It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Piper betel.
It grows in abundance in India,China and South Arabia.
The oil in dilution smells phenolic, tar smoky, mate leaves.
The betel leaf essential oil is valued in Ayurveda as being stimulating, carminative, aromatic, warming, antiseptic and even as an aphrodisiac. It has several medicinal applications among the natives, being especially used to harden the gums, preserve the teeth, and sweeten the breath.
In perfumery, it blends well with Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Cardamom.
The chemical composition of the major components is as follows;
Cadinene-1-2
Cadiniol-1-2
Decanal-2-3
Dodecanol-4-5
Eugenol-30-35
Isoeugenol-10-12
Geraniol-2-3
Linalool-1-2
Myrcene-2-3
Methyl Benzoate-2-3
Sabinene-5-7
Safrole-6-8
Alpha-Terpineol-2-3
Gamma-terpinene-1.5-2
Thujene-1-2
Ocimene-1-2
The minor components with 0.5-1% are Caryophyllene oxide, Gamma-Elemene, Terpinolene, Camphene, Costol, Hexadecanoic acid.
