My first Magazine essential-oils-for-beginners | Page 2

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What are essential oils?
A variety of plants cover the Earth in different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. Many of these
plants contains compounds that typically can’t be seen with the naked eye—they hide within the
roots, flowers, seeds, bark, or other areas of the plant. These compounds are known as essential
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oils. They are highly concentrated, making them extremely potent. Also referred to as volatile
Why use essential oils?
aromatic compounds, essential oils give a plant its aroma, protect it from harsh environmental
conditions and insects, and even play a part in plant pollination.
The science behind essential oils
Volatile Aromatic Compounds:
When you hear the word “volatile,” you may think it holds a negative Tiny, organic molecules that are known
connotation; however, in the case of essential oils, volatility refers to a to quickly transform from their liquid or
substance’s ability to change its state quickly. The chemical makeup solid state into a gas when they reach
of volatile aromatic compounds in essential oils allow them to disperse room temperature.
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How do I use essential oils?
quickly through the air. This is why you can instantly smell the potent
aroma of an essential oil from the moment you open the bottle—even
from a distance.
As volatile aromatic compounds move quickly through the air, the
essential oil user will experience the scent when the compounds interact
directly with the brain’s olfactory sensors. (You’ll learn more about how
essential oils interact with the brain in chapters two and three).
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Peppermint
Are essential oils safe?
With over 3,000 types of volatile aromatic compounds discovered so
far, it is important to note that these compounds greatly determine the
benefit, aroma, and nature of each essential oil. Because of unique
chemical makeup, each essential oil will vary from species to species,
and even from plant to plant.
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Mentha piperita
As we inhale the distinct aroma of an
essential oil, the scent is processed through
the olfactory system in the brain. The
brain’s olfactory system is responsible for
controlling the sense of smell.