Sugandha Kokila essential oil is steam distilled from the berries of Cinnamomum glaucescens, an evergreen tree that grows wild in parts of Nepal. Dr. Nick describes it as a gift to botanical perfumers from the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and an exotic medicinal treasure used in Ayurvedic medicine. The oil has traditionally been used by the indigenous people of Nepal as a demulcent and stimulant. EOW sources it from a Nepalese distiller who manages a community model collective of hundreds of organic practice farming families.

Dr. Nick describes the aromatic scent as warm cherry notes, pungent and sweet, with camphoraceous hues. It is unlike any common essential oil in character, making it a distinctive and exciting ingredient for botanical perfumers. EOW notes it adds an uplifting earthy-cherry characteristic to compositions and is effective even when used as the sole ingredient in a personal aromatic.

Tisserand and Young recommend a maximum use of 3.3 percent in formulations due to the methyleugenol content in Sugandha Kokila. At higher concentrations, methyleugenol has theoretical liver toxicity concerns based on animal studies. Using it at or below 3.3 percent in blends is both safe and sufficient for achieving its aromatic contribution. Store in amber glass away from heat and light to slow any oxidation of this compound.

Dr. Nick notes that EOW has used Sugandha Kokila as an ingredient in several of their botanical perfumes to add its distinctive earthy, cherry quality as a perfumery note. Purchasing the standalone oil gives you access to the same rare botanical for independent blending and personal aromatic experimentation. It blends particularly well with Frankincense Carterii CO2, Jasmine Grandiflorum Absolute, Rosemary Cineole CO2, and Ylang Ylang.

EOW's Nepalese supplier manages a community collective model that supports hundreds of farming families in the region who practice organic farming methods but lack the financial resources to achieve certified organic status. Purchasing from this collective directly supports small-scale farmers and their communities. EOW's commitment to sourcing from such collectives whenever possible is part of what distinguishes its sourcing philosophy from commodity essential oil suppliers.