Reading passage 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14 - 26, which are based on the Reading
Passage 2 below.

ESSENTIAL OILS

A. The word "essential oil'' is derived from the original "quintessential oil ``. It stems
from
the Aristotelian concept that matter is composed of four elements - fire, air, earth
and water. Quintessence or the fifth element was then deemed to be spirit or life
force. The processes that helped in removing the spirit from the plant were thought
to be distillation and evaporation, and this is also reflected in our language since the
term "spirits" is used to describe distilled alcoholic beverages such as brandy,
whiskey, and eau de vie-a fruit brandy

B. Essential oils are fragrant concentrates found in plants. The oils are extracted through
cold pressing or steam distillation, although other methods can be used depending
on the type of plant. Purity is of the utmost importance when it comes to essential
oils. For this reason, one must opt for established aromatherapy suppliers while
making purchases and not the commercial-grade product that has been engineered
to meet the demands of perfume industries.

C. These oils are extremely complex chemical structures and consist of an elaborate
mixture of aromatic compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones,
lactones, phenols, terpenes and sesquiterpenes which combine to produce a unique
set of therapeutic qualities. The purity of these oils is ascertained by the laboratory
procedures of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).

D. There are many beauty benefits of essential oils. They promote a clear complexion,
soften the skin, and reduce signs of ageing. The hair becomes lustrous and healthy-
looking. Furthermore, over the counter beauty products contain harmful chemicals
and are not always right for use. Essential oils can help purge the chemicals from your
beauty regimen. By enjoying the benefits of essential oils every day, you will not only
look good but feel good too.

E. History says essential oils have been used not only as beauty products but also as
healing agents for thousands of years. Over the years, the importance of using
essential oils as beauty aids, healing agents and mood enhancers has increased. A
little bottle of esoteric oil with its properties is more effective than a whiff of
perfume. It can be applied topically, incorporated into massage oils or taken internally
by way of inhalation as the product demands. A few drops of lavender in the
bathwater can do wonders for relaxation or a good night's sleep. If used correctly,
ethereal oils can create an emotionally balanced life. Essent oils also have revitalising
agents. As you browse through the products available in the mark you will see
essential oils for most common maladies.
 F. While meditation is vital for spiritual upliftment, there is nothing like essential oils
and inc to the ser along the way The scent of the pure constituents in these oils
stimulates P olfactory receptors and activates regions in the brain's limbic system
associated memory emotions and state of mind and relaxes the mind. Applying the
oils to the feets, wrists and behind the ears before meditation is practiced in spiritual
activities. Home cleansing products often contain harsh chemicals. By substituting
these toxic substances with essential oils, cleaning can be more effective and devoid
of the side effects of chemicals. Cleansing oils can be used to eliminate bacteria from
any surface type.

G. Due to having highly developed industries, high per capita income, governmental
subsidies and tax benefits that encourage the production of essential oils, Europe is
closely followed by North America to emerge as the second major regional market.
The value of Europ essential oil market was over USD 2.50 billion in 2015, and this
market is likely to witness steady growth rate owing to market saturation. Europe is
estimated to hold the prominent market share, on account of rising awareness and
growing demand for medicines, natural cosmetics and beauty products, and
nutraceuticals. Increasing consciousness in the society’s young as well as the vast
geriatric population in countries such as France, Germany, U Spain, and Italy, among
others, has aided the regional industry growth.

H. The region expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region in the global industry
owing to rising awareness about products derived from natural sources is the Asia
Pacific. Als growing disposable income has reinforced the essential oils' derived
product demand. Some leading companies operating in the global industry include
Biolandes, Sydney Essential Oils HRF, The Lebermuth Company, Young Living Essential
Oils, doTerra, Essential Oils of New Zealand, Sydella Laboratoire, Farotti Essenze,
Moksha Lifestyle Products, West India Spice Inc., Falcon and Ungerer Limited among
others.

I. Product sales and customer preference indicate tremendous health benefits of

ethereal oil some of which have already been under scientific research. As of today,
essential oils cannot be patented as no large corporation will agree to invest millions
into research as they cannot claim it to be their own invention. For this reason,
clinical research into the merits of essential oils, and aromatherapy, in general, is
sadly lacking. This is not meant to advocate that essential oils should replace
conventional medicine, yet it can surely be hoped that they are going to play a
prominent role in our general health and mental well-being.

Questions 14-19

Reading Passage 2 has nine paragraphs, A-I.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

14. an account of different ways in which essential oils can be administered

15. a word of caution while buying essential oils
16. a description of how ingredients of essential oils influence mental activity
17. a mention of the state's role in promoting essential oils
18. a reference to methods used for checking the genuineness of essential oils
19. a reason for the absence of laboratory tests on benefits of essential oils

Questions 20-23

Complete the notes below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

 Essential oils derive their name from the 20_____ which was considered to
be 21________.

 Medicinal properties of essential oils are attributed to a wide combination

of 22_______.

 Essential oils are not yet 23________ as no manufacturer can promote them as their
own creation.