Our Story
At Traditionoil, we believe in the power of nature's remedies.
Our journey began with a quest to find a purely natural, oil-based lotion infused with a particular combination of useful botanical extracts.
The product we were searching for did not exist...
...but now it does.
Each blended oil is carefully crafted, tempered and aged using traditional methods and proprietary techniques. The time-tested carriers and exotic range of extracts ensures a pure skin solution for any lifestyle out of doors.
0% DEET
BLEND #008
FRAGRANT ATTAR
Ingredients
Sweet Almond Oil
Prunus amygdalus. Evidence of first domestication between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. Included in this blend as the principal Carrier Oil. The comedogenic (pore-blocking) rating of Sweet Almond Oil is accepted to be between 0 and 2 (non-comedogenic). Dried Sweet Almonds contain, approximately, 50% oil by mass. The oil fractions consist of, approximately: 69.4% Oleic Acid 17.4% Linoleic Acid 6.5% Palmitic Acid 1.7% Stearic Acid 0.6% Palmitoleic Acid .39% Vitamin E
Hemp Seed Oil
Cannabis sativa, Hemp cultivar. Use of Hemp extends back at least 50,000 years. Included in this blend as a supplementary carrier oil due to its cleansing nature, its reputation for nourishing fragile skin and its purported ability to slow down skin damage during exposure to sunlight. The comedogenic rating of Hempseed oil is 0 (non-comedogenic). It is often recommended as a cleansing treatment for problematic skin types. Hemp seeds contain approximately 49% oil by mass. The oil fractions consist of, approximately: 2.9% Palmitic Acid 1.2% Stearic Acid 0.3% Arachidic Acid 0.1% Behenic Acid 5.0% Oleic Acid 0.1% Gondoic Acid 27.4% Linoleic Acid 10% α-Linolenic acid 0.6% Stearidonic Acid
Shea Butter
Vitellaria paradoxa. Shea Butter residue has been found in archaeological sites in Africa that date back over 600 years to the 14th century. Included in this blend as a carrier to slow down the evaporation of volatile essential oil extracts. The comedogenic rating of Shea Butter is dependent on its quality but is accepted to range between 0 and 2 (non-comedogenic). Shea Butter is extracted from the nuts of the African Shea Tree and contains up to, approximately, 59% oil by dry-weight mass. The oil fractions can vary depending on where the Shea trees are grown. On average, they consist of, approximately: 46.4% Palmitic Acid 41.5% Stearic Acid 6.6% Linoleic Acid 4.0% Palmitic Acid 1.3% Arachidic Acid
Beeswax / Cera Alba, (1%)
Apis mellifera, European Honeybee. Use of beeswax by humans extends back at least 40,000 years. Included in this blend to improve the longevity of the essential oil extracts during warm weather, physical activity and wet or humid conditions. The comedogenic rating of Beeswax is dependent on its purity but is generally accepted to range between 0 and 2 (non-comedogenic). The Beeswax used in this blend is unadulterated. The exact composition of beeswax can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year. It is principally composed of long chain esters of aliphatic alcohols.
Sandalwood Oil
Santalum album. Sandalwood Oil in cosmetics, medicines and in religious ceremonies extends back thousands of years, including in Ancient Egypt. It is revered in Hinduism, where it is referred to in Sanskrit as "Chandana", and in the Buddhist Suttas of the Pāli Canon. Some of the oldest existing cultures earth, found within Australia, may also have access to this plant, growing wild, endemic to the environment.
Vetiver Oil
Chrysopogon zizanioides. Vetiver has been used for thousands of years. Historically it was so popular in India that Harshavardhana, Emperor of Kannauj, began to tax its production over 1,400 years ago. The distinct and long-lasting scents associated with this oil are employed enthusiastically by Gucci, Dior and Chanel. However, the true quality of this ingredient can be recognised by its use by the perfumers who also hold a Royal Warrant, Penhaligon's and Creed. The alluring scent of Vetiver comes from over 300 identified fractions, these include Vetiverol, Valencene, Vetivone, Cedrol and Nootkatone.
