Davana Essential Oil (Artemisia pallens)

Overview

Davana may also be referred to as Artemisia Potentillifolia Flower, Wormwood Flower, Russian Wormwood. It is typically processed in Germany, Southern India using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the flowers.

Summary

Davana Essential Oil is typically steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of Artemisia pallens, a shrub that is primarily found in India.

According to Brian Lawrence (as cited in Essential Oil Safety, Edition 2) and various GC/MS reports, Davana Essential Oil is comprised primarily davanone, a ketone. Not much is known about this specific ketone, but ketones generally tend to be anti-viral, analgesic, mucolytic and can help promote the healing of wounds. Refer to the Uses section below for more information on the potential applications for Davana Essential Oil.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Balsamic Earthy Exotic Fresh Herbaceous Musky Rich Slightly floral Sweet Warm

  • Taste Description: Sweet fruity jammy floral magnolia tropical dried fruit apricot plum peach
  • Common Name(s): Artemisia Potentillifolia Flower, Wormwood Flower, Russian Wormwood
  • Synonyms(s) for Artemisia pallens: Artemisia absinthii

  • Botanical Family: Asteraceae
  • Botanical Genus: Artemisia
  • Chemical Family: Esters, Ketones, Sesquiterpenes
  • Major Compounds: grandisol and 1,8‑cineole
  • Perfumery Note: Base
  • Consistency: Thick; Pourable but gloopy viscosity
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
  • Color: Burnt Orange or Pale yellow to yellow clear
  • Countries of Production: Germany, Southern India
  • Indigenous Country: India, Morocco, E. Asia from Pakistan to China and Tibet
  • Cultivation: Unsprayed
  • Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
  • Part Typically Used: Flowers
  • Storage: Store in cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers, protected from heat and light.
  • Shelf Life: 5 years
  • Conservation Status:  [NE] Not Evaluated
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Not Pregnancy Safe Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
  • Not Child Safe Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Usage Tips:

Usage tips for Davana:

  • Apply to the wrists and neck.
  • Rub in palms and inhale deeply
  • Add to a skin care routine

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Davana:

Slight neurotoxicity

Tisserand and Young do not indicate any known hazards for Davana. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety(Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 268.]

Safety Precautions for Davana:

Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Avoid Davana if:

Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Traditional Folklore

Traditional Folklore of Davana:

Artemisia Vestita Essential Oil is used for religious purposes, especially for appeasing Lord Shiva.

Traditionally, Ayurvedic healers in India have long used Davana for all to assists with minor allergies.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities