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Pleasant Poplar Bud Absolute is a principle in natural perfumery. Captured from the resinous blossoms of the Poplar tree. The buds, also known as Balm of Gilead, have been used since biblical times to ease tension, and melt muscles in massage. The buds of the Poplar tree burst with caramel-like, amber fragrance that warms the heart and delights the senses. In natural perfumery, this aromatic absolute is used as a sweet, balsamic, honeyed middle note in floral and amber bouquets.
Botanical Name: Populus nigra
Botanical Family: Salicaceae
Extraction Method: Absolute
Part of Plant Distilled: Buds
Country of Origin: France
Cultivation Method: Wild
Composition: 50% Populus nigra + 50% Organic Biodynamic Alcohol
Consistency: Thick viscosity yet pourable with the alcohol.
Scent Description: Sweet and spicy, rich and balsamic, with a complex bouquet of leather, vanilla, honey, apricots, amber, and freshly mown hay.
Blends well with: Jasmine, Marjoram, Lavender, Hay, Vanilla, Tuberose, Palmarosa, Silver Fir, Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Lime, Lemon, Palo Santo, Orris Root, and Cinnamon.
Uses: This thick absolute is best experienced diluted; bottled in 50% organic alcohol it is ready to go for use in exquisite perfumery, captivating colognes and aromatherapy blends.
Constituents: Includes salicin, a lullaby for the skin.
Poplar buds naturally produce a sticky substance called salicin. During distillation, this substance is infused into the oil. In ancient times, people would steep Poplar buds in hot water to make a relaxing tea and macerate in oil to make a soothing balm.
Poplar Bud Absolute's scent, its complexity and tenacity, make it a versatile choice for blends. It can be used as a subtle base, a middle note, or a fixative. The spicy, balsamic nature of Poplar Bud makes this essence perfect for floral bouquets, balsamic bouquets, forest and grass colognes, or adding subtle hints of fruit and leather to any blend.
Spiritually, Poplar Bud Absolute is associated with the freedom of the wild wind, because that's how poplar seeds are spread. That wild, windy essence infuses this oil with eternal freedom and a longing to roam open plains and rustle forever in deep forests.
"The sun shone warm, the grass, wherever it had not been scraped away, revived and showed green not only on the narrow strips of lawn on the boulevards but between the paving-stones as well, and the birches, the poplars and the wild cherry-trees were unfolding their sticky, fragrant leaves, and the swelling buds were bursting on the lime trees."
~ Leo Tolstoy, Resurrection
"I implore – Is there – is there balm in Gilead?"
~ Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven