Significance of Essential oil
Essential oil refers to concentrated hydrophobic liquids extracted from various plants that contain volatile aroma compounds, recognized for their therapeutic properties. These oils, derived from sources like sesame, ginger, sandalwood, and other plants, are used for a range of applications including health enhancement, flavoring, and aromatherapy. Essential oils are valued for their antibacterial, antifungal, and overall beneficial effects on well-being, making them a significant component in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and culinary practices.
Synonyms: Aromatic oil, Plant extract, Volatile oil, Herbal oil, Herbal extract
In Dutch: Essentiële olie; In Finnish: Eteerinen öljy; In Spanish: Aceite esencial; In German: Ätherisches Öl
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Essential oil'
In Hinduism, essential oils are therapeutic substances from plants like sesame and ginger, used for health, flavoring, and enhancing elephant well-being, with sandalwood oil valued for its fragrance and properties derived from heartwood.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from sandalwood, essential for its fragrance and properties, derived mainly from the heartwood.[1]
The concept of Essential oil in scientific sources
Essential oil consists of concentrated aromatic compounds derived from plants, utilized in aromatherapy, perfumery, and medicinal uses, highlighting its diverse applications and significance in enhancing wellbeing and fragrance.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The essential oil of M. fragrans was tested in Xenopus oocytes that were injected with GABAA receptor comprising of 2α1, 2β2, and γ2s subunits.[2] (2) These are a mixture of substances extracted from plants by different methods, and have been used traditionally for various purposes.[3] (3) Essential oil can be extracted from neem seed using methods like Soxhlet extraction, as described in the text.[4] (4) These are concentrated aromatic extracts from plants, and carvone is a volatile monocyclic terpenoid found in many of these.[5] (5) A concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, which have been shown to have antibacterial effects against certain bacteria.[6]