Summary of 'Adulteration of Essential Oils' Chapter from Handbook of Essential Oils, 2nd Edition

摘要

EOs are concentrated liquids that contain volatile compounds produced by specialized tissues in many medicinal and aromatic plants. These compounds often give each respective plant its characteristic fragrance and flavor. EO-containing materials havebeen used for thousands of years for fragrances, incenses, and a variety of medicinal and other purposes. Because a relatively large amount of plant biomass is typically required to produce a small amount of EO, the cost of EOs can be very high. High prices for commodities have often led to adulteration with undisclosed lower-cost materials, at the economic benefit of the seller and frequent detriment to the buyer or user.