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A LITTLE BIT
ABOUT US

The Rosewood Trust is a non-profit organization that focuses on philanthropic efforts, such as supporting community projects, organizing cricket matches, feeding stray animals, environmental conservation, or educational initiatives. Its mission involves raising funds and resources to benefit underserved populations or addressing specific social issues. By engaging volunteers and donors, the organization aims to make a positive impact within its targeted areas of work. 

As a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the Government of India, we are subject to strict regulations and guidelines, ensuring transparency and accountability in our operations. This registration provides legitimacy to our organization and allows us to access funding, resources, and support from various stakeholders, enabling us to effectively carry out our charitable activities and make a positive difference, all this while delivering superb fragrances to our customers.

When you make a purchase a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support various charitable causes, helping to make a positive impact in the community or for specific initiatives. This not only enhances your shopping experience by giving you a sense of fulfillment but also allows your purchase to benefit those in need. 

All the raw materials and craftsmanship for our products are sourced locally from Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that we support local artisans and promote traditional techniques. This commitment not only enhances the quality and authenticity of our items but also bolsters the local economy and preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region. 

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THE MASTERCLASS ON ATTAR

The Attar Making Process

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Kannauj, often referred to as the "Perfume Capital of India," has a rich heritage in traditional perfume making, known as "Attar." The art of perfume making here dates back centuries, with artisans employing techniques that blend natural ingredients such as flowers, herbs, and spices to create exquisite, alcohol-free fragrances.

 

These perfumes are crafted through intricate processes of distillation and maceration, resulting in a range of unique scents that reflect the region's cultural and botanical diversity. The craftsmanship in Kannauj is not just about the fragrances themselves, but also involves the celebration of ancient traditions and the passing down of knowledge through generations, making it a crucial part of India’s artisanal legacy. 

The process of making attar has been practiced for centuries,Attar is known for its rich, complex scents and is often considered more sustainable and natural than synthetic perfumes. 

 Attars are also prized for their longevity on the skin, as the oils tend to be richer and more concentrated than commercial perfumes. They can be worn directly on the skin or used as a luxurious and natural alternative to alcohol-based fragrances. 

 

The perfume-making process in Kannauj, a renowned hub for traditional perfumery in India, involves several intricate steps. First, raw materials such as flowers, herbs, and spices are collected, often adhering to seasonal availability.

 

The ingredients are then subjected to a method called "attar" extraction, where steam distillation is used to capture essential oils. Artisans carefully blend these concentrated oils, often with a base of sandalwood oil or other fixatives, to create unique fragrances. The resulting perfumes are typically alcohol-free and are often aged to enhance their scent profiles before being packaged for sale, reflecting a rich heritage of craftsmanship and aromatic tradition. 

The process of making attar is an intricate and traditional one, requiring careful handling and the use of natural ingredients. It involves extracting essential oils from various botanicals (such as flowers, herbs, spices, and woods) through hydrodistillation or steam distillation, and then blending these oils into a fragrant, alcohol-free perfume oil. The entire process can take several hours or even days, depending on the ingredients and methods used.  

 

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The first step in making attar is selecting the right botanical ingredients. The choice of botanical will determine the fragrance profile of the attar. For example, rose attar is made using rose petals, while sandalwood attar is made by distilling sandalwood. The flowers or plants used in attar production must be harvested at the right time of day—usually in the early morning, when the flowers are most fragrant. Flowers such as rose and jasmine must be collected fresh, as their fragrance degrades quickly after they bloom. Wood such as sandalwood or agarwood is sourced from trees that are often centuries old, making these attars particularly rare and expensive. 

 

Steam distillation is the most common method used in the making of attar, and it involves extracting essential oils from the raw plant material. The process is carried out in a still (a distillation apparatus) and involves the following steps: 

  • Preparation of the Raw Materials: The botanicals are finely chopped or crushed to help release their oils. 

  • Boiling and Steam: The plant material is placed in a distillation vessel or still, and steam is passed through it. As the steam rises, it carries the essential oils from the plant material. 

