What are essential oils?

Steam distillation is the most common way to extract essential oils. It involves placing water and select aromatic plants into a distiller. The water is boiled to the point where it creates steam. The steam pulls the essential oils out of the plants.

Once separated, the oil-laden steam is cooled in a condenser where the oil becomes a liquid again. Different essential oil companies will use different distillation methods, some more gentle than others. Essential oils contain hundreds of small molecules called constituents and too much heat and pressure will destroy these beneficial components. That’s why the slightest variation in the temperature or pressure can alter the oil’s chemical profile. The gentler the process, the more potent the oil.

Oil companies generally use cold pressing to extract oils from citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, limes, oranges and tangerines. Cold pressing is preferred with these fruits because other oil extraction methods can compromise the potency of the oil.

In the past, cold pressing was performed by hand. These days, the rind of the citrus fruit is placed in a container with spikes that puncture the peels while the device rotates. The punctures release the rind’s essential oil, which is then collected and separated from the natural juices.

Essential oils were prized throughout history and by many ancient cultures for their various cosmetic, aromatic and dietary benefits. Many civilizations treasured these oils so much that they were incorporated into their spiritual and religious rituals. In fact, oils are mentioned in many historical texts from around the world.

The Egyptians used aromatic oils as early as 4500 BC and their practices were the source for the Evers Papyrus, the first compilation of ancient healing practices that dates back to approximately 1,500 BC. India boasts a 3,000-year history of incorporating essential oils into their healing potions, with Vedic literature listing over 700 substances including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, lotus and other essential oils. In China, the use of essential oils was first recorded between 2697–2597 BC during the reign of Huang Ti, the legendary Yellow Emperor.

The ancient Greeks and Romans also documented the use of essential oils. During the Crusades, the European knights and their armies discovered the Middle Eastern use of essential oils and the distillation methods used to extract them. They became acquainted with the literature about the oils’ many uses and took it back with them, where the oils soon spread across western Europe.

The modern essential oils movement builds on this foundation of ancient tradition and wisdom, re-introducing essential oils and their benefits to the world.

The modern essential oil movement is still seen as a new trend. The movement builds on this foundation of tradition and wisdom and, with the help of increasing scientific research, is re-introducing essential oils to the world.

Throughout history, essential oils were included in spiritual, religious and meditative practices. They were also used for aromatherapy, cosmetics, personal care and food preparation. Today, manufacturers rely on essential oils to scent their perfumes and lotions. There are hundreds of essential oils, each with unique benefits and uses. Many people use oils to scent their homes, freshen their laundry, flavour their food and drinks or to enhance their DIY cosmetics and cleaners. 

In our more sustainable, environmentally conscious society, essential oils make a compelling case as a green alternative to many of the standard cosmetics and cleaners. Essential oil-infused products are naturally derived without harsh, synthetic chemicals, making them an eco-friendly solution you can feel safe using on your skin, around your family and in your home.