Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma, flavor, and beneficial properties of the plants from which they are derived.
These extracts have gained immense popularity for their diverse uses, from aromatherapy to relaxation, wellness, and self-care. If you’ve heard about them but are wondering what are essential oils and what they do, this guide is for you.
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Table of Contents
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Understanding Essential Oils & Why Plants Produce Them
Plants produce essential oils naturally for different reasons.
Some plants produce essential oils as a defense mechanism. The aroma of these oils helps protect the plant from pests and environmental threats.
In some plants, essential oils help support natural recovery after physical damage. When a plant part is bruised or damaged, it secretes essential oils, initiating the recovery process.
Other plants produce essential oils through their flowers and flower parts. The aroma of the oil attracts insects, which encourages pollination and reproduction.
The essential oil extracted from each plant is unique to that particular plant. The oil is composed of chemical compounds or a combination of these compounds in a specific ratio for each oil.
Each type of oil, in turn, has its own unique properties and therapeutic benefits depending on its molecular composition.
Which Plant Parts Are Used To Extract Essential Oils?
Essential oils are extracted from various plant parts such as flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, roots, or resin. The plant part used to extract the oil depends on the type of plant.
For instance, lavender essential oil is extracted by steam distilling lavender flowers, while sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the bark of the sandalwood tree. Lemon essential oil is obtained by cold pressing the peel of lemons.
Certain plants can produce multiple chemical variants of essential oils that are extracted from different parts of the same plant.
One such example is the oils extracted from the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon essential oil is obtained from the bark of the tree while cassia oil is extracted from the leaves of the same tree. Both oils have slightly different aromas and both are used differently in wellness practices.
Essential oils have a much higher concentration of components as compared to the plant part from which it is extracted. This is because it takes a lot of raw material to extract a drop of essential oil.
It can take as much as hundreds of pounds of plant materials to extract as little as an ounce of essential oil. Take peppermint essential oil for example. One drop of the oil contains the equivalent of about 25 cups of peppermint tea!
The large amount of raw material used to extract the oil also explains why essential oils cost so much. Imagine this – it takes as much as 30 pounds of lavender herbs to extract about 15 ml of lavender essential oil.
How Essential Oils Are Extracted
Essential oils are obtained from plants using a various extraction techniques, each designed to capture the plant’s aromatic and therapeutic properties. Here are the most common extraction techniques:
Steam Distillation
This is the most widely used method. In this process, steam is passed through the plant material, causing the essential oils to evaporate.
The steam-oil mixture is then condensed back into a liquid, where the essential oil is separated from the water.
Cold Pressing
Mainly used for citrus oils like lemon and orange, cold pressing involves mechanically pressing or squeezing the plant material to release its essential oils.
This method retains the natural scent and properties of the oil without heat exposure.
Solvent Extraction
For delicate flowers such as jasmine or rose, solvent extraction is used. Plant material is soaked in a solvent to dissolve the essential oils.
Afterward, the solvent is evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated essential oil called an “absolute.”
CO2 Extraction
This modern technique uses carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract essential oils. When the pressure is reduced, the CO2 returns to its gaseous state, leaving a pure, highly concentrated oil behind.
This method is often used for oils with a more complex aroma, like frankincense.
Maceration
In this method, plant material is soaked in a carrier oil or fat to absorb the essential oil. The mixture is then heated and filtered to separate the essential oil from the plant material. It’s less common but used for certain flowers and herbs.
Each method preserves the unique essence of the plant, resulting in pure, potent essential oils that carry the plant’s natural benefits.
How Do Essential Oils Work?
Essential oils primarily influence the body through the olfactory system, which is directly connected to the limbic system in the brain. This part of the brain plays a role in emotions, behavior, and memory, which is why certain scents can trigger powerful emotional responses or recall vivid memories.
When inhaled, essential oil molecules interact with scent receptors in the nose and send signals to the brain. This sensory connection can contribute to experiences such as feeling more relaxed, uplifted, or focused depending on the aroma.
When applied topically – always diluted with a carrier oil – essential oils may offer skin-soothing or aromatic benefits. Their aroma can enhance self-care routines such as massages or baths, contributing to a greater sense of well-being.
Common Essential Oil Uses
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to create a specific atmosphere, whether it’s to promote a sense of calm, boost energy, or support relaxation.
Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are popular in aromatherapy for calming routines, while citrus oils such as lemon and orange offer a more uplifting and energizing aroma.
Essential oil diffusers are commonly used to disperse these aromas throughout a space. There are various types of diffusers including ultrasonic, nebulizing, and passive devices. Each is best suited for different situations.
Portable diffusers are the most versatile of these devices if you wish to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy anywhere.
Skincare
Essential oils are often used in natural skincare routines for their pleasant scents and complementary properties.
For example, tea tree, frankincense, and rose oils are popular in DIY serums or facial oils. These oils may support a clearer-looking complexion or hydrated skin when used properly in diluted form.
These easy all-natural recipes for homemade luxurious body butter, gentle sugar scrubs, and beeswax lip balm are all scented with essential oils. All recipes can be easily customized by simply changing the essential oil.
Self-Care
From diffusing to lighting aromatherapy candles, there are so many different ways you can use essential oils in your self-care routine to create small moments of calm throughout your day.
You can use essential oils to a warm bath or make your own aromatherapy fizzy bath bombs or relaxing bath salts. Or craft your own calming massage oil to use as a comforting part of a muscle-soothing self-care ritual.
Spritz a homemade relaxing pillow spray with relaxing essential oils to create a cozy ambiance that gently and unobtrusively help you wind down before bed. You can also use essential oils in a variety of ways to plan a pampering spa day any time of the year.
These small practices can help you feel more grounded and present, turning everyday routines into mindful moments.
General Wellness
Many people include essential oils in their wellness rituals as part of a holistic lifestyle. It’s super simple too!
Adding a few drops of energizing essential oil in a diffuser gives out a refreshing aroma that feels invigorating. This is great to help you get going in the mornings or to help you get over a midday slump.
On the other hand, adding a few drops of relaxing essential oil helps to slowly dispel the fatigue after a long day.
A homemade steam shower with eucalyptus leaves can create a spa-like environment that’s especially helpful during seasonal changes.
Household Cleaning
Essential oils such as lemon, eucalyptus, and tea tree are frequently added to DIY cleaning blends for their fresh scent and purifying feel.
These blends are popular with people looking to use more natural, plant-based ingredients in their home care routine.
Popular Essential Oils for Beginners
If you’re just getting started, these versatile essential oils can be a great entry point:
Lavender – Known for its calming aroma, lavender is a favorite for bedtime routines or winding down after a long day.
Peppermint – With its cool, energizing scent, peppermint is often used in diffusers to promote focus and refresh the atmosphere.
Tea Tree – Common in natural skincare and cleaning blends, tea tree has a crisp, purifying aroma and is often added to DIY facial products or room sprays.
Eucalyptus – Loved for its clean, invigorating scent, eucalyptus is popular in diffusers and DIY shower steamers, especially during seasonal transitions.
Roman Chamomile – A gentle oil with a soothing floral aroma, often included in evening rituals to encourage relaxation.
Lemon – With its bright and cheerful fragrance, lemon oil is ideal for boosting the mood or freshening up your space.
Frankincense – A rich, grounding scent often used during meditation or quiet reflection, helping to center the mind.
Rose – Known for its romantic and uplifting scent, rose oil is cherished in skincare for its luxurious feel and hydrating touch.
Geranium – A sweet, floral oil often used in natural beauty products to nurture the skin and balance the senses.
How to Choose the Right Essential Oils for Your Needs: Factors to Consider
With so many different essential oils available, each with its own unique properties and benefits, it’s important to choose the right oil for your specific needs.
For example, lavender is the best essential oil for relaxation and tranquility.
On the other hand, peppermint is the best essential oil if you’re using aromatherapy to keep you stay awake and energized. Diffusing peppermint essential oil late in the day can disrupt your sleep patterns.
In addition to the type of essential oil, it’s also important to consider the quality of the product.
How To Buy Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are created equal. It’s important to look for high-quality, pure essential oils that are free from synthetic additives or fillers. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best oils:
Check the label: Look for the botanical name of the plant, country of origin, and extraction method. If these details are missing, the oil may not be pure.
Third-party testing: Many reputable essential oil companies provide third-party testing results to confirm the purity of their oils.
Avoid synthetic fragrances: Be wary of oils labeled as “fragrance oils” or “perfume oils,” as these are often synthetic and lack the therapeutic benefits of pure essential oils.
