Essential oils are volatile oils (chemistry term) that are extracted from plants, roots, flowers, woods, and fruits that have beneficial properties. These oils are extracted in several ways, such as steam or CO2 distillation, or cold press. Steam distillation has been used for centuries and is the most common oil extraction method. This method involves packing the plant matter into a vessel with water and heating that mixture. As the water warms, steam is given off and collected in tubing from the vessel. As the steam travels through this tubing, it cools back into water, leaving a layer of oil floating on top. This oil is harvested as the essential oil. The water left behind is often used in hydrosols because it retains some of the qualities of the plant. Cold pressing involves pressing the plant matter, often citrus peels, using a high-pressure hydraulic press to extract essential oils.

Essential oils can be used for a variety of wellness concerns and wellness support, and the methods of use vary depending on your individual goals. See the ‘How Do I Use Essential Oils’ page for all the information on how essential oils can be used safely.