  • Condensation: The steam and oil mixture then travels through a cooling system, where it condenses into a liquid form. The resulting mixture contains both essential oils and hydrosol (the water-based component). 

  • Separation of Oil and Water: After condensation, the oil is separated from the water (hydrosol) because oil is lighter and floats on top. The oil is carefully skimmed off, and this oil forms the essential oil of the attar. 

  • Repeat Process (Optional): For some botanicals, this process may be repeated multiple times to extract a more concentrated fragrance. 

 

After the essential oils are extracted, the next step is to infuse the fragrance into a base oil. In many cases, sandalwood oil is used as a base because it is both a natural fixative and has a deep, rich fragrance that complements many flowers and herbs. Other base oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil may also be used, depending on the desired outcome. 

  • Blending: The concentrated essential oil (extracted from flowers, spices, or wood) is then blended into the base oil. This step can take several days or weeks, as the oils are mixed and allowed to mature, deepening and enriching the fragrance. 

  • Aging: Some attars, especially high-quality ones like oud attar, may require aging for several months to allow the oils to blend and mature, enhancing the overall fragrance. This aging process gives attars a more rounded, complex aroma. 

  • Once the oil is properly blended and aged, it is filtered to remove any impurities or particles, ensuring the attar is clear and smooth. 

  • This step is crucial because any debris or impurities left in the attar can affect the fragrance and texture. 

  • After the attar has matured, aged, and been filtered, it is ready to be bottled. It is typically stored in small glass bottles. 

  • Testing: Before being sold, each batch of attar is usually tested for fragrance quality and consistency. 

 

Making attar is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that requires knowledge, skill, and patience. The process of distillation, infusion, and aging results in a pure, natural, alcohol-free perfume that can be used for personal fragrance, aromatherapy, or as an offering in spiritual practices. The care and expertise involved in creating high-quality attar make it a prized and cherished item, often passed down through generations of traditional perfumers. 

 

WHY DO ATTARS LAST SO LONG ?

 

  1. Concentration: Attars are highly concentrated, and since they are alcohol-free, the oils don’t evaporate as quickly as those in alcohol-based perfumes. This means the fragrance stays on the skin longer. 
     

  2. Base Notes: Attars often contain base notes like sandalwood, oud, and amber, which are dense and heavy, helping to anchor the fragrance for long periods. These notes tend to stay on the skin for much longer than lighter top notes, which dissipate quickly.

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3.  Slow Release: Because Attars are natural oils, they tend to slowly release their fragrance over time. The top notes may fade after a couple of hours, but the            deeper, base notes linger for much longer, keeping the scent alive for up to 12–18 hours. 

How to Maximize Attar Longevity: 

  • Apply to Pulse Points: Focus on warm areas like your wrists, behind the ears, neck, and inner elbows. These areas help enhance the scent's staying power due to body heat. 

  • Layering: Use an unscented moisturizer or a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) before applying the attar to your skin. This can act as a barrier to help the fragrance last longer. 

  • Clothing Application: Applying a small amount to your clothing (in areas like collars or cuffs) can also help the scent last longer, as fabric holds onto oils well. 
     

how to apply attar ?

 1. Pulse Points:

  • Pulse points are areas of the body where blood vessels are closer to the skin’s surface, allowing the warmth to help diffuse the fragrance over time. Applying attar to pulse points ensures the scent lasts longer and is more noticeable. Common pulse points include: 

  • Wrists: One of the most common spots, and easy to apply. Just a small dab will work—be careful not to rub your wrists together as it can alter the fragrance. 

  • Neck: The sides of the neck or the back of the neck (near the nape) are perfect for attar. The warmth from the neck helps to diffuse the scent naturally. 

  • Behind the Ears: This area is close to the pulse points of the neck and can help project the fragrance without being too overpowering. 

  • Inner Elbows: Another warm area where the scent can radiate, especially if you're wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing. 

2. Clothing: 

  • Attar can be applied directly to clothes, especially to areas like the collar, cuffs, or sleeve ends, where it can be detected more easily. Fabrics tend to hold fragrances longer than skin, and this can help the scent last well beyond the day. 

