Medicinal Plant

Aromatic Plants:Aromatic plants are a special class of plants used for their aroma and
flavour.Many of them are exclusively used also for medicinal purposes in aromatherapy as well
as in various systems of medicine. Such particularities are due to the presence of volatile
compounds known as essential oils.Aromatic plants and aromatic oils have a great demand in
domestic as well as international market

Scope for Aromatic Plants

Out of the nearly 4,50,000 species known to mankind , about 2000 species, which come
from about 60 botanical families, contain essential oils.
• The families Pinaceae among the gymnosperms
• The families Apiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Lauraceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae among
the dicot angiosperms.
• The families Poaceae, Aracaceae, Zingiberaceae and Amaryllidaceae among the
monocot angiosperms
• There are more than 1500 known aromatic plants species serving as a source of raw
materials for the perfumery and cosmetic industry in India.
• Out of total 1500 aromatic plant species, nearly 500 aromatic plants species have been
studied for their chemical, aromatic and medicinal properties .
• Out of 500 aromatic plant species studied, nearly 50 species found commercial source of
essential oils and aroma chemicals. While less than 12 plants are used on large scale in
the industry.
Importance of aromatic plants:Essential oils and aromatic chemicals constitute a group of
industrial products found indispensable place in many human celebrations and festivals in the
form of cosmetics, soaps, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, confectionery, ice-creams, scented waters,
disinfectants, scented tobacco and agarbathi etc.Use of essential oils in therapeutics treatment is
becoming popular around the world. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils and
aromatics derived from plants to cure diseases, many times better than antibiotics, due to their
safety and wide spectrum activity.
Aromatic oils Uses: Aromatic or essential oils are extracted from the aromatic plants. Such
essential oils have good fragrance and most of them have rare medicinal properties. An essential
oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants.
Essential oils are also known as volatile, ethereal oils or ‘aetherolea’.

Uses of essential Oil

Pesticide made from EO: Pesticides made with essential oils are derived from plants that are
known to have insecticidal properties

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Neem oil, extracted from the tropical neem tree, contains insecticidal properties that are
composed of a complex mixture of biologically active compounds.
Garlic oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal qualities. Garlic oils kill pest insects
and some pathogens.
Sabadilla alkaloids, from the dried ripe seeds of a member of the lily family,Sabadilla, are often
used as a broad spectrum low-persistence insecticide.
Essential oils in Cosmetic: The esterlinalyl acetate is found in the essential oil lavender.This
ester is often added to perfumes.The essential oil geraniol is added to some cosmetics to balance
and revitalise the skin.The essential oil thymol has antiseptic properties and use in tooth paste

Essential oils – cleaning

The essential oil known as lemon oil contains the terpened-limonene obtain from skin of citrus
fruit. It is known for its ability to act as a natural solvent and a cleanser.Certain essential oils kill
bacteria and fungi (including MRSA and E. coli) within 2 minutes of contact. Essential oils are
blended into soaps and shampoos used in hospitals to eradicate deadly ‘super bugs’.
Aromatherapy: Promotes health and prevents imbalances on the physical, emotional and
spiritual level. They are highly concentrated. More potent than herbs – One drop represents the
potency of one ounce of plant material. Long history for using essential oils – Over 500
references in the bible
Aromatherapy work: Aroma enters through olfactory system. The limbic system: directly
communicates with the “master glands.” The hypothalamus and pituitary glands regulate many
body functions including hormones and the immune system. Chemistry of oils determines
therapeutic value

Methods of Use
• Inhalation
• Massage
• Baths
• Compresses
• Gargles
• Diffusing
Inhalation: Add 2-4 drops of oil into a bowl of hot water, cover head with towel and inhale.
Spray or use 2-3 drops of essential oil in the shower. Inhale from the bottle. Apply 1-2 drops
on a tissue or swatch of material. Apply 1-2 drops in palm, cup hands, close eyes, and
breathe deeply

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Massage: Improves circulation. Decreases stress and anxiety. Decreases pain and muscle
tension. Use 1-5 drops of essential oil in 1 tsp of carrier oil for a hand or foot massage
Baths and Compresses: Baths: mix the essential oil with a small amount of milk or Epsom
salts or sea salts to disperse the oil into the water. Use 5-10 drops of essential
oil.Compresses: use for comfort or relaxation; 1-2 drops of essential oil with warm or cool
wash cloth.Gargles: used for mouth irritation/sores/sore throats. Add 2 drops of essential oil
to a small amount of honey or milk in cup; add 3-4 ounces of warm water. Gargle, swish and
spit.