Quick Facts
Name: Methyl Chavicol
Chemical Name: Methyl chavicol, p-allyl anisole
Chemical Formula: C10H12O
Appearance: colorless liquid
Molecular Weight: 148.21
Odor: sweet, spice green herbal minty alike
Specific gravity: 0.961 TO 0.968 @ 25.00 C
GLC Purity: 99%
Refractive Index: 1.519 TO 1.524 @ 20.00 C
Color: colorless
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Part used: Tops and leaves of the plant or tree is used to make this organic compound. Trees and plants from which methyl chavicol is extracted is bay, basil, turpentine, anise, tarragon and fennel.
Blends well with: It blends well with Frankincense, lavender, bergamot, lime and many other herbal oils.
Physical Properties: Methyl chavicol is a colourless liquid which turns pale yellow when it is impure. Its odor is powerful, aromatic, anise and camphoraceous. It dissolves well in fixed oils and alcohol. The quality of odor is very good. It is a natural organic compound. The chemical structure has a propenyl group and methoxy group and has a benzene ring. chavicol extracted by steam distillation process.
Countries where it is found: Ocimum basilicum also known as common basil is native to Egypt. It is also found and distilled in France, Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, South Africa and in some places in the US.
Uses: The aromatic property of methyl chavicol has made it a much needed ingredient in aromatic products like cosmetics, perfumes, detergents shampoos. It has anti-spasmodic properties, used for pains, muscle tension and this includes stomach cramps. It is effective for tension, cold, cough and other respiratory problems. Digestive problems that arise from nerve and stress related causes can be effectively rectified with methyl chavicol. Earaches, congestion also are relieved with this compound. It has a calming effect on the nerves and therefore its uses in the treatment of mind related problems have been researched. It was found out that methyl chavicol is excellent for fatigue. This is not a physical fatigue alone but a fatigue that arises out from mental tension and this compound aids in relieving this mental or intellectual fatigue. One's mental concentration improves because it helps to clear the mind. It can be used as an insect repellent. However it is advised that pregnant women and people with sensitive not use products which use methyl chavicol