Explore botanical characteristics, essential oils, harvesting, processing and the factors that influence ingredient quality.
In short: Powdered flowers were traded as an insecticide in the 19th century as “Persian powder” and “Dalmatian powder”. The most potent species is Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium). Working out…
Read article ↗In short: Pyrethrins are natural actives found in pyrethrum flowers; they break down quickly in sunlight and air. Pyrethroids are synthetic actives (such as permethrin, cypermethrin and deltamethrin) modelled on…
Read article ↗In short: Pyrethrum suits cool climates and loose, free-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Key steps: raise beds, add well-rotted organic matter, plant 6–8-week-old seedlings 30–45 cm…
Read article ↗In short: Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) is a daisy-like plant in the Asteraceae family. Its value lies in the flowers, which contain pyrethrins – natural compounds used as raw material for…
Read article ↗In short: Mint grown for oil is best cut from bud formation to early flowering, when oil and menthol content are usually high. Cut in the morning once the dew…
Read article ↗In short: Asian mint (Mentha arvensis, also called Japanese mint) is the richest in menthol and the main source of menthol and mint oil. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a…
Read article ↗In short: SW88 is a Japanese mint variety (Mentha arvensis group) that Thao Duoc Xanh grows in Phu Tho, Vietnam, for essential oil and menthol. It has thick stems, large…
Read article ↗In short: Mint is a group of aromatic plants in the genus Mentha (Lamiaceae). The leaves are used as a fresh herb and in tea, and the leafy stems are…
Read article ↗In short: Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis) usually yields oil with more menthol, has larger leaves and sturdier stems, and is grown mainly for distillation. Common mints such as spearmint and…
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