Bon Parfumeur X Davana
106 eau de parfum is sensual and daring. Intoxicatingly suave, Damascena rose radiates throughout the fragrance. A twist of pink pepper adds a touch of freshness. Then, velvety rose petals join the musky, vanilla notes of the creation. Fruity, luscious davana further enriches this olfactory creation, perfect for night owls!
What does the word davana mean?
The name "davana" refers to an aromatic plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, scientifically known by the botanical name Artemisia pallens. The plant is native to India, where it is widely cultivated for its olfactory and medicinal properties. The etymology of the term "davana" is unclear, but it is thought to derive from the Tamil word "tavam", meaning "perfume". This is consistent with the plant's traditional uses in perfumery and aromatherapy.
In the beginning…
The history of davana goes back many centuries in India. It was traditionally used for medicinal and olfactory purposes by local populations. The plant's leaves and flowers were used for their healing properties and enchanting fragrance.
Over time, davana became increasingly popular as an ingredient in the perfume industry, both in India and internationally. Its warm, fruity, syrupy fragrance has earned it a place in a variety of perfume genres, from amber and gourmand to floral and exotic. Today, davana is grown mainly in India for its essential oil, extracted by steam distillation of the plant's aerial parts.
Davana Cultivation
Davana-growing regions are found mainly in India. Among these regions, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are renowned for their davana cultivation.
In the verdant landscapes of Karnataka, districts such as Hassa and Mysore are home to farms where the precious plants are carefully cultivated. The ideal climatic conditions, with warm temperatures and relatively high humidity, favor their lush growth. Local farmers, who have inherited ancestral knowledge, are committed to preserving traditional cultivation and harvesting methods. Similarly, Tamil Nadu offers fertile ground for davana cultivation. In regions such as Villupuram, Dindigul and Trichy, fields stretch as far as the eye can see, testifying to the importance of this crop.
Planting davana is an ancient art, handed down from generation to generation in the producing regions. It generally begins at the end of the rainy season. The davana seeds, often pre-germinated to facilitate germination, are sown at an appropriate depth in prepared seedbeds. The beds are covered with a thin layer of organic mulch to help maintain soil moisture and protect the young shoots. After germination, davana seedlings are transplanted into carefully prepared fields. Adequate distance is maintained between plants to enable optimum growth and development. Farmers ensure that the plants receive regular watering to maintain adequate soil moisture.
Davana grows by developing a strong root system that absorbs nutrients from the soil, while the stems elongate and allow the leaves to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. When mature, it produces delicate yellow flowers that add color to the plant. These flowers are followed by the formation of small seeds for reproduction. Seeds can be harvested for later use or left for natural propagation.
Davana is generally harvested when the flowers are in full bloom. It is at this stage that the aerial parts of the plant contain the greatest number of olfactory compounds. Experienced pickers carefully choose the right times of day for harvesting, often early in the morning when the flowers are fresh and humidity levels are higher. The pickers go out into the davana fields and start harvesting the aerial parts of the plant. Flowers, leaves and stems are meticulously cut with scissors or small knives, taking care not to damage surrounding plants. The pickers work carefully to avoid compromising the quality of the harvested parts.
What do you know about Davana in perfumery?
After harvesting, davana distillation involves drying the plant parts, followed by steam distillation. The volatile compounds are carried away by the steam, which is then condensed to obtain the davana oil. This method extracts davana's distinctive aromas for use in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Davana has a unique olfactory profile, combining syrupy, fruity and floral notes. Its scent is warm, exotic and slightly spicy, with accents of ripe fruit such as plum and apricot. It also exudes a honey-like sweetness and a subtle herbaceous nuance, making it highly sought-after in perfumery.
Ultimately, the olfactory accord of davana creates a spellbinding symphony of sweet, fruity and floral notes. Its aromas of plum and apricot blend harmoniously with nuances of exotic fruit and honey, bringing an intoxicating sweetness. Herbaceous and slightly spicy touches add a fascinating dimension to this accord. The whole unfolds with velvety warmth and exotic elegance, captivating the senses and evoking a mysterious, seductive aura in perfume compositions.
INTERESTING FACT !
Davana offers a multitude of benefits and virtues for health and well-being. Owing to its properties, it is used in a variety of areas. On an emotional level, davana is also famous for its relaxing and soothing effects. Its fragrance helps reduce stress and anxiety, and promotes a sense of inner calm.
Davana also has aphrodisiac properties due to its sensual and captivating fragrance. It can stimulate the libido and rekindle sensuality. In traditional medicine, davana is used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It can be beneficial in relieving muscular pain and spasms. It is also considered a digestive stimulant, helping to soothe gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion and abdominal cramps.
Davana is also used for its positive effects on the skin. It is known for its regenerative and antioxidant properties, which can help improve skin appearance, reduce the signs of aging and promote radiant skin. Nevertheless, it should be noted that davana's benefits and virtues may vary according to the individual and the way it is used. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional or aromatherapist before using davana for therapeutic purposes.
Some popular Davana perfumes
An exotic, captivating note, davana is revealed in all its splendor. In the top note, it amazes with its sweet, fruity fragrance, while in the middle note, it reveals its honeyed sweetness and subtle herbaceous character. In the base note, it leaves a warm, exotic trace that lingers delicately on the skin. Here are several famous perfumes that incorporate davana into their compositions to create distinctive olfactory notes. Here are a few examples of well-known fragrances that use davana:
• Nomade absolue by Chloé. Elegant and poetic, this davana perfume for women features mirabelle plum as a top note and a warm heart of davana and oak moss.
• Si Eau de Parfum Intense by Giorgio Armani is a feminine eau de parfum with a blend of blackcurrant, davana and patchouli, for an oriental fragrance ideal for any occasion.
• Armani's Idole eau de parfum is a bold, modern scent that celebrates the emancipation of women. With notes of pear, rose and musk, it embodies the spirit of confidence and determination, inspiring women to be the best version of themselves.
• Honeysuckle & Davana by Jo Malone London is a captivating men's fragrance that marries the delicacy of honeysuckle with the exotic sensuality of davana. The sweet floral notes of honeysuckle intertwine with the fruity, spicy accents of davana to create a bewitching fragrance, both luminous and intoxicating. A fragrance that evokes lush nature and brings a touch of sophistication to any occasion.
• Givenchy pour Homme by Givenchy is a classic, elegant eau de toilette that embodies refined masculinity. Its notes of bergamot, lavender and vetiver create a fresh, timeless blend, offering a sophisticated, seductive scent for the modern man.
