- What is Lotus Pink Absolute?
- History of Pink Lotus
- Lotus Pink Absolute Benefits
- Cultivation and Extraction
- Uses of Lotus Pink Absolute
- Contraindications of Lotus Pink Absolute
IN ESSENCE…
- Lotus Pink Absolute is extracted from the fresh flowers of the Pink Lotus (also known as Nelumbo nucifera) using the solvent extraction method.
- The Pink Lotus is popularly recognized in many religions as a symbol of awakening and creation and is often associated with a higher power.
- At sunrise the Pink Lotus flower starts to bloom, only to submerge back into the water upon nightfall.
- Lotus Pink Absolute’s relaxing and spiritually uplifting qualities are ideal for reducing negativity, anxiety, and stress.
WHAT IS LOTUS PINK ABSOLUTE?
Lotus Pink Absolute is an aromatic oil extracted from the fresh flowers of the Pink Lotus. This concentrated oil is a thick dark amber liquid with an exotic floral aroma. Originating from India, Lotus Pink Absolute is extracted through the solvent extraction method.
The Lotus has been traditionally viewed as a symbol of awakening due to its unique blooming schedule. The Lotus plant starts its day by blooming at sunrise and submerging back into the water at nightfall while growing in the muddy ponds and still waters.
Like most Absolutes, Lotus Pink Absolute also differs from commonly used Essential Oils in its extraction process. Typically, an Essential Oil is extracted through the steam-distillation or cold-pressing method, while an Absolute is extracted through solvent extraction method. One of the other key difference lies in the strength and quality of the aroma. Essential Oils have a more delicate aroma while Absolute Oils are highly concentrated and reflect a strong heady aroma of the natural plant material. The powerful aroma of an Absolute Oil makes it an essential ingredient in perfumery.
HISTORY OF THE PINK LOTUS
For centuries the Pink Lotus has been declared the national flower of India and Vietnam. Many Asian countries have been producing Pink Lotus flowers on a large scale. Growing in muddy water and rising above the surface to bloom with its remarkable beauty at sunrise, the flower represents a pure spirit untouched by the filth around it. Used as a symbol of divine beauty, the Lotus appears in many legends and cultures. In many religions, the Lotus is a symbol of the embodiment of perfection. The Pink Lotus has been an integral part of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and many folklores from ancient Greece. In the ancient world, every element of this elegant plant served a purpose. From religious and cultural symbolism to medicinal applications, the Pink Lotus has been used in all areas of ancient life including the treatment of hypertension, diarrhea, fever, weakness, skin inflammation, and heat imbalance of the body.
The Lotus was cited in many Vietnamese folk songs and poems because of its beauty and symbolism. Purity, serenity, commitment, and optimism for the future, are just some of the concepts that the Pink Lotus symbolizes. The Egyptian hieroglyphics illustrated the flower alongside priests and pharaohs. The plant’s unique ability to submerge back into the water became the symbol of the sun, creation, and rebirth in Egyptian traditions. The flower’s alternating life above and below the water is mentioned in Greek mythology to signify the preservation of purity while thriving in the midst the filth of the world.
In many Asian countries where Buddhism and Hinduism are prominent religions, the Lotus flower is considered sacred. The Pink Lotus is believed to symbolize the essence of the Buddha. Thus, many statues of Buddhist monks are sculpted with imagery of the Lotus. The Lotus flower represents the purity of the body, speech, and mind. In Hinduism, the Pink Lotus is associated with beauty, fertility, eternity, and is considered the womb of the universe. Many Hindu gods and goddesses are depicted with the Pink Lotus flower. For example, the goddess of prosperity is illustrated sitting atop a fully bloomed Lotus flower and the god of creation is also shown emerging from a Lotus flower, thus associating the Lotus flower with prosperity and creation.
LOTUS PINK ABSOLUTE BENEFITS
Lotus Pink Absolute provides several benefits for skincare. This Absolute is comprised of beneficial compounds that assist in rejuvenating the skin, relaxing the mind, and claim to possess spiritually uplifting qualities. When used in skincare, Lotus Pink Absolute benefits the skin by helping to soothe acne and reduce blemishes with its astringent properties. It also assists in reducing visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines to promote smooth and radiant-looking skin. Due to the antioxidant properties of Lotus Pink Absolute, the skin is left feeling and looking deeply moisturized. These antioxidant properties aid in protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals which can cause oxidative stress on the skin that can damage the skin cells. Lotus Pink Absolute provides a revitalizing and soothing effect to the skin, which results in the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated as Lotus Pink Absolute supports healing of the skin while promoting moisture retention. This Absolute also possess anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in healing damaged tissues.
