Mountain savory is also called Winter savory and White thyme. This herb is a perennial shrub that belongs to the mint family. It is inherent to Mediterranean and is widely distributed in Turkey, Southern Europe and Russia. Mountain savory essential oil is extracted with the process of steam distillation of whole herb. The color of the oil ranges from pale yellow to colorless possessing the sharp, peppery and slightly sweet aroma. It has antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, antifungal, general tonic, immunostimulant and stimulant properties. This oil lowers pain and acts as a tonic for the circulatory and nervous systems. It is…

Linaloe is the plant which is aromatic and usually grown for its aromatic oil. This oil possesses a pleasant odor. This tree is the member of family burseraceae. It has camphor scented and feather shaped leaves. The tree was originated in Morelos, Gurrero, Puebla and India. The essential oil of Linaloe is extracted with the steam distillation of heartwood of the tree. This oil is commonly used in the production of perfumes. As it possesses a pleasurable aroma, it is used for aromatherapy purposes as well. This oil is also known as Lignaloe oil and Mexican linaloe oil. This oil…

Botanically Bay is called Laurus nobilis. Bay is an evergreen tree which grows up to the height of 5-10 meters with white bark and thin trunk. It belongs to the plant family of allspice berries such as Jamaica pepper and Pimento. The essential oil is extracted from the bay leaves through steam distillation. The oil is a yellow liquid possessing a strong and spicy fragrance which resembles the clove oil. Bay leaf essential oil is used to cure the pain of migraine, rheumatism, dandruff, congestion, arthritis, earache and high blood pressure. Bay essential oil has chemical constituents such as linalool,…

Hickory nut is the nut which is obtained from the hickory tree. It is usually found in the hardwood forest. The nut is produced differently for about 3 years in repeated cycles. The first cycle produce highest amounts of nuts which are followed by the poorest in the second and third. The oil is extracted from the hickory nuts. This oil possess a pleasant taste. Health Benefits of Hickory nut oil Besides its pleasant taste, this oil possess various health benefits which are discussed below: Put on weight Hickory nut oil assists in adding body weight to those who are…

Tansy with scientific name Tanacetum vulgare, is a perennial and herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the aster family. Other names for Tansy plant are Bachelors’ button, Scented fern, Bitter Buttons, Tansy, Garden tansy, Stinking willie, Golden buttons and Parsley fern. Tansy essential oil is extracted from the parts of plant with the use of steam distillation process. It possess warm, spicy and herbaceous aroma. This oil is yellow in color. During ancient times, it was used as a treatment for upset digestion and intestinal worms. This oil also acts as an insect repellent as well as preservative for thousands…

Horseradish plant is a perennial plant which belongs to the cabbage family. It is usually grown for its roots. It has narrow and large leaves about 10-30 cm long. The plant grows upto the height of 45-75 cm. The roots possess a spicy taste which is used as a seasoning. This plant is inherent to Eastern Europe and is grown widely in North America and Europe. The essential oil of horseradish is extracted from roots by steam distillation process. This fluid is pale yellow in color. It is not supposed to be taken internally due to its toxicity. This oil…

Henna also called mehndi is extracted from the henna leaves which are native to South Asia and India. The shrub of henna is thorny with small leaves. Mehndi oil is the essential oil which has been extracted from tea tree of cajeput and ravensara. It has high content of terpenes which is produced by the plants naturally. This oil is good for maintaining hair health. It provides volume, shine and healthy glow to the hair. It also helps to support hair growth. It conditions the hair deeply and prevents formation of dandruff and itching in scalp and hair. It is…

Galangal essential oil is extracted from the roots of Galangal plant from the steam distillation method which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and genus Alpinia. It has spicy and bitter taste. This herb is native to Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. It is used for medicinal purposs in India and Middle-East. Galangal is related with ginger having similar uses and qualities. Though it is non-irritant and non-toxic, it might cause sensitization in some peoples. It is used as a stimulant in natural medicine. It possesses antispasmodic and anti-bacterial properties. Health Benefits of Galangal essential oil It helps to treat fatigue. It…

Cranberry is inherent to United States, Asia, Europe and Canada. It is widely cultivated in United States as a food source and use for cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications. Cranberry seed oil is the oil which has been cold pressed and extracted from the seed of cranberry fruit. This oil has tangy and mild scent. Cranberry seed oil is well known to the cosmeceutical manufacturers. It is rich in essential fatty acids. It has high content of Vitamin E, Vitamin A and antioxidants. Being light in texture, it absorbs into skin quickly when topically applied. As it has different polyphenols, it…

Costus is the plant of genus Saussurea belonging to the family Asteraceae. This herb is also known as putchock, kushta, Yun Mu Xiang, Qing Mu Xiang,Radix Aucklandiae, radix saussureae lappae, puchuk, koshet, kuth, costusroot, costus root, koot, kut Aucklandia Root and Guag Mu Xing. It is a perennial plant which grows upto the height of 1.5-2 meters. The essential oil is extracted from the roots of the Costus plant through steam distillation method. The oil has delicate, warm and soft odor. This essential oil is used in incenses, perfumes and also used as a hair rinse. Other common names for…

