Gardenia tahitensis (Gardenia tahitensis)

The Tahitian gardenia or Gardenia Tahitensis, better known as Tiaré, is a flower native to Polynesia. It has been used in this tropical paradise for thousands of years for its amazing properties and wonderful fragrance. Gardenia tahitensis is a plant traditionally cultivated on the islands of Société in Polynesia. It is a small evergreen shrub growing to a height of 1 to 4 metres. Its flowers have a large spherical corolla 5-9 cm in diameter and are highly perfumed. Because of its high essential oil content and fragrance, it is one of the highly prized raw materials in perfumery.

However, it is not only their beautiful scent that is appreciated in the processing of these flowers. Due to its salicylic acid content, this flower has anti-inflammatory properties and thus helps the skin to fight aging. Tiaré flowers are also used to produce monoi oil, which is a popular natural cosmetic product in Polynesia. It is an important ingredient in many creams, balms, masks and suntan oils. It can be used not only on the skin but also on the hair. It regenerates dry and damaged hair, adds shine and improves the overall structure of the hair. Although it is an oil, it is not greasy, on the contrary, it is quickly absorbed. Monoi oil is also widely used in aromatherapy, as its intoxicating scent helps induce a sense of calm and relaxation.