The Davana plant, or Artemisia pallens, is a member of the daisy family and is native to southern India, where it’s traditionally used by Ayurvedic healers to balance the three energies. Davana is small to medium in size and is an erect, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 40-60 centimeters in height. The leaves are deeply lobed with many small leaflets and are green with a blue, silver-grey dusting, growing in an alternate pattern. The leaves are delicate and feathery, and the plant also bears fragrant yellow flowers. Davana is aromatic with an herbaceous, fruity, and slightly woody scent with sweet notes of vanilla. The leaves and flowers yield an essential oil known as oil of Davana. Davana blossoms are offered to Shiva, the God of Transformation, by the faithful, and decorate his altar throughout the day. As an oil, it is commonly used for making perfumes of sweet and fruity fragrances. When applied on the skin, Davana is said to smell differently on different persons. This peculiar property is highly valued in high class perfumery to create fragrances with truly individual notes. Davana leaves and stalks are used in making bouquets, garlands, fresh or dry flower arrangements.