Costmary, also known as Costmary, Alecost, Balsam Herb, Costmarie, Bible leaf, Alecoast, Costus, Sweet Mary is an aromatic herb which belongs to the Asteracae family that bears a button shaped yellow flowers. It has the scientific name Tanacetum balsamita. It is commonly used in cooking purposes. The essential oil of Costmary is extracted from the leaves of Costmary plant by using the steam distillation method. The oil has sweet and minty fragrance. The essential oil has the color of yellow brown to light yellow colour. It possesses antiseptic, astringent, aromatic, aperient, diaphoretic and carminative properties. This oil is used as…

Curry leaf oil is extracted from the leaves of the curry leaves. Firstly, wash the curry leaves and air dries it. Then heat the pan adding a coconut oil and add the curry leaves. Then pour the oil in a bottle by adding the curry leaves. Curry leaves oil is helpful for the hair and scalp for the nutrient absorption. It is helpful for strengthen hair, hair loss, hair growth, enhance natural shine and prevent premature graying of hair. In Hindi, curry leaves are called Kadipatta and in Tamil, it is called karuvepillai. It helps to treat hair related ailments.…

Agarwood oil essential oil has other common names such as Aloeswood oil, Oud oil and Gaharu. This oil is very precious and rarely found natural oil that is extracted from the various species of Agarwood trees such as Aquilaria malaccensis, Aquilaria crassna or Aquilaria agallocha. Agarwood has light or pale color when the trees are healthy but after infected by disease, it results to a dark and aromatic resin which is called oleoresin. The agarwood essential oil is extracted from the rich dark resin through the water distillation process. The resin is like a wine, the older the resin it…

Ylang Ylang essential oil is derived by steam distillation process of yellow flower petals of the Ylang Ylang tree which is scientifically known as Cananga Odorata. Usually it is found in Philippines, Indonesia, Sumatra, Java, Polynesia and Comoro. It has vital components such as benzyl acetate, caryophyllene, benzyl benzoate linalool, methyl benzoate, geranyl acetate and p-cresyl methyl ether. Ylang Ylang has antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative and antispasmodic properties. This oil helps to effectively relax body as well as soul and is also helpful for the people with fatigue, insomnia and frigidity. It helps to regulate the sebum production which is an…

Ledum is an evergreen shrub which grows to the height of 5 feet. It is also called Greenland Moss Essential Oil, Labrador tea, Marsh Tea and Swamp Tea. The oil is extracted with the steam distillation process of leaves providing a peppery and smoky aroma. The oil is clear and color ranges from light yellow to light brown. It has thin consistency with strong, wild, balsamic, woody and herbaceous scent. This oil is being used for maintaining the health of kidneys and livers. It is used as a tonic for liver and clean liver that helps to prevent hepatitis, liver…

Tuberose is not well known in herbal medicines but is widely used for manufacturing perfumes because of the mesmerizing fragrance the flower provides, when it blooms at night. Tuberose is also called as Mistress of the Night, Night Queen and Raat ki Raani. Scientifically, it is known as Polianthes Tuberosa. It is in demand in Africa, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent for making perfumes. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers with the use of solvent extraction method. It could be used in a diffuser or added a couple of drops to massage oil, lotions or bath. The perfumes…

It is the oil which has been extracted from the germ of wheat kernel. This oil is refined which possess high content of Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant. It is rich in octacosanol which helps to enhance the physical performance and promotes the muscular energy. It is useful for rejuvenating, moisturizing and protecting mature and drying skin. This cooking oil is easily perishable and expensive. It is loaded with anti-aging and antioxidant properties that helps to prevent the health problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer etc. It also slows down the signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines…

Carbonated water is the water where the Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas has been dissolved under pressure. Some might contain the additives such as sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride. Seltzer water possesses only carbon dioxide and water and no other additives. It is also known as Club soda, Sparkling water, Soda water, Bubbly water, Seltzer water and Fizzy water. The process of causing water to be effervescent is called carbonation. It could be found in the form of mineral waters and soft drinks. It has high content of carbon dioxide that makes the water bubbly and provides it a tangy taste.…

Walnut oil is edible oil pressed from the Persian walnuts or English walnuts (Juglans regia). The smoking point of walnut oil is 204 °C (400 °F). This oil is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It has high content of phytonutrients and a source of phosphorus, selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. It also provides substantial amount of Vitamin B2, B1, B3 along with Niacin and Vitamin E. Though it is edible, it is used less in food preparation in comparison to other oils. It possesses delicate flavor and scent with light color and nutty taste. It is used…

Tomato seed oil is the vegetable oil that has been obtained from the seed of tomatoes which is found along with pulp. The smoking point is 260 degrees. In 1914, the possibility of oil extraction from tomato seeds was studied. With the use of alkali, it was refined and cleared up with fuller’s earth. The oil is pale yellow in color which is usually used in dressing salads. It is a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, phytosterols and antioxidants such as lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Tomato belongs to the family Solanaceae and the oil extracted is brown in color…

