Nag champa
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Nag champa is a fragrance of Indian origin. It is made from a combination of sandalwood and either champak[1][2] or frangipani.[3] When frangipani is used, the fragrance is usually referred to simply as champa.[4]
Nag champa is commonly used in incense, soap, perfume oil, essential oils, candles, and personal toiletries.[5] It is a popular and recognizable incense fragrance throughout the world.[6][4]
Nag champa is a fragrance created by Late Mr. K N Satyam Setty (King of Masala Incense) in Bhatwadi, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, India. Satya Sai Baba Nagchampa was created in 1964, on the day his elder son Nagaraj was born. His belief was that as good fortune he named his product after his son. (“Nag” raj = “Nag” Champa), thus the birth of his son gave birth to a world-renowned fragrance. It is a symbol of traditionally hand-rolled masala agarbatti (Incense) Mumbai & Bangalore. The fragrance of Nagchampa is reminiscent of Champaca, having the aroma of Patchouli, Sandalwood, Spices, Oils, gums & resins. It is an exotic blend of floral and spices from India.
Composition[]
A number of flower species in India are known as champa or champak:[7]
- Magnolia champaca, formerly classified as Michelia champaca (swarna champa or yellow champa)
- Plumeria rubra and Plumeria acutifolia (frangipani)
- Mesua ferrea (nagkeshar or nagchampa)
Of these—Magnolia champaca,[6][8] is mostly used to prepare the nag champa scent, while Plumeria[9] or Mesua ferrea[7] may be used for scents termed champa and sometimes nag champa.
Nag champa perfume ingredients vary with the manufacturer, though generally they include sandalwood and magnolia,[1] which, as the plant is related to star anise, gives the scent a little spice. Other ingredients will depend on the finished product. Perfume-dipped incenses and soaps would use essential oils or scents, while masala incenses would use finely ground fragrant ingredients as well as essential oils.[5]
References[]
- ^ a b Stephanie Rose Bird (2006). Four Seasons of Mojo: An Herbal Guide to Natural Living. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 67. ISBN 9780738706283.
- ^ Margaret Ann Lembo (2006). The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 41. ISBN 9780738747781.
- ^ Tomás Prower (1 Oct 2015). La Santa Muerte. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 99. ISBN 9780738745510.
- ^ a b Alaric Albertsson (8 Nov 2013). To Walk a Pagan Path. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 232. ISBN 9780738739229.
- ^ a b Som Nath Mahindru (1992). Indian plant perfumes. Metropolitan. p. 107.
- ^ a b Natural Scents. "Nag Champa Ingredients".
- ^ a b Robert Beer (1999). The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Serindia. p. 50. ISBN 9780906026489.
- ^ Stephanie Rose Bird (2006). Four Seasons of Mojo: An Herbal Guide to Natural Living. Llewellyn. p. 67. ISBN 978-0-7387-0628-3.
- ^ Tess Whitehurst (2013). The Magic of Flowers: A Guide to Their Metaphysical Uses & Properties. Llewellyn Worldwide. pp. 295–. ISBN 978-0-7387-3194-0.
External links[]
Media related to Nag Champa at Wikimedia Commons
- Incense material
- Incense in India
- Perfume ingredients