Living Libations Moena Essential Oil is a ravishingly rare find from deep in the Peruvian Amazon. This elegant essential oil, which is similarly scented to Brazilian Rosewood, is distilled from trees that are part of a groundbreaking reforestation project in Madre de Dios. Our distiller is the only one on earth currently distilling this particular species of Moena tree, making this oil not just a new addition to aromatherapy, but a rare find and precious plant perfume.
Botanical Name: Endlicheria metallica
Botanical Family: Lauraceae
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Part of Plant Distilled: Branches and leaves
Country of Origin: Peru
Cultivation Method: Reforestation
Composition: 100% Endlicheria metallica
Consistency: Thin
Scent Description: Soft, cooling camphor wrapped in earthen greenery.
Blends well with: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Bergamot, Rose, Palo Santo, Lavender, Marjoram, and Tansy.
Uses: A few drops on bath; dilute and apply to massage. Inhale in salt pipe or add to a diffuser.
Known locally as Moena Alcanforada or Camphorated Moena, this rare essential oil is used by the indigenous Amazonian people and Madre de Dios locals for its cooling, soothing properties.
There are many different types of Moena trees, all of which hail from the Lauraceae botanical family. This family includes Brazilian Rosewood, which has been greatly over-cultivated in Peru due to its popularity in the perfume industry and use in colognes such as Chanel No. 5.
In researching Moena as a Rosewood alternative, our distiller learned that Moena was very similar to Rosewood in terms of fragrance and self-care benefits, but did not pose the same ecological and environmental threats as Rosewood. In fact, the conscious cultivation of Moena trees in Madre de Dios has benefitted the local economy and ecology.
In 2010, our distiller planted 500 Moena Alcanforada trees in a reforestation effort that is now the largest of its kind on earth. What's more, they are working with the local community to teach farmers how to monetize tree planting through non-timber forest products, such as distilling essential oils. Thanks to this project, it is now more profitable to plant trees than it is to cut them down – a fact that has had a miraculous, harmonizing impact on the local rainforest.
A single bottle of Moena Essential oil supports a healthy environment and ecosystem, preserves the rainforest in Peru, and gives locals a sustainable way to earn money through tree planting and essential oil distillation.
There are many varieties of Moena trees in this family, and all of them are noted by locals for their delectable fragrances and valuable timber. These include cinnamon, anise, avocado, and yellow Moena, as well as the cooling camphor of Moena Alcanforada. It was this particular species that called to our distiller first and foremost thanks to its soothing self-care benefits. Moena oil is also used to ignite clarity and purify worry.
