmodic Decongestant Immuno-stimulant

Blends

Rhododendron Blends:

Maritime Pine

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Rhododendron:

Tisserand and Young do not indicate any special precautions when using Rhododendron Oil. However, they precaution to avoid use of the oil if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Reference: Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young,Essential Oil Safety(Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 404.]

Safety Precautions for Rhododendron:

No known specific safety concerns associated with this essential oil.

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, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Traditional Folklore

Traditional Folklore of Rhododendron:

In the Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medicine traditional), anthopogon is also known as balu ot sunpati. Traditionally the leaves and fresh flowers of this shrub are made into a tea by Himalayan healers and drunk to aid digestion, stimulate the appetite, soothe sore thoughts and relieve liver disorders. Rhododendron essential oil is an effective decongestant and antispasmodic for the respiratory system. This essential oil is has also been known to be a detoxifier and kidney stimulator (adrenals) Because of its high monoterpene content; specifically, alpha pinene, beta pinene, and d- limonene, research suggests that Rhododendron is a good anti bacterial, analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti spasmodic and liver protector and supporter. Slightly balsamic in scent, rhododendron essential oil can be used on the skin and hair (added to shampoo)