The other day we were out at Villa Carlotta on Lake Como and while strolling along the lake I noticed a coniferous full of berries. Curious of course, I picked one and was gently caressed by the scent that filled my nostrils. Gotta have this stuff, is all I thought — but what the hell is it?!
Luckily, LV having studied as a landscape designer, knows by name over 3,000 species and genus’. Thuja Occidentalis a.k.a White Cedar (the man’s a walking database).
Of course we picked some and the next day it was in an alcohol bath where it’s been sitting as you can see, since the 25th of July.
I just took the lid off this one and holy cow it’s like full blown Juniper berries! From my research Thujone, the chemical component prevalent in Thuja berries can be toxic and one viable substitute is of course Juniper berries.
More on the details when I do a scent profile in a few weeks — or a couple months. What’s the hurry, really?
Have a great day!
Her Two Scents 