Essential Oils

This volume examines sixteen essential oils drawn from herbs and other aromatic plants. It explains how each oil is produced and what it contains, with particular attention to distillation and other extraction methods. The discussion moves from the chemistry and physical properties of the oils to the ways they are identified, measured and put to use.

Beyond the core science, the book considers the safety profile and toxicity of essential oils and the rules that govern them. It also covers the practical side of the trade, including storage, stability and transport. Readers will find sections on the role of essential oils within plants, on methods of extraction and analysis, and on emerging directions in aromatherapy and in agricultural, food and non-food applications.

Individual chapters are devoted to specific oils, among them lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, citrus, eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, rosewood, juniper and pine, patchouli and clary sage, along with several others.

The contributors are specialists in essential oils from several countries. The book is written for professionals who develop, produce and sell essential oils and who need reliable reference material on their chemistry, handling and regulation.