Essential oils come from different parts of plants. In some they seem to accumulate in the petals, in others the roots, rinds, stalks, seeds, sap, nuts, leaves or bark. Sandalwood oil gathers in the heart wood of the tree, but only once the tree is 40 years old. Jasmine is most concentrated in the petals [...]
Essential oils are so complex and magical that no one really knows what they are. Romantics and enthusiasts say they are the life force of a plant, similar to the human spirit.
Researchers say they are a mixture of organic compounds, such as ketones, terpenes, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and hundreds of other molecules, many too small [...]
Since the beginning of life on Earth, mankind has had to experiment with plants to find out which were edible and which were fatal. Along the way, some were put aside for magic or medicine, and it is from these that the many folk remedies evolved.
By the time most of the ancient civilisations were thriving, [...]
Although it is based on more than 6000 years knowledge, the term ’Aromatherapie’ was first used only 65 years ago by a French chemist named Gattefosse.
His family owned a perfumery business. One day, while working in the laboratory, Gattefosse badly burnt his hand and plunged it .into a vat of lavender essential oil. When the [...]