Arizona Cosmetology Practice Exam

Define "infusion" in the context of aromatherapy.

1. The process of removing scent from plants

2. The extraction of plant properties using oil or alcohol

3. The process of diluting essential oils

4. The blending of oils for aroma

The correct answer is: The extraction of plant properties using oil or alcohol

In the field of aromatherapy, "infusion" specifically refers to the extraction of plant properties using oil or alcohol. This process entails soaking or steeping plant materials—such as leaves, flowers, or herbs—in a carrier oil or alcohol to draw out the aromatic compounds, essential oils, and beneficial properties contained within the plants. Infusion allows practitioners to create oil blends that carry the therapeutic qualities associated with the original plant material. As a result, infused oils can be utilized in various applications within aromatherapy, such as in massages, skincare products, or other formulations that require the properties of the plants being used. Other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what infusion means in this context. For instance, removing scent from plants fundamentally contradicts the idea of extracting aromatic qualities. Similarly, diluting essential oils is a different process related to safety and concentration but does not involve extracting properties. Blending oils for aroma, while related to creating mixtures, does not imply the extraction process that defines infusion.