An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile
aromatic compounds from plants. Some plants like the bitter orange are sources
of several types of essential oils. Essential oils are generally extracted by
distillation or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes cosmetics and bath
products for flavouring food and drink and for scenting incense and household
cleaning products. Various essential oils have been used medicinally at
different periods in history. Medical application proposed by those who sell
medicinal oils ranges from skin treatment to remedies for cancer and is often
based on historical use of these oils for these purposes. Such claims are now
subject to