Correct spelling for the English word "foulage" is [fˈuːlɪd͡ʒ], [fˈuːlɪdʒ], [f_ˈuː_l_ɪ_dʒ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Foulage is a term primarily used in the field of perfumery that refers to a technique or method of extracting aromatic substances or essential oils from plant materials. Derived from the French word "fouler" meaning "to trample" or "to press," foulage involves crushing or trampling on plant matter, such as flowers, leaves, or fruits, to release the fragrant substances they contain.
The process of foulage typically involves placing the plant materials in a container or vessel and pressing or crushing them with physical force. This can be done manually by stomping on them, trampling with feet, or using mechanical means like treading machines or presses. The purpose is to rupture the cells and release the volatile aromatic molecules, which are then collected.
Foulage is commonly employed in perfumery to obtain essential oils from delicate and fragile plant materials that may not endure other extraction methods, such as steam distillation. The technique is particularly suitable for extracting fragrant substances from flowers like rose, jasmine, tuberose, or violet, where the delicate petals release their aromatic compounds easily when subjected to pressure.
With its origins rooted in traditional perfumery, foulage continues to be utilized by some craftsmen and artisans in the fragrance industry today, especially for obtaining high-quality raw materials or creating unique scents with distinct olfactory profiles. The resulting essential oils or aromatic extracts obtained through foulage are then used as key ingredients in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and other scented products.
Kneading and pressure of the muscles, constituting a form of massage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.