SWEET INULA - Pure wild Inula graveolens Essential oil copper distilled

A dynamic, shape-shifting complex emerald-green wonder

 Highly operative & powerfully aromatic

Sweet Inula graveolens essential oil is one of the most intriguing, prized, and biochemically unique oils in the world of aromatics. Derived from a plant that is simultaneously viewed as a humble if not invasive weed and a luxurious therapeutic treasure, it is highly sought after both in high end niche perfumery and for aromatherapy.

Because the plant has a low distillation yield, sweet inula oil is costy and usually reserved for high-end niche perfumery, or lovers of uncommon aromatics, rather than for everyday aromatherapy uses.

We do not ever sell oils for any therapeutic use but for olfactory enjoyment only. Independent in depth research, and consultancy with a qualified therapist should be made before contemplating any therapeutic use. Any use other than fragrant enjoyment from the bottle is made under your own entire responsibility.

This oil

This is an unrectified, wild, complex oil for appreciators who want character, not a standardized product. In other words, this is not your standard commercial Inula.

We strongly encourage you to read the full page before considering an order.

The oil offers a lively and fiercely complex aromatic experience, shifting from a fresh minty and floral opening, to primitive savory depth enwrapped in buttery sweetgrass, to a fruity-sweet resinous dry down. It is highly operative energetically,

The olfactive journey

Right out of the bottle, the oil opens with a beautifully crisp, clean, and striking presence. It bursts with a refreshing, "minty" sharpness, a vast bouquet of dried aromatic herbs, and a delicate, passing floral nuance. It is pristine and bright.

As the oil unfolds its heavier molecules awaken. A good five minutes in, the clean veil parts to reveal a deep, damp, "swampy" undertone difficult to describe. It is evocative of a young Deg Bhapka wild Vetiver. By minute 10, the oil peaks in its raw complexity, unveiling highly intriguing savory facets (please do read more about those towards the end of the page). Additional notes of asafetida (heeng), warm cumin, and of the starchy, subterranean sweetness of cooked parsnip. 

This is accompanied by other notes, notably a round herbaceous buttery sweetness evocative of sweetgrass, wild fennel and some more classic green-earthy tones.

This intense,savory chapter is transient. Over the next fifteen minutes, any pungent root notes completely dissipate, carrying away with them any lingering energy stagnation.

Half an hour in, the oil undergoes a magnificent transformation. What remains is a thick, buttery, jammy richness pulsing with unexpected fruity nuances wrapped in the warm, vanilla-hay sweetness of wild sweetgrass on a resinous forest floor.

The above lasts for around an additional two hours, until the oil enters its dry down.

The dry down sweet, beautifuly fragrant, ambery and resinous with a delicate hint of soft suede lasts a few extra hours. 

The robe

I love looking at the actual robe (colour) of essential oils. One striking aspect of this oil is its stunning emerald-green color robe, a visual testament to the natural alchemy that occurs when the plant’s unique volatile compounds meet a traditional copper still and a skilled slow cycle distillation. Standard industrial steam distilled oils are pale translucid yellow.

Pictures show the magnificent robe under different light and background contexts. One was taken by one of our dear friends to whom I sent samples. It illustrates the color when in tiny quantities in bright daylight (It is the same oil in all pictures, taken a couple weeks apart)

In a nutshell

Inula graveolens (Syn. Dittrichia graveolens) pure unrectified essential oil. 

Wild-harvested in the South of France. 

In the wild, the plant is a sticky, bushy annual with tiny yellow flowers. When handled, it releases a sharp, pungent and camphoraceous aroma.

Artisan distilled aerial parts, slow steam distillation in a traditional Copper Still

Strong aromatic intensity & extremely dynamic

Longevity :  performs in middle register, lasting around 4 to 5+ hours

This is one of our Mediterranean oils coproductions that we sell bulk and wholesale, don't hesitate to contact us if you want bigger quantities (seasonal stock pending, preorders possible). 

A few cultural Insights

The species name graveolens translates from Latin to mean "heavily scented" (gravis = "heavy" or "potent," and olens = "smelling").

The genus name Inula is tied to the ancient Greek word inéō, meaning "to purge / cleanse" ("carry off by evacuation"). While its famous cousin, Inula helenium (Elecampane), dominates historical Greek and Roman texts, Inula graveolens has deep roots in Mediterranean folk medicine. 

Historically, the wild plant was gathered by monks and traditional healers of Mediterranean Europe. It was commonly boiled so the steam could be inhaled for severe respiratory illnesses, or applied topically to soothe wounds and skin infections. We do not make any such medical claim, this just cultural history information for your enjoyment.