Negev Desert Oils

From the Negev Desert of Israel comes a collection of extraordinary essential oils that represent the power and beauty of this ancient land.

The oils distilled from the herbs of the Negev Desert are rich in aromatic compounds, the result of little water and the intense climate. These plants have long been used in the local cultures for medicinal and culinary purposes.

The plants from this region are either organically cultivated, semi-cultivated, or wildcrafted with the help of local Bedouin villagers, then masterfully distilled on a small family farm.

Many of these oils have numerous close relatives within their genus as well as multiple local and common names. For the sake of simplicity we have named some of these oils “desert” oils using their most commonly used name: Desert Yarrow (Achillea fragrantissima), Desert Spearmint (Mentha spicatum), and Desert Marjoram (Origanum dayi). For others, we have used their most common local name: Zataar Oregano (Origanum syriaca), and White Zota (Micromeria fruticosa).

White Zota, (Micromeria fruticosa), is one of the most popular aromatic plants for medicinal teas and culinary purposes in the Middle East. The plant has several local names, including white savory, rock mint, and Turkish pennyroyal. This fragrant herb is used traditionally as an invigorating and refreshing beverage that is helpful for respiratory congestion and digestion; it is also an important culinary spice. The oil has an aromatic profile reminiscent of pennyroyal, with a softer, smoother, creamy menthol-citrus body. Because distillation at certain times of year concentrates the percentage of pulegone, an oral toxin, it should not be taken internally.

Desert Yarrow (Achillea fragrantissima) is one of many species of yarrow. The oil has a fruity sweet aroma that is similar to Artemisia oils.

Like other species of Achilleas, the oil from this fragrant herb has been found to have a multitude of powerful medical benefits; the herb has an important place in ethnobotanical traditions.

Desert Spearmint (Mentha spicatum) offers a beautiful oil that is far more complex, soft, and herbaceous than more typical spearmint oils on the market.

Zaatar Oregano (Origanum syriaca) has a spicy olfactory profile that is similar to the best of other species of oregano oils, revealing its potent antimicrobial effects. Because it is potentially dermo-toxic it should be used cautiously and only in diluted forms.

Origanum dayi is a member of the Origanum genus, but is generally referred to as a type of marjoram. Its olfactory characteristics are pungent and sage-like yet sweeter and softer than more typical oregano oils such as the Origanum syriaca, so we have continued this classification by naming this oil Desert Marjoram.

Analysis of oils from Origanum dayi have found that it is characterized by the preponderance of 1,8-cineole and terpinen-4-ol, which give it aromatic notes and therapeutic properties similar to eucalyptus and tea tree.