Absolute A highly concentrated, semi-solid or solid perfume obtained by enfleurage (see below) or solvent extraction from a concrete.
Balsam The resinous liquid or semi-solid extract taken from a plant.
Carrier or base oil Essential oils are usually too concentrated to be used on the skin undiluted so they are blended with an unperfumed vegetable oil such as sweet almond.
Chemotype Chemical variations in an essential oil, even though they are obtained from the same botanical type of plant.
Concrete The waxy solid or semi-solid material prepared from plant matter.
Distillation In which the plant is heated (either directly in water or via steam) so its essence is released as vapour.
Enfleurage A traditional method of extracting oils from delicate flowers. Petals are sprinkled over a layer of fat, so their essence is absorbed. It takes…
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The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2019