Friday- More Under the Radar Essential Oils-Davana

Continuing on in the series of Essential Oils that may be under your radar, today we will be discussing Davana.


Essential oil of Davana, botanically known as Artemisia pallens, has a fruity, sweet, rich, base note scent, and has a brown, viscous consistency. It is steam distilled from the leaves and the flowers of the aromatic herb. It is shrub like in appearance and bears numerous small yellow flower heads, with a silvery white silky covering of down, that gives the foliage a rather gray or white appearance.  It actually belongs to the daisy family, and is native to India, who remains its largest producer today. It generally grows near sandalwood trees, but has not really gained much popularity in its home country. It has a history of being mostly exported to France, the USA, Germany, Japan and the Netherlands, and has been commercially cultivated since the 1970's. Since its small seeds and delicate seedlings require extreme nurturing and care,  successful maturation in the wild is very rare. 

The davana plant is mainly cultivated in order to make garlands and for making the essential oils. But, an infusion of the plant has been used to help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. And, in India, the blossoms of the plant are used as an offering in their Religious ceremonies. Reminiscent of apricot fruit, the oil is often used in desserts, sausages, tobacco and pastries. 

 This EO possess aphrodisiac properties. It is extremely soothing to the brain and the nervous system, so it also helps to fight depression and other stress related symptoms. It also has antiseptic, antiviral, and disinfectant properties. It is also considered to stimulate the endocrine system, and to counter headaches, joint pain, and high blood pressure. It also possesses emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, and vulnerary qualities. Its regular use results in silky, smooth, healthy skin. Although it should not be used during pregnancy, its use in a diffuser will take advantage of a few of its properties. The disinfectant properties will help to cleanse the air, especially during cold and flu season, while the nervine and sedative properties will help to ease stress and anxiety. And, of course the oil will add a sweet, interesting note to any blend you create.

This EO is rather high priced (72-100$ an ounce), and is quite prized in the perfumery industry. Aside from its rich aroma, it is largely desired because, when it is applied (topically), this oil is believed to give off a different aroma for each person. So it is used to make individualistic perfume blends.