Rhododendron

Rhododendron species have been used in Himalayan rituals for centuries, burned as incense to honor deities and to cleanse homes. Traditional healers ground the leaves into poultices for respiratory relief, a practice recorded in 12th‑century Tibetan medical texts. In the late 19th century, European explorers brought dried twigs back to Paris, where early perfumers experimented with steam‑distilled extracts. By the 1930s, a handful of niche houses incorporated rhododendron oil into masculine fougère compositions, valuing its fresh, forest‑like character. Trade remained limited due to the plant’s high‑altitude habitat and the labor‑intensive harvest. The 1990s saw a revival as natural‑focused brands sought rare green notes, prompting collaborations with Nepali cooperatives. Today, rhododendron oil stands as a bridge between ancient Himalayan tradition and modern aromatic craftsmanship.