Amyris balsamifera is often called West Indian Sandalwood, however it is a member of the rutaceae family so not related to sandalwood at all. The essential oil is steam distilled from the bark and/or heartwood of the small Amyris balsamifera tree which is native to the West Indies. It is a slightly viscous, sweet woody fragranced oil which is clear to pale yellow in colour.
The chemical profile of this essential oil is interesting with the major constituents being:
31.219% Valerianol
13.25% Elemol
11.302% Gamma Edesmol
7.54% Gamma epi Eudesmol
Properties of Amyris oil include:
A PubMed research study found Amyris to be a mio-relaxant (skeletal muscle relaxant) due the high percentage of valerianol.(1) It is also considered to be antiseptic, antimicrobial, balsamic and sedative.
It is used mainly as a perfume fixative and as fragrance oil in cosmetics.
Blends well with cedarwood, patchouli, eucalyptus smithii and lavender essential oils.
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