Product Overview
Artemisia pallens is an aromatic herb indigenous to southern India[1] where Davana blossoms are offered in daily rituals to Lord Shiva. Davanone, a sesquiterpene ketone, is the dominant molecule responsible for both the aroma and diffusive intensity of Davana oil.
Given its potency and typically high ketone percentages, Davana oil should be used in extremely small concentrations within aromatherapy or perfumery blends. Sue Clarke, author of Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, agrees with many others in the field that ketones should be used mindfully (at a maximum of 2%), not for prolonged periods of time, and not at all during pregnancy.[2]
1 Wells, F.V. and Marcel Billot. Perfumery Technology – Art:Science:Industry, 2nd ed., 1981, p. 77.
2 Clarke, Sue. Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, 2nd ed., 2008, pp. 68-9.
3 Arctander, Steffen. Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, 1960, p. 213.
4 Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, pp. 267-8.
