Marie Mediamolle-Howenstine, will discuss the importance of essential oils at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.
This event is free of charge and is open to the public.

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.

An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the plant's fragrance--the characteristic fragrance of the plant from which it is derived.

They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding scents to incense and household cleaning products. Essential oils have been used medicinally in history.

Mediamolle-Howenstine will have a small diffuser along with a kit of oils for patrons to smell and experience.

For more information regarding this exhibition, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.