Cape May Oil

The natural, pleasant insect repellent.


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.


FRAGRANCE

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 USES:
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, e.g. fish and onions. A wonderful insect repellent, used to repel mosquitoes and ants. Can be used as an alternative to citronella or lemongrass oil around a campfire.