Fig. 10

Qualitative radar comparison of six medicinal and aromatic plant species (geranium, violet, rose, lavender, basil, jasmine) on four normalized metrics: oxygen production potential, CO2 absorption capacity, low-footprint score, and oil yield. Data synthesized from literature (2018 to 2025). Geranium exhibits the most balanced profile (strong environmental metrics, moderate yield). Extraction method emerges as key determinant: steam-distilled oils (rose, lavender, geranium) show better environmental profiles than solvent-extracted absolutes (jasmine, violet), despite comparable cultivation-phase productivity. Key Takeaway: Extraction method (steam vs. solvent) is the primary driver of environmental performance differences.