| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Artemisia pallens |
| Pronunciation | dah-VAH-nuh |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae (Daisy Family) |
| Plant Part Used | Leaves and Flowers |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Origin Regions | India, particularly southern Tamil Nadu and Karnataka |
Description
Davana essential oil is a rich, fruity, herbaceous, and sweetly balsamic oil distilled from the delicate yellow flowering herb Artemisia pallens, native to southern India. Known for its exotic and adaptive aroma, Davana has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, perfumery, and spiritual practices. Its complex fragrance — with notes of ripe fruit, apricot, and warm spice — makes it both grounding and uplifting, evoking balance between body and spirit.
In traditional Indian rituals, fresh Davana flowers are offered to Lord Shiva as a symbol of devotion and detachment. The oil itself has a uniquely adaptive scent — changing subtly depending on the wearer’s chemistry. This rare characteristic has made it a prized ingredient in perfumery, adding individuality and emotional resonance to blends.
Therapeutically, Davana essential oil is used to ease anxiety, balance hormones, and support emotional well-being. It is also valued for its mild antimicrobial and skin-healing properties. Its warming, sensual aroma invites calm confidence, emotional restoration, and quiet joy — perfect for grounding meditation or enhancing creative focus.
Davana’s essence captures both contrast and harmony — soft yet bold, sweet yet herbaceous, physical yet ethereal. It represents graceful equilibrium, inviting a return to centeredness and self-expression.
History & Background
| Era / Region | Traditional Use | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient India | Ayurvedic and ceremonial herb | Used in rituals to honor deities |
| Medieval India | Fragrance and medicine | Applied to balance emotions and hormones |
| 19th Century | Indian perfumery | Added to sacred oils and personal attars |
| Modern Aromatherapy | Emotional and hormonal balance | Valued for calming anxiety and stress-related imbalance |
In Hindu tradition, Davana symbolizes impermanence and devotion, reminding us that beauty is fleeting but meaning endures.
Aroma Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Aroma Type | Sweet, fruity, herbaceous, and balsamic with a hint of apricot |
| Scent Strength | Strong (Middle Note) |
| Blends Well With | Frankincense, Patchouli, Vanilla, Mandarin, Bergamot, and Sandalwood |
Davana adds depth and emotional warmth to floral and woody blends, balancing light and dark notes beautifully.
Chemical Composition
| Compound | Approx. % | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Davanone | 40–55% | Hormone balancing, grounding, relaxing |
| Linalool | 5–10% | Calming, soothing, emotionally balancing |
| Geraniol | 3–6% | Skin regenerative, floral sweetness |
| Bicyclogermacrene | 2–5% | Anti-inflammatory, stabilizing |
| Eugenol | 1–3% | Warming, comforting, mild analgesic |
| Nerol | 1–2% | Uplifting, gentle floral tone |
Its high Davanone content gives this oil its distinctive fruity-balsamic warmth and emotional balancing effects.
Cautions & Safety
| Type | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Internal Use | Not for internal use. |
| Topical Use | Dilute to 2–3%. Generally non-irritating. |
| Pregnancy / Children | Use with standard caution; avoid undiluted use. |
| Photosensitivity | Non-phototoxic. |
| Storage | Store in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight. |
Davana is gentle on the skin but highly aromatic — use sparingly for best results.
Uses & Application Steps
Davana essential oil is used for its emotional balancing, stress-relieving, and grounding effects. It helps calm the mind while inspiring creativity and inner joy.
Aromatic Use
- Diffuse 2–3 drops to release stress and promote calm focus.
- Blend with Mandarin and Frankincense for a meditative environment.
- Inhale directly for emotional grounding during anxiety or overwhelm.
Topical Use
- Dilute 2–3 drops in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil.
- Apply over heart or wrists to support emotional harmony.
- Add to skincare blends to soothe and hydrate dry or mature skin.
Massage or Bath Use
- Mix 3–5 drops with 1 tablespoon carrier oil for a relaxing, centering massage.
- Combine with Sandalwood or Patchouli for deep relaxation and sensual warmth.
- Add pre-diluted oil to bathwater to unwind after emotional or creative exertion.
Emotional & Spiritual Use
- Diffuse during yoga or prayer to enhance mindfulness.
- Apply to temples or pulse points for calm creativity.
- Use in meditation blends to harmonize emotions and foster inner acceptance.
Further Reading & External Links
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| AromaWeb — Davana Essential Oil Profile | https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/davana-essential-oil.php |
| Eden Botanicals — Davana Essential Oil | https://www.edenbotanicals.com/davana.html |
| Florihana — Davana Organic Essential Oil | https://www.florihana.com/us/essential-oils/127-davana-organic-3700343010509.html |
| Plant Therapy — Davana Essential Oil | https://www.planttherapy.com/products/davana-essential-oil |
| PubChem — Davanone Compound Summary | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/1549016 |
Citations & References
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
- PubChem Database — Davanone (CID: 1549016).
- IFRA Standards, 2024 Update.
- AromaWeb — Davana Essential Oil Profile.
- Eden Botanicals — Davana Product Page.
Conclusion
Davana essential oil is a fragrance of devotion and individuality — rich, adaptable, and spiritually resonant. Its sweet, fruity scent reflects both warmth and serenity, offering a space where joy and mindfulness meet.
Emotionally, it brings balance to the heart, comfort to the mind, and calm to the body. Physically, it supports relaxation, feminine wellness, and radiant skin. Spiritually, Davana reminds us to embrace change gracefully and express our unique essence with confidence and peace.
In every drop, Davana whispers a timeless lesson: balance is not found in control, but in harmony.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any essential oil. Conduct your own research by reviewing all citations and references listed above.