Labdanum Oil
Cistus labdanifer, "Gum Rockrose". Ancient Egyptians used Labdanum in perfumes and medicine. Such was its importance that it has been suggested that the sceptre held in pictograms of Osiris may actually be a tool (a "Ladanisterion") used to collect Cistus resin, in the same way it is done, to this day, on the Greek island Crete. It has also been suggested that Labdanum may have been one of the resins mentioned in the book of Genesis (37:25) that were being transported to Egypt by the Ishmaelites, the merchants who bought Joseph as a slave. Cistus extract has been investigated for possible antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In perfumery, Cistus is most commonly used for its scent and its ability to extend the longevity of perfumes as a "fixative".
Vanilla Oil
Vanilla planifolia. Known to have been cultivated by the Totonac people of Mexico since the year 1185, the history of use may extend back thousands of years earlier to the Olmec people. Vanilla is often regarded as the world's most popular aroma and flavour. It also prolongs the scent of perfumes it is mixed with, and, despite its sweet aroma, it is actually considered to be a base note, due to its longevity. The principle aromatic component of Vanilla Oil is Vanillin. The appealing scent is additionally beneficial in oil blends because it also enhances the effective longevity of the aromatic oils it is mixed with.
Clary Sage Oil
Salvia sclarea. Written about in the first century by the physicians Pliny the Elder (Roman) and Dioscorides (Greek, AKA "The Father of Pharmacognosy").
Myrrh Oil
Commiphora myrrha. 4,500 years ago the Egyptian King Sahure recorded the import of Myrrh resin from the land of Punt, part of which is now known as Somalia. The Christian Bible mentions Myrrh at least 11 times* including as an ingredient in sacred anointing oil and as a gift from the Magi to Jesus at his birth. Myrrh is clearly revered historically and presently in many different cultures. It has a number of useful properties including a subjectively desirable scent. *Genesis 37:25, Exodus 30:23-25, Psalm 45:9, Proverbs 7:17, Esther 2:12, Song of Songs 4:14, 5:1, and 3:6, Matthew 2:11, Mark 15:23, John 19:39
Turmeric Oil
Curcuma longa. The use of Turmeric goes back at least 5,000 years to the island of Taiwan. Because this plant can only reproduce asexually, from rhizomes, its presence beyond the Taiwan can be soundly traced back to human distribution. Turmeric was traded throughout Asia and the Pacific as far as Easter Island. Turmeric residue over 4,000 years old has been found in a merchant's tomb, in Megiddo, present day Isreal. In Hindu and Buddhist religions the robes worn by priests and monks were traditionally dyed yellow using pigments made of Curcumin, which is responsible for the golden colour found in Turmeric. The oil soluble components of Turmeric include a family of chemicals known as Turmerones. These belong to the sesquiterpene group of lipids and may be responsible for the alleged health benefits associated with this herb.
Patchouli Oil
Pogostemon cablin. Records of Patchouli cultivation in China extend back at least 1,500 years although the exact species of the original Pogostemon is still up for debate. While Patchouli is primarily used in the production of perfumes and incense its earlier use was of a more practical nature. A commonly shared anecdote is that Patchouli was first introduced to Europe by Napoleon Bonaparte I. The story goes that on his return from Egypt in 1799 he brought with him silk that had been packed with Patchouli leaves to protect the textile from insects. Wealthy Parisians quickly associated the lingering scent of Patchouli with the opulence of silk. As a consequence, the distinct and exotic aroma of Patchouli oil became a desirable commodity in and of itself. The popularity of Patchouli Oil has persisted to this day, with over 1,600 metric tons produced annually. Although its aroma has many strengths, it's global distribution began along the silk road as a humble chaperone to silk.
Clove Oil
Syzygium aromaticum. Cloves have been traded for at least 3,700 years and were discovered by archaeologists in Syria within the ruins of a structure dating back to 1720 BC. What makes this fact astounding is that the plant they are produced by is a native of Indonesia, more than 8,000 kilometres away. Cloves are mentioned in the Hindu text, Valmiki Ramayana, and are also used as an ingredient in Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist incense. In both ancient China and Rome, Clove Oil was used medicinally. The principal aromatic component of Clove Oil is the terpene molecule Eugenol - which is credited with the useful properties of this sweet-smelling extract.
