Lawang Oil

#### Lawang Oil. Among the comparatively few sources of eugenol from nature is an Indonesian tree, whose bark can be steam distilled to yield an essential oil rich in eugenol. **Lawang Oil **is probably derived from more than one species of **Cinnamomum **tree (**Cinnamomum Culilawan **and others). The bark is collected in Indonesia, Malaya, China and New Guinea. Distillation from locally collected material takes place occasionally in Indonesia from New Guinea material, in Australia. The eugenol content varies according to the species of Cinnamomum used, and up to practically 100% of eugenol has been reported. Other oils have a distinct safrole note behind the eugenol, changing the clove-like odor to a nutmeg-like fragrance. **Lawang**** ****Oil**** **is a dark yellow-brownish oil of warm, rich, spicy odor, varying as described above. It is used quite regularly in the local areas as a spice, while the oil only occasionally reaches Europe or the U.S.A. Since it does not present any substantially unique or particular odor or flavor, the oil has not attained any importance through all its 70 or 80 years of existence on the market. It is conceivable that it will remain a partial substitute for—or additive to—clove, cinnamon and nutmeg in the local spice industry. The author has not been able to estimate the annual production of this oil.