Final answer:
Chaulmoogra oil is an essential oil historically used for its healing properties, notably improved for treating leprosy through the process developed by chemist Alice Ball. Its effectiveness is enhanced by isolating active esters, making it better absorbable by the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
An essential oil used for its healing qualities is chaulmoogra oil. The medicinal properties of plants, such as the chaulmoogra tree from which this oil is derived, have been recognized since ancient civilizations. A notable historical example is the work of Alice Ball, a chemist who, in 1915, improved the efficacy of chaulmoogra oil for treating leprosy by isolating the active esters, making it more absorbable by the body without the negative side effects of the raw oil.
This process, known as the "Ball Technique", illustrates how essential oils can be optimized for therapeutic use. Additionally, the aroma and flavor of essential oils, contributed to by compounds like aldehydes, play a role in their therapeutic effects.