Cape May Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Coleonema album

Plant Part: Stems and Leaves

Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Origin: South Africa

Description: Cape May is a medium to large woody shrub with small heath-like leaves and fragrant flowers. It is grown on the mountains of the southern coastal region of South Africa. In the spring and summer the bush is a mass of small, white star-like flowers and is used extensively as an insect repellent and a deodorizer.

Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow, clear liquid.

Common Uses: Cape May is reputed to assist in easing the aches and pains of cold and flu, and relieving sore throat. As a gentle diuretic, Cape May useful for a gentle detoxification and mild water retention. In many instances, this essential oil has been reported to be very useful as an insect repellent. Cape May is also credited with being antiseptic, deodorant, sedative and restorative.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Middle to Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Cape Chamomile, Clary Sage, Fennel, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Vetiver and Ylang-ylang.

Aromatic Scent: Cape May oil has fresh green herb fragrance with an interesting pepper note.

History: During the flowering season the small white petals cover the grown like confetti, hence the colloquial name “confetti bush”. Cape May has long been used by South African fishermen to remove the smell of fish and bait from their hands. Campers are also known to rub the twigs onto their bedding to keep the bugs and insects away.

Cautions: No known toxicity.