  • Important: Be mindful of delicate fabrics (like silk or satin), as oils can sometimes leave stains. It's best to do a quick test on a small area of fabric before applying more liberally. 

3. Avoid Rubbing: 

  • Unlike alcohol-based perfumes, attar is made from concentrated oils, so avoid rubbing your wrist or other pulse points together after application. Rubbing can break down the fragrance and make it fade faster. Instead, just dab or gently press the area to spread the oil evenly.

4. Layering: 

  • For a more intense and longer-lasting scent, you can layer attar with a complementary body oil or unscented moisturizer. This will help to lock in the fragrance and keep it from evaporating quickly, especially on dry skin. 

5. Amount to Apply: 

  • Since Attars are highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. You only need a few dabs or a small amount on each pulse point to enjoy the fragrance. Overapplying can make the scent overwhelming, so it’s best to start with a minimal amount and add more if necessary. 

6. Refreshing Throughout the Day: 

  • If you’d like to refresh the scent later in the day, you can reapply the attar to your pulse points, or lightly dab it on your wrist. Unlike synthetic perfumes that may evaporate quickly, attars tend to last much longer, but sometimes a quick touch-up is all you need for a refreshed fragrance. 

  • Apply to Pulse Points: Focus on warm areas like your wrists, behind the ears, neck, and inner elbows. These areas help enhance the scent's staying power due to body heat. 

  • Layering: Use an unscented moisturizer or a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) before applying the attar to your skin. This can act as a barrier to help the fragrance last longer. 

  • Clothing Application: Applying a small amount to your clothing (in areas like collars or cuffs) can also help the scent last longer, as fabric holds onto oils well. 
     

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ATTAR USE

FOR

aromatherapy

Attar can be an excellent addition to aromatherapy due to its natural, therapeutic properties. Since attars are made from pure plant-based ingredients, they contain the essence of flowers, herbs, and woods that have been used for centuries in various cultural practices to promote well-being and balance. Here’s how attars can be utilized in aromatherapy: 

1. Promoting Relaxation: 

  • Many attars have calming, soothing properties that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Some popular attars known for their calming effects include: 

  • Lavender Attar: Known for its ability to calm the mind and relieve anxiety. It's often used for its sedative effects, helping with sleep and relaxation. 

  • Sandalwood Attar: Sandalwood has grounding and calming qualities. It’s often used in meditation practices to help with focus and inner peace. 

  • Jasmine Attar: This floral scent is uplifting yet relaxing and is often used to reduce feelings of tension and anxiety. 

2. Reducing Stress: 

  • Certain attars have stress-relieving qualities that can help balance emotions and alleviate feelings of stress. For example: 

  • Rose Attar: Rose is known for its mood-boosting and balancing effects. It can help with emotional tension and promote a sense of calm and comfort. 

  • Oud Attar: Oud, with its deep, rich fragrance, is often used in spiritual practices and is thought to help release emotional blockages and foster inner peace. 

  • Bergamot Attar: A citrus-based attar, bergamot is known to lift the spirits and reduce stress, making it a great option for easing anxiety and uplifting mood. 

3. Mood Enhancement: 

  • Aromatherapy with attars can also be beneficial for improving mood and mental clarity: 

  • Ylang-Ylang Attar: Known for its ability to uplift the mood, ylang-ylang can help reduce feelings of sadness, promote joy, and improve overall emotional well-being. 

  • Frankincense Attar: Used to promote emotional balance and clear the mind, frankincense can be beneficial for meditation or simply creating a peaceful environment. 

  • Geranium Attar: Geranium is excellent for balancing emotions and is used to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, fostering a sense of well-being. 

4. Supporting Sleep: 

  • Some attars can be specifically helpful for improving sleep quality. The calming effects of certain flowers and woods can aid in creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to rest. 

  • Lavender Attar: As mentioned earlier, lavender is known for its sleep-promoting qualities, making it perfect for winding down before bed. 

