Artemisia pallens Steam distilled from blossoms, Mysore, India,
Ethically Farmed
At one time we offered a CO2 extracted Davana. We loved
the aroma, but found it almost impossible to work with. It was ultra
thick, almost a solid, and did not dilute easily in any carrier. Finally
we have found a steam distilled Davana that is aromatically at least
equal to our CO2 - and so much easier for the perfumer to blend.
There is a story behind the blossoms from which this
amazing aromatic is extracted. Each day, in India, the faithful offer
Davana blossoms to Shiva. The flowers remain on his altar throughout the
day, and at the end of the day are removed. They are then dried in the
shade for a week, prior to distillation. These are the blossoms from
which this amazing extract are produced. If you believe that the energy and the intent of those handling the botanicals affects the
oil produced from them, then the spirituality of this Davana will be
wonderful.
We first experienced Davana over dinner with an Indian
supplier, years ago. He passed around a small vial and told us all to
apply some to our hand. Initially, I was unimpressed...it smelled
sweetly balsamic, green and herbal and...then I smelled it again...warmly floral...oh, nice!. Then I smelled it on Anne...a floral wood
note, with just a hint of spice...on Debi, a pure, unalloyed floral
note that took much longer to develop...perhaps 30 minutes or so. And on
Girish, my Indian friend...aaaaaaaahhhhh...I just didn't want to let go
of his hand...it was the richest scent I have ever known a man to
wear...rooted, sweet wood notes with overtones of I don't know what...marvelous.
Davana is truly our chameleon...it changes with every wearer. The
perfect ingredient for a truly personal perfume.
Now, I have seen, on various websites, Davana recommended for wound
healing, for skin infections and irritations. I do NOT recommend its use
for these purposes. It is another untested oil and although it does not
appear to be an irritant or a sensitizer, it should be avoided on broken
skin. Its high Ketone level means that it could be toxic in high doses,
and should be used with moderation.
Emotionally, it is relaxing and some claim has an anti-anxiety
effect. I have seen one source claim that it is one of the most
aphrodisiac of all oils.
Tony Burfield writes that Davana is used in perfumery to impart a
fruity topnote to chypres and floral compositions, that it has a black
currant note, an undertone reminiscent of hay absolute, with a fruity,
winey dryout with just a hint of tobacco.