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What is Cade Wood?
Cade wood, a lesser-known raw material, is derived from the juniper fruit. Three primary species of juniper give birth to this fruit: the Phoenician juniper with scarce red fruits, the common juniper that prefers siliceous soils, high altitudes, and cold climates while producing small blue fruits, and the oxyhedron juniper, which has much larger fruits and leaves with two white stripes. Cade oil has been used for its healing properties since ancient times, and it remains popular today as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It also serves as a local treatment for psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. The dark liquid, rich in aromatic molecules, is now listed in the Codex, a collection containing numerous officinal formulas. Cade is a versatile ingredient, employed in various sectors such as phytosanitary products, veterinary medicine, pharmaceuticals, and perfumery.
The Scented Use of Cade
Cade, an ingredient visually similar to tar, has piqued perfumers' interest due to its powerful smoky aroma. For example, cade can be used to enhance a leather accord. Its potency is so extreme that it is often prediluted before use. In this form, it truly showcases its full dimension, exhibiting a soft roughness that is both warm and comforting, somewhat reminiscent of a campfire's scent. Consequently, cade imparts a sense of comfort and authenticity.
Experiencing the scent of cade evokes a journey back to humanity's origins. The association of fire and leather conjured by cade almost transports us to the heart of prehistory, making it a timeless material. With just a whiff, this somewhat animalistic scent has the power to captivate our imagination.
Fun Facts About Cade Wood
- The name "cade" originates from the Old French word "casc" or "cascate," which means juniper.
- Cade wood has been used for centuries, with records dating back to the Roman Empire and ancient Greece, where it was valued for its medicinal properties.
- Due to its antiparasitic properties, cade oil is often used in veterinary care to treat skin conditions in animals, such as mange in dogs.
- Historically, cade wood was burned to create a smoky, fragrant environment for rituals and ceremonies.
- In addition to its use in perfumery, cade wood is used as a natural insect repellent and for smoking foods, giving them a distinct flavor.
