Natural essential oil

 

Centre has adopted cluster approach for the cultivation of aromatic crops in various agro-climatic zones. In these clusters, natural essential oils of the major aromatic crops such as Lemongrass, Damask Rose, Japanese Mint, Palmarosa, Tagetes patula, Citronella, Basil, Artemisia annua, Geranium, Caraway, Lemonbalm and Cinnamon are being produced by the farmers of Uttarakhand. To distil these natural essential oils in the state, a network of field distillation units (FDUs) has been established in various aroma clusters.

Himalayan minor essential oil

 

Uttarakhand is a repository of valuable wild aromatic plants in nature. In this context, a new initiative has been taken under R&D efforts by CAP through distillation of Himalayan minor essential oils which are available in abundance in forest areas as well as in waste lands. In this direction our R&D wing has seen new possibilities in terms of viable essential oils and aroma chemicals from abundant wild sources. CAP has identified certain aromatic plants viz. Artemisia (A. maritima, A. vulgaris), Surai (Cupressus torulosa), Kalabansa (Eupatorium adenophorum), Gania Grass (Cymbopogon distans), Bhanjeera (Perilla frutescens), Lantana (Lantana camara), Chenopodium (Chenopodium ambrosioides), Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and Bhukambar (Pogostemon benghalensis) for R& D and their commercial use in industries. To promote farmers for distillation of these Himalayan minor essential oils, CAP has framed the promotional schemes and policies such training and awareness, distillation facility, marketing support and quality assessment. On the basis of such strength, the demand of industry for above oils can be fulfilled.

Floral water

 

Floral water or hydrosols are produced by steam-distilling plant material. Floral waters contain diluted essential oils. Floral aromas are mild and subtle in comparison to their essential oil counterparts. Besides aromatic chemicals, these distillates also contain many more of the plant acids than pure essential oils making them skin friendly.CAP is presently involved in the preparation of floral waters by using different aromatic produce viz. Geranium, Palmarosa and Chamomile etc.

Dry flowers and herbs


 

Mixtures of dried, naturally fragrant plant material are used to provide a gentle natural scent or fragrance. CAP is presently involved in packaging of dried flowers and herbs of some aromatic plants viz. thyme, oregano, Damask rose etc.

Aromatherapy kit

 

Centre has developed an “Aromatherapy Kit” to promote the aromatic essential oils of Uttarakhand. The kit has four essential oils (Geranium, Lemongrass, Lantana and Basil) along with a User Manual Booklet. In this booklet, application, uses and precautions of all oils are given in detail.