Sri Lanka best essential oils to buy quality - cinnamon lemongrass?
6 Answers from travellers
Sri Lanka's premium essential oils: (1) Ceylon cinnamon leaf oil (different from bark oil - lighter, sweeter). (2) Ceylon cinnamon bark oil (spicier, more medicinal). (3) Lemongrass oil (top quality here). (4) Citronella oil (traditional mosquito repellent). (5) Coconut oil (virgin, cold-pressed - not essential but medicinal). (6) Sesame oil (Ayurvedic base carrier). (7) Sandalwood oil (limited - endangered species regulations). (8) Vetiver oil (grounding, earthy). Buy at: Spa Ceylon (retail brand), Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Store, Bandaranaike Ayurvedic Institute pharmacy, Barefoot Colombo (some), Union Chemists.
Ordering therapeutic grade cinnamon bark + leaf + lemongrass from Bandaranaike Institute pharmacy in Colombo next week. Also picking up from Silva's plantation when I visit south. Small bottles for hand luggage, larger for checked. Starting collection.
Practical: pack essential oils in checked luggage (some airlines restrict in cabin). Small bottles 5-10ml for hand luggage OK. Wrap in plastic to prevent leaks. Sri Lankan oils travel well - stable + long shelf life.
Ayurvedic hospitals sometimes stock harder-to-find oils (nutmeg, mustard, kohomba/neem). Bandaranaike is the largest institutional Ayurvedic pharmacy in Sri Lanka. Prescription oils for specific conditions available through Ayurvedic doctor consultation.
Also: some plantations sell direct - Handunugoda Tea Estate has cinnamon leaf oil from their own cinnamon groves. Silva's Cinnamon Estate similar. Direct-from-source = freshest, best price. But smaller quantities.
Grade matters hugely. Ask for 'therapeutic grade' or 'first distillation'. Beware of 'perfume grade' oils sold cheaper - fine for scent, useless for aromatherapy. Reputable Sri Lankan brands: Ranweli, Spa Ceylon, Bandaranaike Institute pharmacy. Prices USD 15-100 per 30ml depending on oil + grade.
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