Thomas Hogg was a Victorian botanical collector who traveled extensively through the Far East searching for plants and trees and vines to bring back to America for the home garden. He is responsible for such beautiful varieties as the Japanese maple and the oriental snowbush being introduced into the United States. But he is also held responsible for introducing the nefarious kudzu vine, which has taken over millions of acres of productive agricultural land in the Deep South.
One of his worst blunders was the introduction of the Macassar oil tree from Indonesia to Florida and California. While the tree itself is not considered too invasive, the essential oil that it produces proved to be a controversial commodity for nearly a hundred years, from 1830 to 1930. American barbers combined Macassar oil with soapberry oil to produce a popular hair pomade for men. To stretch the pomade, some unscrupulous barbers adulterated their brand with kerosene and turpentine. The problem was that the two oils in combination clogged the follicle pores, which in turn led to scalp infections such as seborrheic eczema and ringworm. American doctors thundered against the concoction, trying in vain to get the American male to give it up -- but fashion trends were too entrenched. There was even an Anti-Macassar League, founded by Carrie Nation, that campaigned against Macassar oil, handing out thousands of pamphlets and doilies.
Finally, in 1930, the Food and Drug Administration stepped in to regulate the use of Macassar oil, requiring a license for its sale and use. That, along with a change in hair styles, put the kibosh on America’s infatuation with Macassar essential oil. Today it can only be found in countries such as Indonesia and Myanmar.
In the right hands, essential oils can be a powerful tool in promoting good mental and physical health. Today, stringent purity standards are in place to insure that any essential oil offered by a reputable company is completely unadulterated and safe. So it’s important to avoid all off-brand essential oils -- they may contain anything and everything!
Western soapberry tree
For further information, and for an absolutely free, no obligation, sample of three of the most commonly used oils, including lemon and lavender, contact Wellness Advocate Amy Snyder at http://bit.ly/2vHgrH6 Please put your name and address in her Comments box. She has used these superb essential oils for years herself and will be delighted to share her experiences with you in a professional and friendly manner!
NOTICE TO READERS: The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any emotional or physical condition, illness, or injury. The author, publishers, and distributors of this blog shall have no liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any and all alleged damage, loss, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this work. This work contains suggested uses of oils based on acceptable dosage amounts recommended by the manufacturer. The author makes no claim to have verified or validated these suggestions. The readers must validate acceptable dosage amounts from the manufacturer before application. The information in this book is in no way intended as a substitute for medical advice. We recommend that all readers obtain medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional before using essential oils for any reason.
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