osmanthus oil
binomial name: osmanthus fragrans
this distinctly fragrant flower has been cultivated in china for the past 2,000 years. plucked from wild shrubs throughout china and japan, the deep golden flowers smell of ripe apricots, fresh tea and leather. known as kinmokusei in japan, this highly sought-after ingredient is used to make medicinal tea and luxury perfumes.
benefit: the tiny flower clusters produce a delightful fruity-floral fragrance, both fresh and uplifting, that combats depression in aromatherapy. when used in flowering teas and traditional chinese medicine, the dried flowers improve complexions and promote hair growth.