Shamama: the precious elixir of India

Man working in a smoky environment

In an earlier post, we told you all about our Nomad Saga project and in today’s article, we would like to share some secrets about Shamama, the first raw ingredient in our little Nomad Box.

Shamama is the star ingredient of Eurofragrance’s first quarter, the first jewel in our Nomad Box and a perfumery treasure that hails from the exotic city of Kannauj (India).

What makes it so special?

Shamama is a unique essential oil and the result of a unique combination of raw materials, with a formula that is still a closely guarded secret today. Unlike other distilled essential oils, Shamama is created manually by real artisans.

The nomad journey to Shamama

As you already know, Eurofragance has a nomadic, adventurous spirit that inspires us to travel the globe. And while we are travelling, we discover new places where there are exceptional materials that stimulate us to create our fragrances.

In this case, we had already heard about Shamama as a perfumistic ingredient, but when we travelled to the city of Kannauj to learn more about the mysterious Shamama, we realised that this was more than just a simple ingredient.

It is a magical elixir and, best of all, its formula, which has been passed down through the generations, is still a closely guarded secret. Nobody, except for those who make it, know the recipe.

Each Shamama is made up of at least 45 raw ingredients and there are as many Shamamas as there are blends. Incredible, don’t you think? All the creators have their own recipes and they concoct their Shamamas based on ancestral traditions and techniques. A legacy that has been kept intact over the years.

Aromas that transport us to another era

The scent of Shamama is like the scent of India. It takes us to the essence of this country, its landscapes and colours. So, how is this essential oil made?

During the Shamama manufacturing process, foam, grass and mitti (ceramic clay) are distilled in large quantities for a total of 20 days, enriching the essential oil every step of the way. Finally, the oil is mixed with an infusion of cardamom, saffron and cinnamon, and with essential oils of rose, kewra and oud. This adds the final touch that makes it unique.

Shamama is part of the DNA of Eurofragance, which is why it has become the first star of our Nomad Box. Our sense of adventure has led us to discover new lands, cultures, raw materials and new work techniques so that we can present Shamama as one of the many essential oils that form part of our history. Discover more on our new Nomad Saga website!

But this is only the beginning. Every quarter we’ll reveal a new raw material and explain its history and tradition. Don’t miss the excitement!

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