Ingredient
βαλάνινον ἔλαιον, Ꜥnt.w
Balanos Oil
βαλάνινον ἔλαιον (balaninon elaion) is an oil said to be produced from tree nuts whose precise origin is unclear. The oil and the nuts go by several names in antiquity, while the modern identification remains unclear, although there is some consensus that it refers to a species of Moringa. In antiquity, it is known for its ‘receptivity’ to scent and for its long shelf-life.
Photo: Sean Coughlin
Other ancient names
- μυροβαλάνινον ἔλαιον (grk)
- balaninum oleum (lat.)
- Ꜥnt.w (antu)
Type of material
Oil (ἔλαιον)
Function
Vehicle
Scent
Mild to slightly nutty [goodscents link]
Translations
- oil of zukkum (Liddell et al. 1843: 304)
- l’huile de behen (André 1985: 32-33).
Source Plant Names
(ancient)
Greek
- βάλανος (balanos): acorn
- ἐξιποῦν (exipoun) βάλανος τῆς Συρίας (balanos tes Syrias): Syrian acorn
- βάλανος μυρεψική (balanos myrepsike): Perfume-maker’s acorn
- μυροβάλανος (myrobalanos ): perfume-nut
- βάλανος τῆς Αἰγυπτίας (balanos tes Aigyptias): Egyptian acorn
Latin
- balanum
- myrobalanum
Region
- Lorem region ipsum
- Lorem region ipsum
Source Plant Identifications
(modern)
- Balanites aegyptiaca L. (Liddell et al. 1843: 304)
- Moringa peregrina. (Some guy 1905: 123)
- Moringa arabica Pers. (André 1985: 32-33)
- Moringa sp. (Beck 2020: 111)
See also
olive oil, [other oils]
Ancient References
- Aetius of Amida xxx
- Pliny Natural History 14.5
Further reading
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