Ceylon Cinnamon / True Cinnamon / Sweet Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamomum verum. Evidence of use by Egyptians from over 4,000 years ago. It is important to note that this "True Cinnamon" is made from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, a native to the island of Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon). Unfortunately for the consumer, since antiquity and to this day, Ceylon Cinnamon is often substituted by deceptive marketers with its cheaper cousin, Cinnamomum cassia, also known as "Cassia Cinnamon". The alternative variety originates from continental Asia and is less difficult to produce. The problem with this deception has many facets. Firstly, the Cassia bark has a far more pungent odour, coupled with a bitter aftertaste if eaten. Secondly, Cassia can contain significantly elevated levels of the terpene "Coumarin". In trace amounts this molecule is considered safe and manageable, but, after elevated, prolonged or excessive exposure, this terpene may inhibit the production and functional capacity of Vitamin K within our bodies. It may also accumulate to cause allergic reactions and, if used topically over time, it can result in skin reactions, burning sensations and other negative responses. If consumed or absorbed in excess, Coumarin may also display toxicity to both the Liver and the Kidneys. That's not to say that Coumarin is necessarily a "bad" chemical or that it's unsafe to use entirely. The human body does have the capacity to metabolise it. Coumarin is found in small amounts in many natural foods and spices, including Strawberries, Apricots, Cherries and even in True Cinnamon, the difference is in the level of exposure. The examples given here contain only very small "trace" amounts and are far less likely to result in sensitivities and, therefor, are generally regarded as safe. Sadly, Cinnamon labelling in food and cosmetics generally does not require differentiation between these species of plant. It's a great example of how many of the product options we consume in our daily lives may superficially appear to be identical but may ultimately cause untraceable complications, or illness, later down the track. All that aside, the reason Ceylon Cinnamon Oil is included in this blend is that it contains another constituent, at a rate of roughly 90% by weight, Cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde is largely responsible for the familiar scent and flavour that have made this spice so popular. Beyond its flavour, this molecule has many other potentially beneficial applications, including in the fields of medicine and entomology.
Frankincense Oil
Boswellia sacra. Estimated to have been traded and used for over 5,000 years. Revered for centuries and embraced by cultures around the world, Frankincense is renowned for its traditional medicinal and religious applications. Perhaps its value extends beyond its delicate and distinctive scent?
Catnip Oil
Nepeta cataria. Native to the Mediterranean, Catnip has been used by humans in traditional medicine for thousands of years. These days Catnip is probably most famous for its intoxicating effects on some domestic cats (Felis catus). The chemical responsible for this response is Nepetalactone. It is theorised that Catnip produces this essential oil component as a natural defence against insect pests. It is suggested that Nepetalactone actively repels unwanted pests by triggering insect TRPA1 receptors and its associated aversion response. If this is true then Catnip plants don't just use scent to hide themselves from insect pests, they produce oils that cause the insects to actively retreat.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Cananga odorata. Native to the tropical Pacific and parts of South-East Asia, Ylang Ylang is also known as the Perfume Tree. This alluring floral scent is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes around the world. In South-East Asia, and in some Pacific islands, it is blended with Coconut Oil to create a simple and practical skin lotion.
Lemongrass Oil
Cymbopogon citratus. Native throughout South-East Asia, Lemongrass has been used for generations as a culinary herb. It also has applications in traditional medicine. Lemongrass Oil contains 65-85% Citral.
Styrax Benzoin / Loban / Gum Benjamin Oil
Styrax benzoin. 3,200 years ago, ancient Egyptians used this resin in perfumes. It is also suspected to be a principal ingredient in the sacred Egyptian incense "Kyphi". The name "Gum Benjamin" is an evolution of the Arabic expression "Lubān Jāwī " (لبان جاوي), which means "Incense from Java". In addition to its pleasant scent, traditionally, this resin has many other far more practical applications.
