Nag champa is a natural 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]

Various examples of nag champa incense

Nag champa is commonly used in incense, soap, perfume oil, essential oils, candles, wax melts, and personal toiletries.[5] It is a popular and recognizable incense fragrance.[6][4]

Composition

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A number of flower species in India are known as champa or champak:[7]

Of these—Magnolia champaca is mostly used to prepare the nag champa scent,[6][8] while Plumeria or Mesua ferrea may be used for scents termed champa and sometimes nag champa.[9][7]

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

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  1. ^ a b Stephanie Rose Bird (2006). Four Seasons of Mojo: An Herbal Guide to Natural Living. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 67. ISBN 9780738706283.
  2. ^ Margaret Ann Lembo (2006). The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 41. ISBN 9780738747781.
  3. ^ Tomás Prower (1 Oct 2015). La Santa Muerte. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 99. ISBN 9780738745510.
  4. ^ a b Alaric Albertsson (8 Nov 2013). To Walk a Pagan Path. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 232. ISBN 9780738739229.
  5. ^ a b Som Nath Mahindru (1992). Indian plant perfumes. Metropolitan. p. 107.
  6. ^ a b Natural Scents. "Nag Champa Ingredients".
  7. ^ a b Robert Beer (1999). The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Serindia. p. 50. ISBN 9780906026489.
  8. ^ Stephanie Rose Bird (2006). Four Seasons of Mojo: An Herbal Guide to Natural Living. Llewellyn. p. 67. ISBN 978-0-7387-0628-3.
  9. ^ Tess Whitehurst (2013). The Magic of Flowers: A Guide to Their Metaphysical Uses & Properties. Llewellyn Worldwide. pp. 295–. ISBN 978-0-7387-3194-0.
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