Corn oil is extracted from the germs of corn or maize. The corn seeds are pressed with the use of expeller pressing for eliminating the oily components and then it is treated with solvents to extract the remaining oil. The solvents are eliminated from the oil and the oil is refined for removing certain fats. The oil colors from medium to yellow. This oil has 55% of polyunsaturated fatty acid, 30% of monounsaturated fatty acid and 15% of saturated fatty acid. It has high smoking point due to which it is used for cooking purposes. It is used as a…
Author: Sylvia
Often referred to as Zedoaria or Amba Haldi, white turmeric is actually the root of the Curcuma zedoaria plant. It is a perennial herb and is member of genus Curcuma and Zingiberaceae family. The Curcuma zedoaria plant is native to India and Indonesia, but has also been cultivated in Europe and in the US. It was introduced to Europe by Arabs around the sixth century, but its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger. Though white turmeric nowadays is rarely used anymore as a spice and often replaced by ginger, it…
Cinnamomum tamala commonly known as Indian bay leaf is a medium sized evergreen tree 2-10 m tall, found wild in the tropical and subtropical Himalayas at altitudes of 900-2500m, the Khasi hills, the nilgiri hills and at the foot of the Sikkim Himalayas. It is native to India, Nepal and Bhutan. It is commonly known as Tejpatta in Hindi, Masala Aku in Telugu, Birinji Ilai in Tamil, Karuvaela in Malayalam, Paththa in Kannada, Tej Patha in Bengali, Tamal Patr in Gujarati, Tamal Patra in Marathi, Tezpatta in Punjabi. Bay leaf is an aromatic leaf most widely used in cooking and…
Boerhavia Diffusa commonly known as punarnava is actually flowering plants that belong to the family Nyctaginaceae which rejuvenates or renew the body. The other common names of the plant are spreading Hogweed, Red Hogweed, horse purslane, pigweed, Red spiderling and Tarvine. This herbal medicine is used to relieve pain and the leaves are used as a green vegetable in numerous parts of India. The word punarnava literally means, one which renews the body, that is, which brings back the youth. Punarnava enjoys an important place among medicinal herbs in India since ancient times. Various parts of Boerhavia diffusa are used…
Chyawanprash also spelled as chyavanaprasam is an Ayurvedic supplement fortified with various herbs, herbal extracts and minerals. It is very rich in Vitamin C content. It helps in the prevention of a variety of diseases through its immune-modulator effects and rejuvenation properties. Chyawanprash is a mixture of several ingredients combined in measures determined by the traditional methods of Ayurveda. It is one of the oldest combinations whose health benefits have been known to man since the Vedic and the Puranic ages. It is a sticky, jam-like deep brown colored semi-solid substance with a mixture of sweet, sour and spicy tastes.…
Apple seed oil is the fixed oil that could be found in an apple seeds. It is used for the medical and cosmetic purposes. The study shows that the apple seeds possess high concentration of high content of protein and oil. The amino acids such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium could be found in apple seed oil. It has low content of amygdalin. It also possesses fiber, natural sulfur, alpha-linoleic, oleic acid, iron and linoleic acid. It is used as an ingredient in lotions, soaps, creams, lip balms and hair products. Apple seeds possess cyanide that is harmful…
Date seeds, which constitute 6-15% of the total weight of the ripe date are actually a byproduct of date fruit and are largely produced in the Middle East and especially in the United Arab Emirates. It is normally discarded, used as animal feed ingredient or turned into non caffeinated coffee by the Arabs. Date seeds are composed of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat, ash and protein. In addition, the antioxidant content in date seed oil (DSO) was found to be similar with olive oil, which can be as a good source of antioxidant in order to fulfill the consumer’s requirements. Date…
Acacia arabica commonly known as Babool, Gum arabic tree is a medicinal tree which is found throughout the dry and sandy parts of India. Its use as datun for teeth cleaning is well known. Regular use of Babool datun helps to strengthens gums, teeth and also reduces plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Apart from babool it is also known as gum arabic tree, Babul/Kikar, Egyptian thorn, Sant tree, Al-sant or prickly acacia, thorn mimosa or prickly acacia. The other parts of Babool tree used for medicinal purpose are bark, gum, leaves, seeds and pods. Babool leaves, bark, gum and seeds all…