Ginger Oil
Zingiber officinale. With over 3,000 years of known use by humans, Ginger is a popular spice and also a widely recognised traditional medicine. 1,600 years ago, travelling monks wrote of Ginger being consumed by Chinese sailors. The Chinese philosopher Confucius was described as eating Ginger with every meal
Himalayan Cedarwood Oil
Cedrus deodara. For thousands of years the insect and fungus resistant timber of this tree has been used to construct temples and structures for storing food in continental Asia. Known as "Deodar" it is considered to be Devine in Hindu cultures. The Hindu Deities Ravana and Situ are said to live in forests containing this cedar species and it is the national tree of Pakistan. In aromatherapy this scent is used to promote a sense of grounding and tranquillity. In Ayurveda and alternative medicine its beneficial qualities are recommended as potentially beneficial in some circumstances. If true, the beneficial effects are likely attributed to a combination of over 30 different aromatic molecules including Cedrol
Virginian Juniper / Virginian Cedarwood / Eastern Red Cedar Oil
Juniperus virginiana. Native to the North-Eastern regions of continental America. The strong and pest resistant timber from this tree has been used in construction and in hunting-bows by Native Americans for thousands of years. The smoke produced by burning its oils is still used to this day in cultural ceremonies and its berries are an ingredient in many traditional medicines and ointments. The oil extracted from this timber has relatively high content of the Terpenes alpha-cedrene, thujopsene and cedrol.
Geranium Oil
Pelargonium graveolens. Native to the southern half of Africa, the leaves of this aromatic herb contain essential oils used in perfumes and as a flavouring in teas, confectionary and deserts. Geraniums are often grown as a practical ornamental plant around outdoor living areas. Essential oils extracted from the leaves of this plant contain a range of fractions that include Geraniol, Nerol and Citronellol.
Holy Basil / Tulsi Oil
Ocimum tenuiflorum. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Pacific and Australia, Holy Basil has been used by cultures throughout these regions as a food, as a medicine and/or in religious practices. In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as "Tulasi" and in the Hindu religion it is widely used in the ceremonial practices of the Vaishnava denomination. The scent of this essential oil is similar to that of common Basil, but lighter and more balanced. It contains over 60 aromatic compunds including many, such as Thujopsene, β-Elemener and Linalool.
Rosemary Oil
Salvia rosmarinus. Used by Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, Rosemary has uses in food, fragrances and in traditional medicine.
Galbanum Oil
Ferula gummosa. Galbanum was used throughout old world antiquity by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Treasured as sacred by ancient Egyptians, who imported it from Persia, Galbanum was used in incense, perfumes and medicines. Some scholars believe that the book of Exodus (30:34) refers to Galbanum (החלבנה) as an ingredient in the temple incense, although the true identify of this resin may be lost to time. By the year 370BC, Galbanum was promoted and written about by the ancient Greek Physician Hippocrates (the "Father of Modern Medicine" and the inspiration for the Hippocratic Oath). Until the year 79AD, when he was killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the Roman Physician Pliny the Elder was known to use and promote Galbanum as a treatment for various ailments and illnesses. In modern times the essential oils from this plant have made their way into perfumes by Cartier, Chanel, Guerlain and Creed.
Disclaimer
This product is a cosmetic oil-based perfume ("Attar") designed to alter the scent of one's skin and body. As a cosmetic perfume, no claims are made for the effectiveness of this oil as a deterrent against biting mosquitoes, ticks, lice, leeches, fleas, mites, sandflies, horseflies or any other parasitic arthropods. For consumer safety and to reduce the risk of unexpected interactions the maximum essential oil content of this blend does not exceed 15%, by weight, which is well below the 20% limit specified by the Australian Poisons Standard. Furthermore, the individual percentages, by weight, of each essential oil included here do not exceed 1%. As with all essential oils, the following safety recommendations apply: Keep out of reach of children. This product is for external use only. If ingested, seek immediate qualified medical advice. The use of essential oils is not recommended for those who may be pregnant. The use of essential oils is not recommended for those who are breastfeeding. As with all new cosmetics, it is recommended that individuals perform a "Patch Test" under controlled conditions, prior to regular use of this product. If adverse reactions, allergies or irritations are noticed during the use of this perfume, discontinue use immediately.