| Right away, Tuberose oil is a very alluring substance. The aroma is unlike anything you've ever smelled — a little flower, a little root, a little sweet and a little bitter. And who would think that this unclassifiable aroma is from an unclassifiable plant: Tuberose is traditionally classified in the Amaryllis (Amarylidaceae) family more commonly known as the family with lily, snowdrops and daffodils. More recently the Tuberose has been considered as a member of the (sometimes controversial) agave (Agavacaeae) family.
“Books do not seem to agree as to whether the tuberose is an annual or a perennial. What is consistent is that night-blooming plants are regarded as annuals and then have been adapted to tropical conditions, becoming ‘tender’ perennials which flaunt their blooms by the second year.” from A Mysterious Whiteness by Eva-Marie Lind. So once again, Tuberose is a very special plant, and the absolute oil from its flower is really unique in the entire world of aromatherapy.
The scent is described as complex, exotic, intoxicating, sweet, and floral all at once. The floral middle-to-base note is extracted as an absolute, and is used in high-end perfumery alongside Rose, Jasmine and Sandalwood oils. As an aromatic, the warm, seductive and hypnotic Tuberose is used to enhance motivation, enthusiasm, expansion, sensitivity, spontaneity, and sensuality.
Energetically, Tuberose is characterized as playful, transformative, and centering. Tuberose is used to counteract stress, negativity, insecurity, confusion. It helps to transform anger, confusion, and self doubt and dispel negativity. An excellent choice for clearing resentment as well as jealousy and bitterness. There is some evidence that Tuberose can be helpful in the healing path in cases of addiction.
Studies show that smelling Tuberose reduces cortisol levels and can be beneficial in reducing stress. Tuberose is said to open the crown chakra enhancing intuition and connection to spirit. Known to improve one's emotional well-being Tuberose amplifies artistic expression and opens the creative aspects of one's experience. Tuberose brings serenity to body, mind, and spirit.
A perennial plant the Tuberose is a night blooming plant that grows in elongated spikes up to 18 inches long that produce clusters of fragrant flower that bloom from the bottom towards the top of the spike. The plant has long bright greens leaves clustered at the base of the plant and smaller clasping leaves along the stem. The Tuberose was named because it forms a thick bulb-shaped (tuber) under the earth. New plants develop from the tubes. Polianthes translates as 'gray' flower. Tuberose refers to the root and literally means 'swollen'. There are at least twelve know species.
Thought to be a native to Mexico and Central America along with all of the other Polianthes, the Aztecs healers called it Omixochit or 'bone flower'. Tuberose grows outdoors in warm weather and well lit places where it thrives on sunshine and blooms a lovely deeply fragrant flower in the summer.
A prominent plant in Indan culture and mythology, the Tuberose flowers are often used as garlands, various traditional rituals, and other sacred ceremonies including weddings. It's Hindu name is Rajnigandha meaning 'night fragrance' of scent of the night. Known in bengali as 'Rojoni-Gondha' meaning 'Scent of night' and in Mandarin as 'Ye Lai Xiang' which means the fragrance that comes from the night. Also known in India as 'Rat Ki Rani' (mistress of the night.) In Iran, the Tuberose flower known as 'Gole Maryam' (Mary Flower) is extracted and used for perfume.
Traditional hawaiian leis often have Tuberose interspersed with Plumeria flowers making a rich, exquisite, delightful, and beautiful garland. Tuberose is used in traditional Hawaiian weddings. The groom wears a 'maile' lei (a plant native to the island of Kauai) while the bride wears a wreath of Tuberose and pikaki around her crown. The brides wreath is called a haku. An aphrodisiac, Tuberose enhances serenity to the body, mind, and heart making it an excellent choice for the beloved couple.
Blends well with Cacao, Jasmine, Rose Otto, Neroli, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Ylang Ylang. |