The White ginger lily, Hedychium coronarium, is a perennial plant from the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes ginger and turmeric. It owes its name in some languages to the shape of its flower, resembling a butterfly. It is the national flower of Cuba, where it is known as "Flor de mariposa". This species of ginger originates from Asia and now grows in many tropical regions, particularly in Africa, India, and Brazil, where it was introduced by enslaved Africans and is now considered invasive.
White ginger lily also grows abundantly in the dense, humid forests of eastern Madagascar, where we source our oil. Often grown as an ornamental plant, this botanical species develops from a rhizome and forms clumps that can reach up to 1 to 2 metres in height. At the base of its stems, spikes appear, adorned with delicate white flowers cherished for their intense, jasmine-like fragrance.
Different parts of the plant are aromatic and have distinct compositions: the flower, the rhizome, and the leaves, from which our essential oil is extracted, rich in monoterpenes. This oil comes from wild plants sustainably harvested in the Vohimana reserve area of Madagascar, specifically in the fokontany (a group of villages and hamlets) of Ambavaniasy, in the Moramanga district. Due to the plant’s low essential oil yield, this is a rare and precious oil, still relatively unknown in the world of aromatherapy.
Its gentle, woody, and spiced aroma, with an earthy base reminiscent of turmeric, is easy to appreciate, boasting powerful psychological and emotional effects. Known for its anti-stress properties, it helps balance and support the nervous system. In olfactotherapy, it provides comfort to those experiencing depression, frees those overwhelmed by daily concerns, and helps build self-confidence. Thanks to its high monoterpene content, it is also believed to have stimulating and tonic properties, with a cortisone-like effect, traditionally used to combat fatigue and as an air purifier when diffused.
