Aromatic plants possess odoriferous and volatile substances which occur as essential oils, gum exudates, balsam and oleoresin in one or more parts, viz., root, wood, bark, foliage, flower and fruit. The chemical nature of these aromatic substances may be due to a variety of complex chemical compounds. Many of these aromatics are powerful germicides and have antibacterial properties, but the bulk of the produce finds use in perfumery and the food-flavouring industries. During the past decade, demand for aromatic plants and its products has attracted the worldwide interest. India being the treasure house of biodiversity, accounts for thousands of species which are used in herbal drugs. Ninety per cent of herbal industry's requirement of raw material is taken out from the forests. This book contains most of the important aspects related to aromatic plants. It is being published for those who are interested in growing, processing and trading of aromatic plants.
