ESSENTIAL OIL Meaning and
Definition
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Essential oil refers to a highly volatile, concentrated, and aromatic liquid derived from various plants and their parts, commonly referred to as botanicals. These oils capture the natural essence and scent of the plant through a process known as distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils are characterized by their strong fragrance, which is distinct to each individual plant or botanical source.
Due to their intense concentration, essential oils are usually diluted before use and are widely employed in aromatherapy, personal care products, and numerous medicinal applications. Their distinct therapeutic properties have been valued and utilized for centuries in traditional medicine and alternative healing practices.
Essential oils possess a diverse range of chemical compounds, such as terpenes, esters, aldehydes, and phenols, each contributing to their unique properties and potential health benefits. Some common examples of essential oils include lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon.
These oils are believed to possess various physical and psychological effects on the human body, thus making them useful in stress relief, mood enhancement, relaxation, and promoting overall well-being. Moreover, essential oils are utilized in cosmetic products, perfumes, and fragrances due to their pleasant scent and potential for skin-enhancing effects.
However, it is crucial to note that essential oils are highly concentrated substances and must be handled with care. They should be used sparingly, following appropriate dilution guidelines and expert guidance, to ensure safe and effective use.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ESSENTIAL OIL
- wssential oil
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Etymology of ESSENTIAL OIL
The word "essential" in "essential oil" comes from the Latin word "essentia" which means "essence" or "being". It refers to the fundamental nature or quality of something.
The term "essential oil" itself emerged around the late 15th century and refers to the concentrated aromatic liquids that are extracted from plants. The term "oil" comes from the Latin word "oleum" which means "olive oil" but was later used more generally for any fatty, greasy, or viscous substance. Although essential oils are not true oils in the sense of being lipid-based, they were named so due to their similar physical properties to oil.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "essential oil" indicates the importance and fundamental nature of these highly concentrated plant extracts.
Similar spelling words for ESSENTIAL OIL
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