Shikakai scientifically known as Acacia concinna is a shrub like tree grown in Central India. It has been used since centuries as cleanser for hair and body. Due to presence of saponins in its bark, it lathers moderately when shaken with water. It is rich in vitamin C and also Vitamins A, D, E and K and other antioxidants which are very essential for healthy and quick growth of hair naturally. These vitamins help in providing necessary micro-nutrients to the hair follicle to nourish hair and grow fast and healthy. The leaves, barks and fruit pods of shikakai are dried, powdered and…
Musk mellow scientifically known as Abelmoschus moschatus is an aromatic and medicinal plant native to India in the Malvaceae family. Abelmoschus is derived from Arabic ‘Abu-l-Mosk’ (father of musk) and moschatus means musk smelling (in Latin). Musk mallow drives its name due to the musk like fragrance of its flower. It is a non-toxic plant with edible leaves, flowers and seeds. The flowers and seeds can be eaten raw. Every part of this medicinal plant is used in one or the other way. Apart from musk mellow it is also known as Ambrette seeds, Annual hibiscus, Musk mallow, Musk seeds…
Known by many common names such as Puncture Vine, Bindii, goat’s head, tackweed, Tribulus Terrestris is a tap rooted herbaceous perennial plant in the Caltrop Family (Zygophyllaceae) with a long history of widespread use. Historically, it has been used in ancient Greece, India and Africa to support overall well-being. It has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Today, Tribulus Terrestris is recognized as a libido enhancer, reputed to restore and increase testosterone levels. Commonly used to build muscle strength and mass, it is marketed to enhance sports performance. Growing Environment Puncture Vine (Bindii) is an herbaceous perennial plant…
Mango is no doubt the ‘king of fruits’. In Ayurveda, each part of a mango tree is said to be beneficial – seed, flowers, fruit and the bark. The yellow, ripe, pulpy and juicy flesh of the mangoes is loved by millions of people around the globe. There is no doubt about the fact that like other fruits, mangoes also provide the body with various nutrients and antioxidants. However, only few people are conscious of the fact that the seed within the mango fruit are also loaded with a lot of benefits. The seed is one of the biggest ones…
The essential oil is extracted from the dried seeds that are derived with the use of steam distillation process. It contains myristicin, apiole, tetramethoxyally benzene and pinene. Botanically, Parsley plant is called Petroselinum Sativum. The plant is native to Mediterranean region which is widely grown in the garden as a versatile culinary herb. The name was derived from Greek word: petros which means stone as it grows in rocky terrains. Parsley essential oil possess anti-rheumatic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-arthritic, astringent, antiseptic, circulatory, carminative, diuretic, digestive, detoxifier, febrifuge, emmegagogue, depurative, laxative, stomachic, stimulant, hypotensive and uterine activity. The oil is pale yellow…
Illicium verum, commonly known as Star anise, star aniseed, or Chinese star anise is a spice that closely looks like anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum. It is a medium-sized native evergreen tree of northeast Vietnam and southwest China. The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening and are dried before use. Traditionally used as a spice and also as a healing herb, star anise appears to have medicinal properties that provide it with significant health benefits. It is important to note that you should only use the Chinese variety as there are concerns…
Tragacanth is low-growing, thorny shrubs that are native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East. Gum tragacanth is obtained by tapping the branches and tap roots. The gum dries as it exudes and is collected rapidly. The word tragacanth is said to derive from the Greek words tragos (meaning goat) and akantha (thorn) which may describe the appearance and texture of the crude gum. Iran is the biggest producer of this gum. Tragacanth gum is a viscous, odorless, tasteless, water-soluble mixture of polysaccharides obtained from sap that is drained from the root of the plant and dried. The gum…
