Aim: To extract the oils present in Aniseed, Carom and

Cardamom.
Introduction :
We are all familiar with the pleasant odours coming out from flowers,
spices and many trees. The essence or aromas of plants are due to
volatile oils present in them. These smelling volatile oils present in
plants are called essential oils. Cinnamon, clove, cumin, eucalyptus,
garlic, jasmine, peppermint, rose, sandalwood, spearmint, thyme,
wintergreen are a few familiar examples of valuable essential oils. The
term essential oils literally means oils derived from the essence of
plants.
Essential oils are mainly used for their pleasant odours and flavors in
perfumes and as flavoring agents in foods. Some are used in medicines
(e.g., camphor, wintergreen, eucalyptus) others as insect repellants
(e.g., citronella). Chemically essential oils are composed of complex
mixtures of ester, alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones and
hydrocarbons. They are essentially non-polar compounds and are thus
soluble in non-polar solvents such as petroleum ether, benzene etc.
Essential oils may occur in all parts of the plant, but they are often
concentrated in the seeds or flowers. They are obtained from the
plants by the process of steam distillation . The technique of steam
distillation permits the separation of volatile components from nonvolatile materials without raising the temperature of the distillation
above 100 C.

Aniseed Essential Oil

Aniseed, on steam distillation, yields an essential oil, known as `Oil of
Aniseed`, which has now replaced the fruits for medicinal and flavoring
purposes. Aniseed oil is a colorless or pale-yellow liquid having the
characteristic odor and taste of the fruit. The yield of oil generally
varies from 1.9 to 3.1 per cent. Higher values up to 6 per cent have
been reported from Syrian aniseed. Crushing of fruits prior to
distillation gives better yields of oil. The material should be distilled
soon after the crushing to prevent any loss of oil due to evaporation.
Aniseed oil is a highly refractive liquid, which solidifies on cooling. The
congealing point depends much on the anethole content and is a valuable
criterion for evaluating the oil.
The chief constituent of aniseed oil is anethole, which is present to the
extent of 80 to 90 per cent and is mainly responsible for the
characteristic flavor of the oil. The oil also contains methyl chavicol, pmethoxyphenyl acetone, and small amount of terpenes and sulfur
containing compounds of disagreeable odour.

Common Method of Extraction:- Steam Distillation v

Color:- Clear
Botanical Name:- Pimpinella anisum
Aromatic Description:- Distinctive scent of licorice. Rich and

sweet.
Constituents:- a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, linalool, cisanethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde, acetoanisole.

Uses of Aniseed :

1. In aromatherapy, aniseed essential oil is used to treat colds and

flu.
2. Aniseed oil can be made into a liquid scent and is used for both
hunting and fishing. It is put on fishing lures to attract fish.
3. Anethole, the principal component of anise oil, is a precursor that
can eventually produce 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde which is can
be used in the clandestine synthesis of psychedelic drugs such as
2C-B, 2C-I and DOB.
4. Oil of aniseed is also reported to be used as an aromatic
carminative to relieve flatulence, and as an ingredient of cough
lozenges in combination with liquorice.
5. Essential oil is also used externally as an insecticide against small
insects such as head lice, mites and vermin. It also has fungicidal
properties.
Carom Essential Oils
Carom seeds are also known as ajwain, Thymol seeds, Onum and Ajma.
They are tiny, delicate and oval shapes herbs with a penetrating
fragrance. Carom seeds belongs to the family of cumin and parsley.
These seeds have been used since years as medicines. Because of their
strong aroma, carom seeds are highly used for Indian culinary.
Ajowan oil, better known as Ajwain essential oil is highly used in India
for flavouring and for home made medications from ancient times. It is
basically used in stomach ache. It is a perfumery raw material. The
ajowan essential oil is highly valued in spasmodic, carminative and a
good stimulent tonic. Ultimately beneficial for health. It is extracted
by the steam distillation process.

Common Method of Extraction:Color:- light orange to reddish color

Botanical Name:- Trachyspermum ami
Aromatic Description:- Peppery, thyme scent.
Constituents:- Thymol, Gamma-terpinene, P-cymene, and betapinene, alpha-pinene, alpha-thujene, beta-myrcene, carvacrol,
limonene, and terpinene-4-ol in ajowan oil.

Uses of Carom
Add a few drops of ajowan essential oil to your diffuser to clear
up your sinuses, and ease your coughs.
It is known as a powerful anti-spasmodic (pain reliever) yet is a
gentle herb offering many varied healing properties.
Ajowan essential oil is known to stimulate appetite.

Cardamom Essential Oil

Cardamom essential oil (Elettaria cardamomum) is actually from the
ginger family, and steam distilled from the seeds after they've
undergone a long drying process (over 3 months!) to get the best levels
of chemical constituents possible. Although it can be sourced from
many locations around the world, Guatemala is widely known to have the
best growing conditions to produce the most potent oil. When I first
smelled cardamom oil, I can't say I was impressed. It has a sweet,
spice-like aroma... like ethnic food, which isn't to say it's bad, just that
it reminds me more of a good restaurant than a favorite essential oil.
Something important to note about cardamom: It's generally gentler
and safer for children than other oils. Because many digestive or

respiratory oils, such as Eucalyptus or Peppermint, are often avoided

with younger kids, it can be hard to find suitable solutions. But
cardamom can actually be a great substitute for many digestive and
respiratory needs. I would still dilute, partially because little bodies
don't need big drops.

Common Method of Extraction:Color:Botanical Name:Aromatic Description:Constituents:- Sabinene, Limonene, Terpenene, Eugenol, Cineol,
Nerol, Geraniol, Linalool, Nerodilol, Heptenone, Borneol, Alpha
Terpineol, Terpinyl Acetate and Alpha Pinene

Uses of Cardamom

Use internally as part of a daily health regimen to support healthy

gastrointestinal function.
Diffuse or apply topically to promote clear breathing.
Add to bread, smoothies, meats, and salads to enhance food flavor and

aid digestion.
Diffuse or inhale on boat or car rides.
Diffuse several drops of cardamom essential oil throughout the room

to help you take responsibility where needed.

For emotional balance, Diffuse as desired, or massage over the energy

centers of the body.

Diffuse several drops of cardamom essential oil throughout the room

to address anger.