Organic Larch Oil – The Alpine Forest Bath
Benefits at a Glance
- Warm & resinous: A deep, woody-balsamic aroma with a fresh, forest-like clarity – like breathing Alpine air.
- Respiratory support: Traditionally valued for clearing the airways during the cold season – the oil of deep breaths.
- Calming & grounding: The warm, resinous character brings calm and inner balance – a forest bath in a bottle.
- Organic quality: 100% pure and natural, steam-distilled from needles and branches. Certified organic. From Austria.
Application & Special Features
Application:
In a diffuser for a warm, forest-like atmosphere. For steam inhalation during the cold season. Diluted in carrier oil for warming, relaxing massages.
Targeted uses:
In a diffuser (3-5 drops) for a calming, forest-fresh atmosphere – ideal in the evening for unwinding or during the cold season for respiratory comfort. For steam inhalation, add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale gently. For a warming massage, dilute 2-3 drops in 10 ml of carrier oil (e.g. Organic MCT Oil).
Perfect Blending Partners
Larch is a warm middle/base note with a resinous, balsamic character:
- For the Alpine blend: Swiss Stone Pine (the ultimate Alpine duo – warm resin meets creamy wood).
- For respiratory support: Rosemary (fresh clarity meets warm forest depth).
- For citrus brightness: Lemon (lifts and freshens the deep, resinous base).
The Tree That Lets Go
The larch is Europe's only deciduous conifer – each autumn it lets go of its needles, each spring it renews. An oil of resilience and fresh starts.
Product Information
- Plant: European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.)
- Part used: Needles and branches
- Extraction: Steam distillation
- Quality: 100% pure and natural essential oil (Organic)
- Origin: Austria
- Main components: alpha-Pinene (20-40%), beta-Pinene, Limonene, delta-3-Carene, Bornyl acetate, Camphene
- Packaging: Amber glass bottle with dropper – airtight and light-protected
The Scent Profile
- Main aroma: Warm, resinous and woody – a deep, balsamic forest scent that is both grounding and refreshing.
- Secondary note: Fresh and slightly citrusy, with a clear, alpine brightness from the high pinene content.
- Nuance: A soft, sweet-balsamic undertone that adds warmth and comfort, like sunlight on tree bark.
Intensity: Medium – warm, resinous and quietly powerful. Larch doesn't shout; it envelops. A deeply comforting, forest-like presence.
The Professor's Knowledge: The Scent Note
Larch oil is dominated by alpha-Pinene (20-40%), one of the most widespread terpenes in nature and the molecule responsible for that characteristic "forest" scent. Alpha-Pinene has been studied for its respiratory-supportive properties – it opens the airways and brings that feeling of deep, free breathing you experience in a pine forest. Beta-Pinene adds a fresh, herbal dimension, while Bornyl acetate contributes the sweet, balsamic warmth that distinguishes larch from sharper conifer oils like spruce or pine. Delta-3-Carene brings a subtle, dry-sweet note. The result is an oil with a remarkably balanced profile: forest-fresh yet warm, balsamic yet clear. In blends, larch acts as the "forest floor" – it provides warm, resinous depth and a sense of grounding calm.
The Plant
Larix decidua (European Larch) is a remarkable tree from the Pinaceae (pine) family – and Europe's only deciduous conifer. While all other conifers keep their needles year-round, the larch drops them every autumn in a spectacular display of golden colour, only to sprout bright green needles each spring. Native to the Alps and Central European mountains, larch thrives at altitudes of 1,000-2,400 metres. Its wood is exceptionally durable (used for centuries in Alpine construction), and its resin has been valued in folk medicine since antiquity. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the fresh needles and young branches, capturing the aromatic essence of the Alpine forest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is larch oil mainly used for?
Larch oil is valued for three things: respiratory support during the cold season (the high pinene content supports free breathing), as a calming, grounding room scent (ideal for the evening or meditation), and as a warming massage oil for muscle relaxation.
How does larch oil differ from other conifer oils?
Larch is warmer and more balsamic than spruce or pine. While spruce tends to be sharp and fresh, and pine bright and green, larch has a rounder, more resinous character with a sweet-balsamic depth. It is closer to Swiss stone pine in warmth but has its own distinctive forest character.
Why is the larch called "deciduous conifer"?
It is the only European conifer that drops its needles in autumn. This makes it unique in the tree world – a conifer with the seasonal cycle of a deciduous tree. In autumn, larch forests turn golden before the needles fall, and in spring, the bright green new growth is a sign of renewal.
Can I use larch oil for steam inhalation?
Yes. Add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale gently for 5-10 minutes. Particularly soothing during the cold season. Not suitable for children under 6 or people with asthma.
Is larch oil suitable for children?
In the diffuser, larch oil is generally well tolerated in low doses for children over 6 years. For younger children, consult a professional first. For skin application, always dilute well and perform a patch test.
How should I store the oil?
Keep away from direct light and heat sources. The amber glass bottle protects the oil from UV radiation. Close tightly after use. Larch oil retains its quality for several years when stored correctly.
Choose Your Size
Organic Larch Oil from the Alps
10 ml Bottle
12,00 €
Perfect for trying it out or as a gift idea.
Recommended
30 ml Bottle
24,50 €
The best choice for regular use. You save!
Important Safety Information
- Use only diluted. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
- During pregnancy, consult your doctor before use.
- May cause skin sensitisation – always perform a patch test.
- Do not ingest.