Oman (Inula graveolens)

Other names: Dittrichia graveolens, stinking damselfly, stinking dittrichia

Oman (Inula graveolens), also known as Dittrichia graveolens, stinking oman or Dittrichia graveolens, is a plant belonging to the star family. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain and Italy, but it also thrives in the eastern Mediterranean. This shrub can reach up to two metres in height and produces small, golden-yellow, tubular flowers in autumn. Oman stinkwort is a hardy plant that tolerates drought and high temperatures well. As for soil, it prefers lime and stony subsoil.

It is an aromatic plant that has a strong, heavy and specific scent that cannot be confused with anything else. Because of this characteristic smell, it is used in perfumery as a base for the production of perfumes and cosmetic products. However, it is a plant with many uses. Its essential oils and extracts are used in aromatherapy, but also in herbal medicine as a treatment for various skin diseases and even as an insecticide. Its leaves and stems can be used to make tea, which is used for various digestive problems. Oman is thus a plant with a very wide range of uses and has found its place not only in medicine or cosmetics, but also in gastronomy.