Essential Oil

OBJECTIVES

1. To identify the different method of extraction for essential oil.
2. To compare the performance of different extraction methods.

FINDINGS

INTRODUCTION

Essential oils are secondary metabolites in plants. They have a composition that differ from the herb extract of the plant. Some plants store their precious essential oil within the parts such as leaves, flowers, wood, bark, resin, rinds, fruits, seed, roots or any other parts. Some plants yield essential oil from multiple parts. For instance, Angelica plant can yield essential oil from both roots and seeds. The chemical composition of essential oils usually consists of alcohol, phenol, lactones, sesquiterpenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, phenolic ethers, oxides and coumarins. However, chemicals like alcohols, phenols, lactones and sesquiterpenes are the ones that gives the essential oils their properties that aids in cosmetic which became the benefits for the users. The properties are antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-viral and anti-oxidant. As an antibiotic, besides killing bacteria and viruses that causes infection like eczema and dermatitis, some essential oils also boost the immune system. Some essential oil that can be applied topically protect wounds and cuts. Essential oil can soothe inflammation thus having anti-inflammatory property. It reduces swelling and improves skin tone. There are essential oils that can inhaled directly for treating respiratory infections such as asthma. Its antiseptic property allows to treat infections related throughout the body. It can be also used to treat acne. Its anti-oxidant property slows down aging.

Braun Leslie (2005). Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide. Australia: Elsevier

Daniele Ryman (2012). The Aromatherapy Handbook: The Secret Healing Power Of Essential Oils. Random House

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