Obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flowers. This essential oil is colorless to pale yellow or greenish-yellow with sweet camphoraceous fragrance.
Main Components: pinocamphone, isopinocamphene, linalool. Variety decumbens is free of toxic ketones whereas H. officinalis contains high amounts of pinocamphone.
Actions*: antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, expectorant, nervine, hypertensive.
Applications*: colds, sore throats, bronchitis (liquifies mucus), asthma, helps raise low blood pressure, appetite stimulant, herpes (boosts immune system), invigorates, relieves menstrual problems associated with water retention.
Safety data: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing, contraindicated for epileptics and during pregnancy.