Vitamin E oil is an extracted blend of antioxidant compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. These compounds are proven to speed the regeneration of cells and also help damaged cells heal faster. Vitamin E can also block the formation of free radicals, destructive molecules that lead to cell damage and can contribute to chronic diseases and the appearance of aging. Vitamin E oil is available as a concentrated liquid, a liquid gel cap, or as an ingredient in skin care products like sunscreen or moisturizer. Vitamin E oil can be taken orally in pill form or applied topically to the skin…
Creosote oil is a common name for a group of oil that are obtained from tar. One of them is coal tar creosote and the other is wood tar creosote. However, there is a plant which smells much like creosote and it is the creosote bush, better known as Chaparral (Larrea tridentate). These three oil products can interchangeably be referred to as creosote oil. They are used for a number of medicinal purposes, as they have been used in the past. Creosote oils also have significant usage in industrial and home applications. Creosote Oil is herbal oil made from…
Camelina sativa, also known as camelina, gold-of-pleasure, false flax, wild fax, German sesame, and Dutch flax, is an ancient oil seed crop and flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Other members of the Brassicaceae family include oil seeds like mustard, rapes, and canola, as well as vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. It is native to Northern and Central Europe and to Central Asian areas but cultivated mainly as an oil-seed crop commercially in Europe and Canada. Camelina oil pressed from the seeds of this traditional crop has a unique aroma attributed to its unique chemical makeup. Archeological…
Wormseed oil which is also known as Chenopodium oil is a volatile oil obtained by the steam distillation from the fresh flowering and fruiting plants of Chenopodium ambrosioides of the variety anthelminticum of the family Chenopodiaceae. The oil is not present in the roots. It is also known as American Wormseed oil, Mexican tea, chenopodiol and chenoposan. The plant is very common in Eastern and Central USA. It is widely cultivated in Caribbean islands, Europe, Maryland, Mexico and Canada. In India it is found in the states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and in Karnataka. Wormseed is an annual…
The seeds of plant Ribes nigrum are used to extract oil by using cold pressed method which is called black currant seed oil. The oil is bright yellow having no odor. Black currant berries have high concentration of Vitamin C. It is used for the production of jellies, jams and flavored ice creams. Due to the high presence of Vitamin C, it is a cure for cold and flu. The oil has high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It also contains healthy amounts of stearidonic acid and linoleic acid. This oil has cardioprotective, anti-diuretic and anti-inflammatory…
Yarrow essential oil is derived by steam distillation of flowers and leaves of yarrow plant which is used for various therapeutic applications. Botanically, Yarrow plant is called Achillea Millefolium, which is a perennial plant which is widely found in Europe. It is used to provide relief from various ailments and diseases with the significance importance for European culture. This essential oil possess the vital componenets such as Borneol Acetate, Alpha Pinene, Beta Pimene, Borneol, Cineole, Camphene, Chamazulene, Isoartemisia Ketone, Gamma Terpinene, Tricyclene, Sabinene and Limonene. It possess therapeutic properties such as antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, haemostateic, astringent and citrisant activity that…
Savin Oil is obtained by steam distillation of twigs and leaves of savin scientifically known as Juniperus Sabina, Linn. (N.O. Coniferae), indigenous to the mountains of Southern Europe and are frequently cultivated in Britain. It is official in the U.S.P. savin oil occurs as a colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar, unpleasant, narcotic odor, and a bitter, pungent, camphoraceous taste. Savin is a compact evergreen shrub about 1 meter (3 feet) high which tends to spread horizontally and has pale green bark, small dark green leaves and purplish-black berries containing three seeds. It is a native to North America, the…
