GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A strongly aromatic annual herb about 1 metre high with bright green delicate leaves, umbels of lacelike white flowers, followed by a mass or green, round seeds.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and western Asia; naturalised in North America. Cultivated throughout the world, the oil is mainly produced in the USSR.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: A herb with a long history of use the seeds were found in the ancient Egyptian tomb of Rameses II. The seeds and leaves are widely used as a granish and domestic spice, especially in curries. It has been used therapeutically, mainly in the form of an infusion for children s diarrhoea, digestive upsets, griping pains, anorexia and flatulence. In Chinese medicine the whole herb is used for dysentery, piles, measles, nausea, toothache and for painful hernia.
ACTIONS: Analgesic, aperitif, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant, antispasmodic, bactericidal, digestive, carminative, cytotoxic, fungicidal, larvicidal, revitalizing, stimulant (cardiac, circulatory, nervous system), stomachic.
CHARACTERISTICS: A colourless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, woody-spicy, slightly musky fragrance.
Traditionally:
The leaves are commonly used as garnish and domestic spice in cooking.
Materia Medica of Essential Oils(based on Chinese Medical Perspective) by Jeffrey Yuen.
- Transforms dampness and expels bi-obstruction
- Tonifies spleen qi
Blends: with clary sage, bergamot, jasmine, olibanum, neroli, petitgrain, citronella, sandalwood, cypress, pine, ginger, cinnamon and other spice oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: mainly linalol (55-75 per cent), borneol, geraniol, terpineol (Alcohols) Cineole (ketone) cymene, dipentene, phellandrene, Pinene, terpinene, terpinolene (terpenes), among other constituents, vary according to source.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME USE: Circulation, muscles and joints: Accumulation of fluids or toxins, arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatism, stiffness. Digestive system: Anorexia, colic, flatulence, nausea, piles, spasm. Immune system: Colds, flu, infections (general), measles. Nervous system: Migraine, and nervous exhaustion.
OTHER USES: Used as a flavouring agent in pharmaceutical preparations, especially digestive remedies. Used as a fragrance component in soaps, toiletries and perfumes. Employed by the food industry especially in meat products and to flavour liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Benedictine; also used for flavouring tobacco.
SAFETY DATA: Generally non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Stupefying in large doses-use in moderation.
Caution:
EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
Do not use undiluted on the skin.
Keep away from children & pets.
Store away from heat & light.
Ref:
Steffen Arctander - Perfume & Flavor Materials of Natural Origin
Wanda Sellar - The Directory of Essential Oils
Disclaimer:
Information within this site is for educational purposes only. Statements about the product efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The products mentioned within are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As always, please consult your Medical Doctor for any medical advice or treatment.
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