Horticulture Science Series: Aromatic Plants (Volume I)

This book on ‘Aromatic Plants’ contains seven chapters. Introductory chapter on ‘History, importance and scope of Aromatic Plants’ deals with the importance of aromatic crops and their close association with human health and beauty care from time immemorial. History of development of cultivation and aroma based industries in different regions of the world is described to emphasize their significance, scope and role in increasing the quality of human life. Classification of aromatic plants based on their climatic requirement, growth habit and floral morphology elaborated in succeeding chapter will be of great interest to students, researchers and farmers. Chapter on ‘Extraction of aroma principles’ describes traditional as well as modern techniques employed for efficient extraction of volatile oils and oleo-resins from different plant materials and equipments employed for the purpose. Quality of oil is found to vary significantly with ecotypes, season, time of collection, crop maturity and weather conditions prevailing during the growth period, extraction method and duration of extraction process. Conditions and duration of storage also have a bearing on quality of essential oil. The necessitates development and imposition of appropriate quality standards in trade. These aspects are covered in fourth chapter on ‘Quality assurance of essential oils’. Aromatic oils and their derivatives and combinations occupy a covetable position in holistic medicines such as aromatherapy. Chapter on ‘Aromatherapy’ details the use of essential oils in human health care, techniques employed, aromatherapy massage, aromatic bath, facial care, hair care etc. Information on aromatic oil’s wide spread application to relieve stress and rejuvenate body are also included.