What is in my ancient mystery box of essential oils??

I first studied  aromatherapy back in 1991 and then taught it from 1993-2008, and have been involved in research, education, clinical practice since then. Over the years I have collected possibly hundreds of oils, rare and precious, random some just frankly quite weird. What I will do through January is open a few bottles randomly every other day and put the recordings on youtube and tik tok. Links will will also be posted here.

 Introducing what I will do

Video One: Oils selected (click for link)

• Katafray- Cedrelopsis grevei - mainly comes from Madagascar. it is described as a masculine oil. In the video I wondered if it was from the grass family but I was wrong. The oil is steam distilled from bark. It is uplifting
• Australian Balm Mint Bush- Prostanthera melissafolia - uplifting, refreshing
• White Spruce- botanical name not stated, from Dr. Daniel Peneol collection
• Two generic lavander oils purchased from a lavender shp in France, probably fake
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Video two: A mystery box of delicious absolutes!

 was a delight. Absolutes are created by solvent extraction and are less volatile that essential oils. These extracts areall at least 20 years old and some quite thick. I will dliute down with pure ethanol and make into a eau de parum for me. These were all bought to use in my perfumery.

• Hay absolute- no botanical name
• Gardenia Absolute- Gardenia grandifolia (only buy from trusted overseas suppliers such as hermitage Oils, Often hily adulterated and I have never seen a genuine one in NZ
• Hops absolute-Humulus lupulus- not generally availabe in NZ. have seen a hops CO2 from a reputable supplier.
• Broom absolute- no reputable NZ supplier in small quantities