Essential Oils and Their Applications

Essential oils are derived from specific glandular cells found in various plant parts. When these cells rupture, the volatile oils with a combination of chemical constituents release their fragrance, which is used in a range of applications such as perfumery, aromatherapy, cosmetics, incense, medicine, household insect repellents, and food and drink flavorings. Additionally, essential oils have significant value in agriculture as anti-feedants, repellents, natural herbicides, and growth boosters, indicating promising areas of ongoing research. Despite the existing information being scattered, this book aims to provide a comprehensive collection of knowledge on essential oils, organized into five main sections: introduction, general extraction methods, market statistics, individual medicinal and aromatic plants, and new aromatic plants for future research.