Growth and Cultivation
- The famous aromatic root, nard, was known in ancient times as an
ingredient in ointments, and is believed to be the same as the Indian
nardostachys, N. jatamansi which has been renamed Nardostachys
grandiflora. There is also a Valeriana jatamansi that is similar to
nardostachys and used as a substitute.
- It is commonly distributed in an
elevation range of 3500m to 4500m in the northern aspect of the
sub-alpine and alpine pastureland of the Himalayas in Nepal. Though
found in eastern to western region of the country, Jatamansi is more
abundant in the western regions. The plant is mostly found growing in
steep areas with a 25 o- 45o slope. It grows well on open, stony and
grassy slopes, and on the turf of glacial flats. It is also found
growing under the Silver Birch forest, where its growth is good with
large leaves and long rootstock.
- Natural regeneration takes place by
rhizome and seeds. Jatamansi is a wild plant but is occasionally
cultivated in India and China. The plant can be cultivated from the
cuttings of underground parts or rhizomes as well as from seeds. The
plants coming from the cuttings of rhizome grow faster than that from
the seeds. According to study in Humla, this plant regenerates easily
from the underground propagules when harvested in autumn. There is
high risk of underground rhizome decay when harvested in summer.
Extraction and
Distillation
- New methods of
essential oil extraction are entering the mainstream of aromatherapy,
offering new choices in oils never before available. With the new
labels of 'CO2' and 'SCO2', along with the traditional 'steam' and
'hydro' distillations, 'absolutes', and 'cold pressing', a little
education for the aromatherapy enthusiast can go a long way in
essential oil selection.
- The value of the
newer processing methods depends greatly on the experience of the
distiller, as well as the intended application of the final product.
Each method is important, and has it's place in the making of
aromatherapy-grade essential oils.
- Steam
distillation, the most common method of essential oil production,
involves the flow of steam into a chamber holding the raw plant
material. The steam causes small sacs containing essential oil to
burst. The oil is then carried by the steam out of the chamber and
into a chilled condenser, where the steam once again becomes water.
The oil and water are then separated; the water, referred to as a
'hydrosol', can be retained as it will have some of the plant essence.
Uses:
- Jatamansi has the power to promote awareness and calm the mind. it
is a very useful herb for palpitation, tension, headaches,
restlessness and is used for promoting awareness and strengthening the
mind. It aids in balancing the body of all three Ayurvedic doshas.
This herb's sedative properties increase awareness, as opposed to
valerian that dulls the mind.
- Today in Ayurvedic medicine, Jatamansi is used for treating
insomnia, mental instability, and is used as a memory enhancer. As an
herbal CNS (Central Nervous System) drug, it is used for epilepsy,
hysteria, and convulsions. Due to its anti-arrhythmic activity,
Jatamansi is being tested for its effectiveness in treating auricular
flutter. The oil is said to promote hair growth and helps it maintain
its color as well. It is believed that the active constituent,
jatamansone, can reduce hyperactivity, restlessness, and
aggressiveness in hyperactive children.
Entrepreneur who want
the information on Extraction Process, Production Management, Medicinal
Uses, Standards, Company Profiles, Reports, Market
can E-Mail to
informer@eth.net,
primaryinfo@gmail.com
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