Marketing possibilities of essential oils-opportunities and way forward

摘要

Aroma bearing crops are important biological substance, which can provide natural essential oils for the benefit of human kind. Indian situations are very conducive for cultivation of varied aroma bearing crops like lemon grass, citronella, mentha species, palmarosa, vetiver, geranium, patchouli, basil sandal wood oil and rose. It si possible because of soils, climate and topography of India which provide enormous possibilities for cultivation of number of flora and fauna. The demand of essential oils are increasing day by day due to awareness among consumers and they are more conscious about health hazards, which are due to use of chemical substance being used in manufacturing of various products. Natural essential oils are safe for use of human being. Due to increasing demand of essential oils in therapeutic, pharmaceutical, perfumery industry and aromatherapy, the business is getting momentum because of increasing demand for essential oils, aroma chemicals drugs and pharmaceuticals in the worldmarket since two decades. The essential oils are highly volatile in nature and emit their aroma in surrounding environment. The essential oil can be distilled by different distillation methods to concentrate them into oils like hydro distillation, steamdistillation, hydro-steam distillation and solvent extraction etc. Aromatherapy is becoming popular day by day in European countries because consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. As a result, aromatherapy and naturalremedies are increasingly popular in Europe. Cosmetic manufacturers respond to this trend by using essential oils to create cosmetic products with an aromatherapy benefit, which has no after effect to the human body. A wide range of essential oils is being used for aromatherapy products, including high-value and low-volume oils. Europe is the largest market for essential oils and one of the two key markets for aromatherapy products. Some important essential like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia), immortelle (Helichrysum italicum), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), frankincense (Boswellia caterii), tea tree (Malaleuca alternifolia), black pepper (Piper nigrum), peppermint (Mentha piperita var vulgaris).