Davana - Artemisin pallens

History: This plant is botanically known as Artemisia Pallens and it has been in use in India for religious purposes since time immemorial. There, the fresh flowers of Davana are offered to Lord Shiva, perhaps as a token of identification of its medicinal properties. The chief components of Davana Essential Oil are a ketone called davanone, linalool, few terpenoids and davana ether.

Indications: 

• Anti Depression: Davana Essential Oil fights depression through relaxation. It also reduces blood pressure in cases of anxiety and stress and gives relief from symptoms associated with stress and depression. This oil induces mental peace, positive energy and spiritualism and helps recover from after effects of shock, trauma, disappointment, failures etc. This property can be employed for mental rehabilitation of patients of depression.
• Anti Septic: It fights infections causing septic of internal and external wounds, urinary tracts, urethra, kidneys and other parts. It also gives protection against conditions like tetanus. This should be applied without delay in mild concentrations in cases of cuts and wounds, particularly from iron objects, dirty abrasives etc.
• Anti Viral: This oil builds up effective protection against viral attacks. It ruptures the protective covering of virus called cyst and thereby killing the virus. It cures viral infections such as cough & cold, influenza, measles etc.
• Disinfectant: It fights infections from bacteria, microbes, fungi and virus and helps cure infectious diseases. If used in fumigants or sprays or vaporizers, it disinfects the whole area and makes it free from microbes. Perhaps it is one of the reasons why davana flowers are used during worship in India.
• Emenagogue: Opens up blocked menstruation and makes them regular. It is good in curing menstrual spasm. It also eases pain associated with menses and gives relief from other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, pelvic pain, cramps etc.
• Expectorant: Davana loosens a tight cough and phlegm deposits in the respiratory tracts, making breathing easier. It relieves congestion and reduces coughs and also treats other problems such as headache and pain in the joints associated with cold.
• Relaxant: Davana relaxes contractions in muscles, blood vessels and also has a relaxing effect on the brain and the nervous system, thus fighting anxiety, stress, depression, anger etc. This helps you get a good night of sleep, too.
• Vulnerary: This property of Davana Essential Oil heals wounds faster and protects them from infections.
• Other Benefits: This oil also has mild vermifuge and insect repellent properties. It also shows hypotensive properties and brings down blood pressure.

Mode of Administration: Bath, diffusor, douche, massage, mist spray.

Safety:  This oil is not toxic, but can cause irritations and therefore should be avoided by pregnant women. Has high ketones so use with caution.

References:
Battaglia, S.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy; Third Edition The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2017
Tisserand R. Young R.  Essential Oil Safety, second edition.  Churchhill Livingstone, UK, 2013
Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.  Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, USA, 2000
Caddy R. Essential Oils in Colour.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2005
Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of Essential Oils.  Element Books Limited, GB, 1992
Caddy R. the Essential Blending Guide.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2007
Weaver W.W. Sauer’s Herbal Cures.  Routledge, UK, 2001
World Wide Web Encyclopedia Britannica. USA, 2014
Photos attribution – istock Photos
LabAroma

Safety Considerations:
        Do not take essential oils internally.
        Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
        Do not apply undiluted to skin (for directions on proper dilution refer to an aromatherapy text).
        The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
        Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a healthcare provider.
        The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
        You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.
        Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.

Information and statements regarding Kelley products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. 
All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.  
Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.