Nutmeg butter is being extracted from nutmegs. It is a semi-solid which is reddish brown in color having the smell and taste of nutmeg. About 75 percent is trimyristin in nutmeg butter that could be converted into myristic acid which is a 14-carbon fatty acid that is used as a substitute for cocoa butter and is also combined with fats such as palm oil or cottonseed oil. Traditionally after diluting, it is used to calm skin irritations and eradicate rheumatic pain. It is also used in creams, soaps, lip balms, creams, shampoo, body butters, conditioners and hair pomades. The excessive…

Poppy seed was cultivated widely in Eurasia. The world’s production for poppyseed oil occurs in Germany and France. From 1900-1911, it was used to dress salads and to enhance the taste of stored seeds oil. It was used to contaminate peach kernel oil and olive oil. The poor quality of poppyseed oil is used in the soap industry. In 20th century, poppyseed was used for pharmaceutical purposes. Poppyseed oil is edible oil which is derived from the poppy seeds. The poppy seeds contain 45 to 50% of oil which is rich in Vitamin E, codeine and morphine. It is used…

The beans which have been derived from the Cocoa tree are called Cocoa beans. The other common names for Cocoa bean are Cocoa, Cacao and Cacao bean. It is used to extract cocoa butter and cocoa solids. It is used as the basis for making chocolate. The term cocoa was derived from the Spanish word “cacao” and Nahuatl word “cacahuatl”. Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario are the three main varieties of the cocoa plant. Cocoa is loaded with antioxidants such as flavonoids and procyanidins that help to provide anti-aging properties. It has also high concentration of epicatechin that is helpful for…

Palm oil also known as Red palm oil is a strong, savory and earthy tasting vegetable oil which is derived from the palm fruit of Elaeis guineensis. It is often used for cooking purposes. Naturally, it is reddish in color due to the high content of beta carotene. It is rich in saturated vegetable fats and becomes semi solid at the room temperature. Due to the saturated vegetable fats, it helps to increase LDL cholesterol and prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. It consists of fatty acids along with cholesterol. It has high content of saturated fat. As it is…

Tea seed oil may refer to edible oil (also known as Camellia oil, Oil-seed Camellia, Tea Oil Camellia) is produced from the seeds of Camellia oleifera. It has high smoke point upto 252 °C or 485 °F. This oil is used as cooking oil mainly in China and other countries. It features grape seed oil and olive oil on the storage qualities. It contains low amount of saturated fat. It is used in dips, salad dressings, marinades, sauces for stir frying, sautéing, frying and producing margarine. In Southern China, it was used for centuries in cooking purposes. Mainly, it is…

Shea nut oil is the white colored fat compressed from the nuts of Shea tree named as Vitellaria paradoxa. Mostly it is used as a salve, moisturizer and lotion in cosmetics. It is also used for food preparation. Optionally, it is used as a substitute for cocoa butter but the taste is somehow different from it. It melts at body temperature. It serves as a perfect emollient for the people with dry skins. It provides a great relief from the pain related with itching and tightness. Due to its emollient, anti-inflammatory and humectant properties, it is used as a base…

Cocoa butter is the pale yellow vegetable fat extracted from the beans of cocoa. It is widely used in cosmetics as lotions, creams, soaps and toiletry items. Cocoa butter is edible and used for preparing foods. The chocolate industry uses cocoa butter for making chocolates such as white chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate. It is natural and meltable oil at body temperatures. It is also called oil of obroma. It has the appearance of slightly yellowish in color with bland taste. It is rich in antioxidants with adequate amount of flavonoids and polyphenol antioxidants which are helpful for lowering…

Safflower oil is the oil compressed from the seeds of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). Safflower is an herbaceous and thistle likes plant which is usually planted to extract the oil from its seeds. Safflower oil is commonly used for frying as well as cosmetic purposes. The world’s largest safflower oil producer is India. The expressed oil is of golden yellow color with slightly nutty and earthy flavor. This oil is colorless and flavorless having nutrients similar to sunflower oil. In recent years, this crop is cultivated in approximately 60 countries around the world and overall yield is about 600000 tons in…

The thick and creamy sauce which is made up of egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, oil as well as seasonings is known as mayonnaise. When the mixture is whisked rapidly, the oil is added drop by drop. When it thickens, the oil could be added rapidly. After it is whisked properly, seasonings are added. It is an emulsion which means it is the combination of two liquids that cannot be mixed. For example: oil and water. Emulsifying is the addition of one ingredient slowly to another and mixing speedily. It dissolves tiny droplets of one liquid to another. It…

Capsaicin is a component which is usually found in various hot peppers like cayenne peppers which makes it spicy. It could be found in the form of dried powder, dietary supplements and topical creams. Capsaicin cream alters the pain messages which are transferred to the brain for relieving pain. It could be used for relieving various pains from nerves to the skin surface. It provides temporary relief from the joint or muscle pain which is related with backaches, strains, arthritis, sprains and bruises. It lowers the amount of substance which forms pain in the human body. It provides relief from…