This buying guide walks you through the 10 things to look for when buying essential oils.
When it comes to essential oils, quality and transparency matter and that’s why Plant Therapy is my top choice. Their oils are 100% pure, third-party tested, and clearly labeled with GC/MS reports you can actually view online.
I also love that they offer an extensive range of organic options, kid-safe blends, and affordable pricing without compromising on safety or sourcing. Whether you’re just starting your aromatherapy journey or you’re a seasoned user, Plant Therapy makes it easy to buy essential oils with confidence.
Important Essential Oils Safely Tips
Using essential oils safely is crucial, as they are highly concentrated and potent. These are some key safety tips to follow:
Dilute Before Topical Application: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil, before topical application. Read these two guides before applying essential oils to your skin.
Patch Test Before Extensive Use: Before applying an essential oil to a larger area of skin, perform a patch test by applying a small amount of diluted oil to your wrist or inner elbow. Wait 24 hours to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
Use Proper Dosage: When using essential oils in a diffuser, 3-5 drops are usually sufficient to fill a room with their aroma. If you’re adding essential oils to a bath, mix them with a carrier oil or bath salts to avoid skin irritation.
Store Oils Correctly: Store essential oil in dark glass bottles to maintain their quality and potency and prevent premature degradation due to light, heat, and air exposure. This storage guide covers everything you need to know about how to store essential oils correctly to maximize shelf life.
Avoid using essential oils when you’re pregnant or nursing: Studies are still inconclusive regarding the effects of aromatherapy on pregnant or nursing women. It’s better to err on the side of safety and refrain from use during these times.
Avoid using citrus essential oils topically before spending time outdoors: Citrus oils are photosensitive and could cause a reaction from sun exposure.
A Final Word on Essential Oil Safety
While essential oils are natural, they are also highly potent and should always be used with care. Some oils may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially if not properly diluted.
If you are pregnant, nursing, have underlying health conditions, or are planning to use essential oils around children, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider first.
Keep in mind that certain essential oils such as tea tree, citrus, and eucalyptus, can be toxic to pets. Always diffuse in a well-ventilated area and avoid exposing pets to oils known to be harmful.
By staying informed and using essential oils responsibly, you can safely enjoy their many benefits as part of your self-care and wellness routine.
Getting Started with Essential Oils at Home
To make the most of your essential oil experience, a few simple tools such as diffusers, carrier oils, and roller bottles, can really help. These make it easier to enjoy aromatherapy safely and effectively. This
guide on how to use essential oils for aromatherapy covers various methods and tools to use.
What Are Essential Oils: FAQs
What are organic essential oils?
Organic essential oils are extracted from plants grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They are the purest form of essential oil you can buy.
Are essential oils the same as fragrance oils or perfume oils?
No, essential oils are not the same as fragrance oils. They are distinctly different. Perfume oils and fragrances are created in labs using various synthetic chemicals while essential oils are pure, all-natural extracts from various plant parts. Read the detailed difference between essential oils vs. fragrance oils.
Why are essential oils so expensive?
The reason behind the high cost is that it takes large quantities of plant plants to extract a small quantity of essential oil. However, you only need to use a small amount as the oil is highly concentrated. The higher price is worth it when you consider that a couple of drops can go a long way.
Are essential oils safe for children?
It is very important to use caution and to follow proper instructions when using essential oils for children. Children have more sensitive skin and may be more susceptible to adverse reactions. I recommend using essential oils from Plant Therapy’s KidSafe line. These are specially formulated for children and are safe when used in accordance with the guidelines provided.
Are essential oils safe for dogs?
This is a grey area with lots of studies and conflicting case reports. Some say it’s okay to diffuse essential oils when your pet is around but I would avoid using essential oils directly on my dog.
Are essential oils safe for cats?
I would use the same reasoning as above and advise against using them directly on your cat.
Can I get the benefits of aromatherapy anywhere?
Yes, there are ways you can get the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils everywhere you go. Wearing aromatherapy jewelry or carrying a portable essential oil inhaler in your purse makes it easy to use essential oils anytime, anywhere. Buy a car essential oil diffuser to get the benefits of aromatherapy when driving.
Are essential oils regulated by the government?
Essential oils are not regulated by the government in the same way that pharmaceutical drugs are. However, some essential oil companies often adhere to certain standards or certifications, such as the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG) standard.
