Essential Oil - Cabreuva
Essential Oil – Cabreuva
Botanical Information
Cabreuva (Myrocarpus fastigiatus) belongs to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family and is a graceful tropical tree that typically grows between 12 and 15 metres in height. It produces exceptionally hard, durable wood that is highly resistant to moisture and fungal growth. Like many South American trees, it exudes a fragrant balsam when the trunk is damaged. The tree is also known by the names Cabureicica and Baume de Pérou Brun.
Distribution and Traditional Uses
Cabreuva is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, and northern Argentina. Several species within the Myrocarpus genus, including Myrocarpus frondosus, are also used for producing Cabreuva oil. Botanically, it is closely related to the trees that yield Copaiba, Peru Balsam, and Tolu Balsam.
Traditionally, Cabreuva wood has been highly valued for fine furniture making and wood carving because of its strength and durability. Indigenous communities have long used the balsam to promote the healing of wounds, ulcers, and scars. In Europe, Cabreuva was once included in historical pharmacopoeias because of its recognised antiseptic properties.
Essential Oil and Characteristics
Cabreuva essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of wood chippings, typically using waste material from timber mills. The oil is a pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a delicate, sweet woody-floral fragrance that possesses remarkable persistence. It blends beautifully with rose, cassie, mimosa, cedarwood, and many rich woody and oriental fragrance compositions.
Chemical Composition
The principal constituent of Cabreuva essential oil is nerolidol, which makes up approximately 80% of the oil. Other important constituents include farnesol, bisabolol, and several naturally occurring aromatic compounds that contribute to its therapeutic and fragrance properties.
Therapeutic Benefits
Cabreuva essential oil possesses antiseptic, balsamic, and cicatrisant (skin-healing) properties. In aromatherapy, it is commonly used to support skin healing by helping soothe cuts, wounds, and scars. It may also provide comfort during respiratory complaints such as chills and coughs while supporting the immune system during colds.
Safety and Precautions
Cabreuva essential oil is generally regarded as non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitising when used appropriately. As with all essential oils, it should be diluted before topical application and used according to recommended guidelines.
Industrial Uses
Cabreuva essential oil is widely valued in the fragrance industry as both a fragrance ingredient and fixative. It is commonly incorporated into premium soaps and fine perfumes, particularly floral, woody, and oriental fragrances. Historically, the oil was also an important natural source of nerolidol, although this compound is now primarily produced through synthetic methods.