  • Chamomile Attar: Often used for its mild sedative effects, chamomile attar can help promote relaxation and sleep. 

5. How to Use Attar in Aromatherapy: 

  • Diffusion: One of the easiest ways to use attar in aromatherapy is to diffuse it in an essential oil diffuser. Just a few drops of your favorite attar can fill the room with its therapeutic fragrance, helping to create a calming atmosphere. 

  • Inhalation: You can inhale the scent directly by applying a small amount of attar to your hands and cupping them over your nose. Take a few deep breaths to benefit from its calming effects. 

  • Massage: Attars can be diluted in a carrier oil (like jojoba, coconut, or sweet almond oil) and massaged into the skin. This not only provides the therapeutic benefits of the fragrance but also promotes relaxation through touch. 

  • Bath: Adding a few drops of attar to a warm bath can help you unwind and soothe your mind and body. Just be sure to dilute the attar with a bit of carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. 

6. Mindfulness and Meditation: 

  • Attars are often used in spiritual practices, such as meditation or yoga, to enhance focus and deepen relaxation. The grounding and calming effects of attars like sandalwood and frankincense can help create a serene environment, making them perfect for mindful practices. 

7. Personal Aromatherapy: 

  • Personal Roll-Ons: You can create your own personal aromatherapy roll-on by mixing attar with a carrier oil in a small glass roller bottle. Applying it to your pulse points throughout the day can provide a calming and uplifting experience. 

  • Aromatherapy Pillows: For better sleep, you can dab some relaxing attar on a cotton ball and place it inside a pillowcase or under your pillow to enjoy the soothing effects while you sleep. 

8. Psychological Benefits: 

  • Attars made from flowers and woods can influence the nervous system by helping to calm the mind and promote emotional balance. Many attars are thought to reduce feelings of anxiety, nervous tension, and even stress-induced physical symptoms like headaches. 

  • Attar, with its rich natural ingredients and therapeutic properties, can be a wonderful tool in aromatherapy. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, enhance your mood, promote relaxation, or support a deeper state of meditation, attars can provide a holistic approach to emotional and physical well-being. 

  • By using attars in your daily routine, you can enjoy the calming, soothing, and uplifting benefits they offer, all while indulging in their exquisite natural fragrances.

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a few precautions to keep in

MIND WHILE USING ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Patch Test: 

  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to certain botanicals or essential oils used in attars. It’s a good idea to do a patch test by applying a small amount of the attar on a discreet area of your skin (like the inner wrist or elbow) and waiting for 24 hours to check for any signs of irritation, redness, or itching. If any reaction occurs, discontinue use. 

2. Skin Sensitivity: 

  • Attars are typically very concentrated, so they can be potent. Some people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema may experience irritation. It is always a good idea to dilute strong attars with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) before applying to the skin, especially if you have delicate skin. 

3. Pregnancy and Medical Conditions: 

  • If you are pregnant or have underlying health conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using attars, particularly if the fragrance contains strong essential oils like oud or sandalwood, which can sometimes cause sensitivities during pregnancy.

4. Avoiding Contact with Eyes and Mucous Membranes: 

  • As attars are highly concentrated oils, it’s important to avoid direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse with water immediately.

5. Storage and Shelf Life: 

  • Attars are usually made without preservatives, so proper storage is important to maintain their fragrance and safety. They should be kept in a cool, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight. This will help preserve their potency and prevent any potential breakdown of the natural oils over time. 

6. Moderation: 

  • While attars are alcohol-free and typically milder than synthetic perfumes, using them in moderation is still advisable. Overuse can lead to overwhelming or undesirable scents, and excessive application may lead to skin sensitivities.  

  •   In summary, attars are safe for most people when used thoughtfully and in moderation, but always take care to check for allergies or sensitivities, especially if you're new to using them. 

  • High-quality attars, especially those made from rich, long-lasting ingredients like oud, sandalwood, and musk, can indeed last anywhere from 12 to 18 hours or even longer in some cases. The longevity of attar is one of its most appealing qualities compared to synthetic perfumes. 

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