Marula oil is actually sourced from the hand-picked fruit of the Marula tree, native to Southern Africa and Madagascar and has a number of benefits for the skin, but it’s also helping to change lives and strengthen communities. The oil is extracted from the kernels (nuts) of the tree. It is actually the fruit where the oil comes from. There are two types of marula oil; one which is taken from the seeds of the tree and the second type is extracted from the nut’s hard shell. It is an all-natural, cold pressed, highly nutritious, very light textured oil. It…
Jojoba oil (pronounced as ho-ho-ba) is an odorless, golden colored liquid wax, which is produced from the seeds of the jojoba plant. Derived from a desert shrub that is found in the dry regions of the Arizona, Mexico, and California, it is mainly extracted as liquid wax. This is later refined into the colorless and odorless jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the nut of an indigenous American shrub that goes by the scientific name Simmondsia chinensis, a contradiction as the plant has nothing to do with China. The shrubby tree still grows wild in the…
Baobab is the well-known name given to the trees of the nine species of the Adansonia family. The baobab oil is derived from the fruit seeds of Adansonia tree. This tree is one of the most characteristic trees of Africa, and it is often called the upside down tree because it looks as though it is growing roots upwards. It is deep golden yellow in color and is quite viscous. It has a charismatic aroma. This oil is obtained by cold pressing them. It has a rich feel and is an amazing moisturizer. The baobab oil is commonly used for…
Manuka tree, also called Leptospermum scoparium, belongs to the Myrtaceae family is native to New Zealand. The indigenous people (Maori) of New Zealand have been using Manuka oil, its bark, sap, teas and poultice made with its leaves for centuries in the treatment of many health conditions. Manuka is a small shrub which bears beautiful small, white flowers. Manuka essential oil is extracted from the steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of Manuka Plant. The main components of this oil are caryophyllene, geraniol, pinene, humulene, linalol and leptospermone. There is another strange thing about this oil. The concentration of…
Lavandin is a hybrid plant developed in 1900 by crossing true lavender (L. angustifolia) with spike lavender or aspic (L. latifolia) and is an aromatic evergreen shrub that is much larger than true Lavender. It is an evergreen woody shrub growing to 3 feet high with green, narrow, linear leaves producing violet-blue flowers; the entire plant is covered with oil glands, which are in the star-shaped hairs that cover the plant. The flowering heads are more compressed with a dull, gray blue color. This hybrid apparently evolved naturally near the seas in Spain, Italy and France. It is now commercially…
Hops essential oil comes from hops (Humulus lupulus), a flowering plant in family Cannabaceae. It is a perennial, herbaceous climbing plant, which grows abundant in several countries in Western Asia, Europe and North America. It is widely cultivated for the brewing industry and at present, the major producers of hops are France, Germany and Hungary. The plant grows up to about 26 feet tall, has green leaves and light-green flowers. The substances found in the female flower are what gives beer its bitter taste, as well as acts as its preservative. The flower is also the part used in the…
Palmarosa, also known as Indian or Turkish geranium, rosha, or motia, is a type of tropical grass native to India and is known for its rich supply of volatile oils. The herbaceous green grass shares similarities with lemongrass and citronella. There are two types of palmarosa from which the essential oil is obtained they are Sofia and motia, and they differ somewhat in their scent. The name “palmarosa” was given to the plant because of its fragrance similar to rose oil. In the past, Turks blended the oil with the more expensive rose oil. In fact, some dishonest wholesalers and…
Zedoary Essential Oil is one of the most widely used ingredients in the perfumery and flavor industry. This oil has long, been a part of the folk medicine. Zedoary essential oil is normally extracted by steam distillation of the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma zedoaria, which is a member of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. The extracted oil is normally golden yellow viscous liquid that have a warm-spicy, woody & camphoraceous cineolic odor reminiscent of ginger. The oil is quite beneficial for digestive systems and is used as a gastrointestinal stimulant in flatulent colic. It also prevents stress ulceration. It can also…