Artemisia pollens, Dhavanam, are an aromatic herb, In genus of small herbs or shrubs, xerophytes In nature. The flowers are racemes panicles bear numerous small yellow flower heads or Capitola, but the silvery white silky covering of down gives the foliage a Grey or white appearance.
Davanam has alternate punnasect leaves (leaf which is divided into opposite pairs of lobes cut almost to the midrib in narrow divisions) or palmatisect leaves (the green tissue is divided into several segments not fully separated at the base).
It is commercially cultivated for its fragrant leaves and flowers. It has two distinct morphological types, one in which the plants are short in stature and flowering sets in early, and the other in which plants are tall and flowering sets in later. It grows from seeds and cuttings and reaches maturity in four months. The plant is woody in the lower part of the stem, but with yearly branches. Seen mostly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu states in India.
Davana is botanical known as Artemisia Pollens and largely produced in Indian subcontinent. The oil is extracted through steam distillation process. During the process one has to make sure that flower and stems are fresh. Later the unopened flowers petals and stems are distilled to carve out the oil.
The oil produces really unique fragrance. Davana can really blend with mires patchouli , rose, rosewood, sandalwood, spikenard, tangerine, tuberose, vanilla, Bergamot, black Pepper, cardamom, Chamomile, Jasmine, Orange and so on.
Properties: Davana Oil is non toxic and none sensitizing can be mildly irritating. Avoid during pregnancy and with babies and children. Tisserand list Davana oil as non toxic and do not take internally. Its odor is sharp, penetrating, bitter green, foliage like and powerfully herbaceous with a sweet balsamic, tenacious back note. It is an Anti-infectious, calmative, aphrodisiac, mucolytic and nerving.
Uses & Benefits: The leaves and flowers yield an essential oil known as oil of Davana. Several species yield essential oil and some are used as fodder, some of them are a source of the anthelmintic chemical Santorin. Davana blossoms are offered to Shiva, the God of Transformation, by the faithful, and decorate his altar throughout the day. Oral administration of high doses aqueous/metabolic extract from the aerial parts of the plants was observed to reduce blood glucose levels in glucose−fed hyperglycemic and alloxan-treated rabbits and rats.
Davana oil is used in making perfumes of sweet and fruity fragrances. When applied on the skin, Davana is said to smell differently on different persons. This peculiar property is highly valued in high class perfumery to create fragrances with truly individual notes.
Davana leaves and stalks are used in making bouquets, garlands, fresh or dry flower arrangements.
Summary:
Davana Oil is a clear golden yellow color liquid that changes to brown color on storage. Davana oil is widely used in the manufacturing of expensive perfumes, in Aromatherapy, as it has rich properties of mucolytic and nerving. It is also used to give flavor to cakes, pastries, tobacco and some expensive beverages. Davana oil is available in different quantities and can be modified as per the demands of the clients. Pure and natural Davana oil is extracted from herbage (free from harmful pesticides) cultivated under controlled cultivation.
The essential oil of Davana is widely used in food Flavoring and Perfumery Industries. It is extensively used in flavorings of food, liquor and pastry industries besides perfumery.
India is the only producer and exporter of Davana oil.
Davana Oil is obtained by steam distillation of the over ground parts of the flowering herb, Artemisia Pollens wall. The plant grows in the same parts of southern India where also sandalwood is grown. Davana Oil is very dark green or brownish green in color. Its odor is sharp, penetrating, bitter green, foliage like and powerfully herbaceous with a sweet balsamic, tenacious back note.