Type of plant: Hardy perennial with horizontal root stock and large glossy leaves, growing to 3 feet high with a single stalk atop, which is a dense spike of fragrant white flowers with long, thin petals

Part used: Rhizome

Method of extraction: Steam extraction

Data: Native to China, Nepal, Bhutan, northern India, Thailand, and Myanmar. Grows at altitudes between 3,500 and 9,000 feet. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for multiple purposes. The dried and powdered rhizomes are used in incense production, and also in cooking.

Principal places of production: Nepal, India, China

When buying look for: Pale-yellow to dark-yellow liquid with a musky, green, woody, balsamic, peppery aroma

Therapeutic properties: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant, tonic

Therapeutic uses: Cuts, scratches, wounds, respiratory conditions, insomnia, nausea, cough, chest infection, mental fatigue, anxiety, chronic fatigue, anxiety, stress, nervousness

Blends well with: Bay (West Indian), bergamot, black pepper, cardamom, coriander seed, frankincense, geranium, immortelle, jasmine, juniper berry, lemon, lime, mandarin, marjoram (sweet), niaouli, orange (sweet), palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain, plai, rosalina, sandalwood, spearmint, turmeric, vanilla, vetiver, ylang ylang

Precautionary advice: Those with highly sensitive skin or prone to allergic skin reaction are advised to carry out a skin patch test.