doTerra Europe Product Catalog doTerra Europe Product Catalog 2016 | Page 4

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

What are

ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and
other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. If you have ever enjoyed
the gift of a rose, a walk by a field of lavender, or the smell of freshly cut mint, you have experienced
the aromatic qualities of essential oils. Essential oils can lift the mood, calm the senses, and elicit
powerful emotional responses. Yet the use of essential oils goes well beyond their fragrant appeal.
Essential oils have been used throughout history in many
cultures for their health-promoting properties. Modern
trends toward more holistic approaches to self care and
growing scientific validation of alternative health practices
are driving a rediscovery of the profound health benefits of
essential oils. Many have powerful cleansing properties.
Their unique chemical structure allows them to deliver
targeted benefits through topical application. Certain oils
may be used as dietary aids to promote vitality and
well-being.

Extraction Methods
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are most often extracted
via a low-heat steam distillation process in which steam is
circulated under pressure through plant material, liberating
the essential oils into the steam. As the steam mixture cools,
the water and oils are separated and the oil is collected in its
pure form. To ensure the highest quality oil extract of
correct chemical composition, temperature and pressure
must be monitored very closely. Too little heat and pressure
will not release the valuable oil; too much can fracture an
extract’s delicate chemical composition and alter its
potency.
Equally important to the carefully controlled extraction
process, the meticulous selection of correct plant species
and plant parts harvested at the perfect moment when their
essential oil compounds are most concentrated, is also
required for a quality therapeutic-grade essential oil extract.
This complex process is as much an art form as it is a
science and requires experienced growers and distillers
working together to ensure a superior product.

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ESSENTIAL WELLNESS