Refugio Gardens Botanicals
Goldenbush Essential Oil – Sustainably Wild Grown, Artisan-Distilled, Pure & Genuine (Hazardia squarrosa)
Goldenbush Essential Oil – Sustainably Wild Grown, Artisan-Distilled, Pure & Genuine (Hazardia squarrosa)
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California Goldenbush Essential Oil
Hazardia squarrosa — “Autumn Treasure of the Chaparral”
Experience Goldenbush Firsthand
Goldenbush Essential Oil is a rare California aromatic with a bright, sweet-green, resinous profile. Its uplifting, pear-cider-like fragrance blends floral and spicy notes, making it unique among native oils and treasured for its joyful, clarifying qualities.
Aroma & Character
- Fragrance: Sweet, uplifting, pear-cider and bubblegum notes with hints of gardenia, jasmine, and clove
- Note: Middle
- Energetics: Uplifting, clarifying, mood-enhancing
Uses & Benefits
- Emotional uplift: Inhalation supports mood balance, eases melancholy, and inspires joy
- Meditation & focus: Diffuse during reflection or creative work to elevate clarity
- Natural perfumery: Unique sweet-resinous profile layers beautifully with jasmine, citrus, or sage
Discovery & Innovation
In 1997, Dr. Amy Inez Hazard became the first to distill Hazardia squarrosa, capturing an essential oil never before documented in aromatherapy. The euphoric, sweet fragrance was first noticed while handling autumn blossoms, leading to an experimental distillation that revealed its divine essence. This work, later included in her Master’s Thesis on native oils, established Refugio Gardens as the original source of Goldenbush Essential Oil.
Chemistry & Research
GC–MS analysis of Hazardia squarrosa reveals a complex floral–resinous chemotype, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that contribute to its uplifting aroma and antioxidant potential. Early research highlights its unique fragrance compounds as promising in both aromatherapy and natural perfumery. †
Sustainability & Harvesting
Our Hazardia squarrosa is sustainably wild grown on private ranch land in Santa Barbara’s coastal foothills. Plants are harvested responsibly to preserve pollinator habitats and ecosystem balance. Distilled in small artisan batches at low temperatures, this oil retains its full aromatic complexity and purity.
Experience Wild California
Goldenbush blooms late in the season, filling the chaparral air with a fragrance of sun-warmed blossoms and sweet resin. Captured in our essential oil, this rare aroma evokes autumn in the Santa Barbara mountains — truly wild California in a bottle.
Want to dive deeper? Read our full botanical and therapeutic profile in the Therapeutics of Goldenbush Blog.
California Goldenbush FAQ
What is California Goldenbush essential oil?
A rare native distillation from Hazardia squarrosa with a sweet, uplifting, resinous aroma.
Why is Goldenbush unique?
It was first distilled in 1997 by Dr. Amy Inez Hazard and remains one of the few California native oils introduced in modern aromatherapy.
How do I use Goldenbush essential oil?
Diffuse for mood uplift, dilute into massage oils, or blend in natural perfumery. Hydrosol can be used as a gentle room mist.
Is it sustainably sourced?
Yes. Harvests are performed with care for plant health and pollinator habitats, and all batches are artisan-distilled at Refugio Gardens.
Disclaimer: For educational and traditional use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using essential oils, especially if pregnant, nursing, or under medical care.
† For references and research details, see our References page.
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Safety & Cautions
Safety & Cautions
- Please be advised to keep essential oils out of reach of pets and children.
- Please avoid using photosensitive essential oils (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, Tangerine, Calm Shen Blend and any products made with these oils such as Santa Barbara Goldenbush Lotion) prior to going out in the sun or using a tanning booth as they can react to sunlight and cause something similar to a severe sunburn.
- It is advised to void continuous long term use of the same essential oils.
- Be sure to research the powerful effects of essential oils before use.
- Use diluted essential oils on the skin (Carrier oils like Jojoba are great for this in a 10% essential oil to 90% carrier base oil ratio).
- It is advised to patch test on a small portion of sensitive skin and discontinue if there is irritation or a negative reaction.
- Please know the safety data and specific warnings on an individual oil or Blend before using.
- And please use careful caution using essential oils during pregnancy. Any use should be approved by a medical provider.
- Its important to keep essential oils away from your eyes. If oil does get in your eye, do not flush it out with water. You can dilute the area immediately with vegetable or carrier oil by placing the vegetable oil on a tissue and gently wiping the eye area.
- Also essential oils are flammable so please avoid direct contact with flames such as candles.
- Please do not use essential oils internally unless properly trained and prescribed by a physician. If accidentally swallowed, call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately and do not induce vomiting.
