Alan Howell Essential Oils

Shechina

21, Chatsworth Crescent

HOUNSLOW

Middlesex

England

TW3 2PE

Telephone:

0208 569 8440

Facsimile:

0208 569 8440

0845 458 5757

0845 458 5757

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International:

+4420 8569 8440:

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Shechina

Essential Oils

By Alan Howell

CAPE MAY OIL MONOGRAPH

Coleonema album

Cape May

(Coleonema album) – for the smell of the Cape fynbos

INTRODUCTION

Coleonema album is a fragrant shrub with many medicinal properties. In general appearance the plant resembles the European May plant. C. album is a dominant  plant of the mountain vegetation of  the southern coastal region of the Western Cape. C. album has been domesticated and planted in many South African gardens for its show of flowers. During the flowering season the small white petals cover the ground like confetti after a wedding, hence the colloquial name -‘confetti bush’. The plant is used extensively as an insect repellent, and a deodoriser.  

C. album is a medium to large woody shrub with small ericoid (heath-like) leaves. In spring and summer the bush is a mass of small, white, star-like flowers. C. album is related to .    

DISTRIBUTION

Coleonema album is found in the mountain and coastal region of the Western Cape, South Africa.  

EXTRACTION

Essential oil by steam distillation of stem and leaves. Sustainably wild-crafted.  

DESCRIPTION OF THE OIL

Cape May oil is clear in colour with a fresh herby fragrance and an interesting pepper note. The fragrance is typical of the Cape fynbos.  

MAIN CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

Myrcene, phellandrene, pinene, ocimene, germacrene-D.  

FLAVOURS

Open for experimentation.  

FRAGRANCES

Has an attractive fruity/flowery and pepper note fragrance.  

TRADITIONAL USES

There are many confirmed reports of the leaves being used as an insect repellent. Campers rub their bedding with the twigs to repel mosquitoes and ants. A wash made from the leaves is used as a deodorant, and fishermen traditionally rub their hands on the leaves to remove the fishy smell of bait. The leaves add fragrance to pot pourris.  There is also anecdotal evidence that leaves added to bath water aids relaxation.  

AROMATHERAPY  

PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative, restorative.  

USES: Colds, flu, sore throat, insect repellent, water retention, relaxing, nervous tension.  

CONTRA-INDICATIONS: None known.  

BLENDS: Angelica, basil, bergamot, Cape chamomile, clary sage, fennel, geranium, ginger, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, vetivert, ylang-ylang.  

GENERAL USE: Mental and emotional. Relaxing to the nervous system and helps to ease tension.   

Physical. Helpful to bring down a fever, ease the aches and pains of colds and flu, and bring relief to a sore throat. Has gentle diuretic action, useful for a gentle detox and mild water retention. Tonic to the skin and the body. Will leave the skin invigorated and refreshed. Helps to remove stale and unpleasant smells from the skin, eg. fish and onions. A wonderful insect repellent, used to repel mosquito’s and ants. Can be used as an alternative to citronella or lemongrass oil around a campfire or braai.