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What are Essential Oils?
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Published on: 05/29/ 2009 | By: Alex Quek
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About The Author: Mr Alexander Quek Poh Liak, graduated in 1986 from Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur with a Diploma in Science (with Distinction in Chemistry and Mathematics) and a Bachelor
of Science Degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Campbell University, North Carolina, USA.
He has more than 20 years experience in the Chemical Industry, especially in Personal Care and Household Care industries.
Website URL: http://www.alexquek.com
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- Essential oils occur widely in the plant kingdom and are sometimes referred to as the plants’ ‘life force’ or ‘essence’ or ‘soul’.
- They are minute drops of liquid occurring in glands, glandular hairs, sacs or veins of different plant parts: flowers, leaves, seeds, bark (twigs) and wood (stem), resin (gum), roots, berries or fruit peel of the plant.
- Essential oils give each plant its very specific or unique scent or fragrance. (E.g. as you smell the beautiful fragrance of a rose, you are actually experiencing the joy of essential oils as they are released into the atmosphere)
- Essential oils droplets are a mixture of complex, organic compounds. When extracted, they are highly concentrated and highly fragrant.
- Essential oils are volatile, which means that they turn quickly from a liquid into a gas at room temperature or higher.
- They are also non-oily, despite their name. A good test of the purity of these aromatic substances is that they do not leave a greasy mark on a piece of paper. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as myrrh and patchouli.
- Essential oils are soluble in oils, fats and pure alcohol, but they are partially or non-soluble in water.
- Essential oils are also flammable!! (Experiment: Squeeze a lemon or orange rind into a candle flame to see tiny fireworks!)
- They can be damaged by light, heat, air and moisture. Therefore, we must know how to take good care of our precious essential oils.
- Essential oils are usually very liquid and do not feel greasy at all.
- Essential oils can only be produced by nature. Therefore, they are natural.
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ORIGINAL INGREDIENT FOR YOUR WELLNESS !
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