When used in massages, Lotus Pink Absolute is known to be beneficial for relieving body aches and pain. This Absolute’s relaxing and spiritually uplifting aromatic qualities are ideal for potentially reducing negativity, anxiety, and stress. Used in meditation, this deeply relaxing Absolute encourages inner peace and tranquility. This Absolute is assumed to have mood-enhancing abilities that can promote feelings of harmony. The nutrients found in Lotus Pink Absolute can also aid in relaxing the body during meditation. Commonly used in baths and massages, Lotus Pink Absolute stimulates the skin and is pleasing to the senses. One of its most common therapeutic benefits is believed to be its calming effects on the mind, body, and soul.
CULTIVATION AND EXTRACTION OF QUALITY LOTUS PINK ABSOLUTE
The Nelumbo nucifera is an aquatic perennial reaching roughly 2 to 5 feet in height. At Sunrise the Pink Lotus flower starts to blossom, only to submerge back into the water at night. The Pink Lotus is a perennial plant from the Nelumbonaceae family. The Lotus is grown from a thick rhizome while being immersed underwater. The harvest season begins at the end of July and continues into early September, with August being the peak time for Pink Lotus harvesting.
Fossil remains of the Lotus prove it survived the ice age and continues to grow in various parts of the planet. The Pink Lotus plant easily acclimatizes and can survive in ice if its roots remain in water or mud. The flower can tolerate the scorching sun and still blossom to a certain point. This aquatic perennial is native to Southern Asia and Australia and is often cultivated in water gardens or found in muddy wetlands.
To thrive, this Pink Lotus plant requires full sunlight for 5 to 6 hours a day and should ideally be planted in an area with a warm climate. The Pink Lotus plant can handle slight shade, but its ideal growing temperature is 23°C (75°F). Lotus Pink Absolute is extracted through the solvent extraction method, where the low temperatures during the extraction process allow the strong and delicate aromas of the Absolute to stay intact. The fabulous aroma and additional benefits for the skin allow Lotus Pink Absolute to be a wonderful ingredient for elevating any formulation. Harvested during the day, on average, it is estimated that 75,000-100,000 blossoms are used to produce just one kilogram of Absolute.
Once harvested, the Absolute is extracted from the flowers using a food grade solvent. In this extraction method, flower petals are placed on trays and immersed in a drum of solvents, such as hexane or ethanol. The petals are soaked in the solvent to produce a waxy concrete, from which the Absolute is extracted. The solvent is subsequently removed through a gentle heating process leaving behind a highly concentrated liquid which is the Absolute Oil.
USES OF LOTUS PINK ABSOLUTE
Lotus Pink Absolute is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, but its most prevalent application is in perfumery, where it can be found in all kinds of fragrances. Lotus Pink Absolute is well-known for its ability to promote a sense of harmony. The Absolute can be used in oil diffusers or act as a binding agent for pure Essential Oils to blend with massage oils, creams, soaps, and candles. Lotus Pink Absolute blends well with all oils, though it seems to work best with other floral oils.
To create a luxurious body oil, blend the following ingredients together: 50g Calendula Macerated (Sunflower) Oil, 30g Kukui (Candlenut) Oil, 20g Jojoba Oil, 18.2g Sunflower Oil, 16g Olive Squalene,2g Tocopherol (Vitamin E MT 50), 1.6g Lotus Pink Absolute, 1.2g Palmarosa Essential Oil, 1g Neroli Essential Oil. A carrier oil of your choice Oils such as Plum Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil can also be added to this blend.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF LOTUS PINK ABSOLUTE
It is important to note that all Absolutes are extremely concentrated by nature. They should not be evaluated in this state unless you are accustomed to the undiluted fragrance. For those trying Absolutes for the first time, we strongly recommend they be evaluated in a dilution. Otherwise, the complexity of the fragrance – particularly the rare and exotic notes – become lost. As per NAHA guidelines, New Directions Aromatics (NDA) does not recommend the ingestion of Absolutes or Essential Oils.
As is the case with most other Essential Oils, pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use Lotus -Pink Absolute unless recommended by a medical practitioner. Those with the following health conditions are especially recommended to consult the physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders or allergies, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are additionally advised to seek medical consultation before use.
Before topical use, Lotus Pink Absolute must always be diluted appropriately with a Carrier Oil. It must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Before using this Absolute Oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of Lotus Pink Absolute in 4 drops of Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of non-sensitive skin.
In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue the use of the products and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional before use.