NRIPL

ZANTHOXYLUM OIL

Botanical Name

Zanthoxylum armatum DC.

Synonym

Rhododendron hypenanthum Balf. f.

Family

Rutaceae

Local Name

Timur

English Name

Nepal pepper, Prickly Ash

Plant Description

Zedoary is an erect herb, often reaching a height of 50cm with ovoid rootstock. leaves are oblong, acuminate, 30-60cm long, narrowed to the base, petiole longer than the leaf blade. Flowers are pale yellow. It is cultivated throughout Nepal within tha altitude of 1000m.

Extraction

Zedoary oil is obtained by steam distillation of the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria

Uses

The oil can be used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, sedative and stomachic. Zedoary oil is used as gastro-intestinal stimulant in flatulent colic and it prevents the stress ulceration. The oil is used as a condiment, as flavouring for liqueurs and in perfumery.