Aarya Aroma-Artemisia Oil

Traditional Uses:

The botanical classification of this genus, of some 200 species, was derived from Artemisia, the sister and wife of the Greek/Persian King Mausolus, and ruled after his death in 353 BCE. In the ancient Greek text of Dioscorides, Artemisia is mentioned as a remedy for expelling intestinal worms, and thus its name "wormwood". Artemisia has a long history of use in herbal medicine especially in matters connected to the digestive system, menstrual complaints and the treatment of worms. In Asian traditional medicine, Artemisia is used as a method of correcting breech presentation. The leaves have an antibacterial action and are also said to be appetizer, diuretic, haemostatic and stomachic. Not to mention, the leaves, placed inside the shoes, are said to be soothing for sore feet. In the Himalayas of Nepal, leaf of Artemisia is rolled up into the nostril to stop nosebleeds. Artemisia essential oil, works as insect repellant. Diluted oil is used to kill insect larvae.

Artemisia oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the ariel portions of Artemisia vulgaris L.

1. Organoleptic Properties:

Appearance: Fluid liquid

Color: Pale yellow

Aroma: Sweet herbal, faintly balsamic

2. Physico - Chemical Properties:

Specific Gravity: 0.8786 to 0.9265 at 25° C

Optical Rotation: (-) 13.25C to (-) 29.35 at 25° C

Refractive Index: 1.3500 to 1.4900 at 25° C

Acid No: 2.49 to 6.5

Ester No: 25.05 to 55.00

Ester No: after Acetylation: 65 to 90

Solubility: Insluble in alcohol

3. Packing:

Aluminum containers and epoxy-lined metallic barrels

500g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg, capacities

4. Uses:

In aromatherapy its aroma purify the environment and it act as a deterrent against

several insects and pests. It also uses insomnia.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

References:

Dudai N, et al. Essential oils as allochemicals and their potential use as bioherbicides. J Chem Ecol . 1999;25:1079-1089

Menut C, et al. Aromatic plants of Tropical West Africa. XI. Chemical composition, antioxidant and antiradical properties of the essential oils of three Cymbopogon species from Burkina Faso. J Essent Oil Res . 2000;12:207-212.Put, Don. 1997. Brewing Techniques - The Pursuit of Hoppiness Part I. http://www.storey.com/BREWTCH2.HTM.

1. Lawless, J. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils . Element Books, Inc. Rockport, MA 1995;132.

Medicinal Plants of Nepal, His Majesty's Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Department of Plant Resources, 6th Edition, Kathmandu, 2001