Davana (botanical name Artemisia pallens Wall.) belongs to the Asteraceae family possesses a diploid chromosome number of 2n=16. It is an aromatic plant of South India which is grown for its flowers and leaves and valued highly for its fruity fragrance. Essential oil is extracted from leaves and stems through the steam distillation method. It has a rich, strongly boozy, penetrating, sweet and mysterious aroma. It has balsamic warm wood and bittersweet undertones. The essential oil is thick and is transparent and pale yellow. It is a part of the vital component in garlands and bouquets where sprigs of davana imparted an element of freshness and rich extravagant odor.
| Name | Davana |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Artemisia pallens |
| Native | Southern India |
| Common/English Name | Qing Hao, Sweet sagewort |
| Name in Other Languages | Sanskrit: Davanam; Hindi: Davana; Kannada: Davana; Tamil: Davanam |
| Soil | Sandy loam to medium black |
| Plant Size | Two feet tall |
| Leaf | White, silvery |
| Flowering Season | August to September |
| Flower | Yellow |
It is mostly cultivated in southern parts of Karnataka and lesser extent in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Sprigs are used widely in floral composition by women folk for decorating their hair. Flowers are racemose panicles with numerous small and yellow flower heads or capitula but the silvery-white silky covering of down provides foliage a grey or white appearance. Leaves are alternate, pinnatisect or palmatisect. It is propagated from cuttings and seeds and reaches maturity in four months.
Davana is imported worldwide for its sweet fragrance and medicinal values and is also used to glorify the idol of Lord Shiva in India. In Ayurveda, it is used for treating nervous problems, mental disorders, cold, cough, infections, measles, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Health Benefits
- Treat depression
Davana essential oil is regarded as an aid for anxiety and depression. It enhances natural relaxation in the body by reducing blood pressure and depletes stress hormones. It promotes mental clarity, positive energy, peace and helps those with trauma effects. Some mental rehabilitation centers use this oil to alleviate depression and anxiety.
- Acts as antiseptic
The oil is used to cleanse wounds and helps to combat infections that could be a threat to injured or weakened area. It is helpful for simple cut, serious abrasion and insect bites. It encounters microbe, bacteria, virus and fungi that pave the way to the wound.
- Expectorant properties
People with respiratory issue such as seasonal allergies, asthma and tough cough could be helped with the components present in Davana. It loosens phlegm that is imbedded in respiratory system. It allows breathing better and grasping fuller and deeper breaths. It prevents buildup of congestion in the chest that could result to serious conditions. Put a couple of drops in a humidifier and diffuser and allow it to fill the room.
- Emenagogue
The essential oil has natural propensity to promote relaxation even in women going through painful menstrual cycles. It helps to normalize blood flow in uterus and pelvis to enhance normal menstruation. It is found to be beneficial for those with irregular periods or no period. Rub few drops of oil on lower abdomen to provide relief from menstrual cramps, nausea, bloating and mood swings.
- Promotes relaxation
Davana essential oil relaxes the contractions in muscles as well as blood vessels providing a relaxing effect on brain and nervous system by combating stress, anxiety, anger and depression. It offers sound sleep.
- Skin health
Davana oil acts as an antiseptic that combats infections and maintains skin health by preventing infection-prone conditions such as boils, acne, pimples and stretch marks. It speeds up the healing process of cuts and wounds. Mix 2 drops of Davana essential oil to regular skincare cream with 1 ml of jojoba oil and apply it to the skin for treating dry, rough, and chapped skin. It stimulates the endocrine system.
- Treat insect bites
Insect bites are the most common skin issues that people experience. Davana oil has antiseptic properties which protect insect bites from irritating. Dilute the davana oil with other oil such as olive oil or coconut oil before applying on the skin. The oil has the vulnerable property that speeds up the healing of bites and protects them.
- Helpful for dry skin
Davana essential oil assures clearer and gentle skin when added to the routine. Add 2 to 3 drops of oil to the cream or lotion before application. It is turned out to be healthy and energetic.
Traditional uses
- In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Davana is an aphrodisiac and mood elevator.
- It is helpful for discomfort during menstruation.
- In India, Davana is used to treat uterine and ovarian cysts that help fertility and promote positive outcomes.
Precautions
- Some people might experience dermatitis and other allergic reactions due to skin contact with the plant.
- Pollens are allergenic.
- Avoid during pregnancy, elders, small children and epileptics.
Other facts
- Sprigs of Davana are used in bouquets, garlands and religious offerings in most parts of the year.
- The essential oil extracted from flowers and leaves are used in cosmetics and perfumes.
- Davana oil contains 65% ester, 20% hydrocarbons and 15% oxygenated compounds.
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