Essential oils (EOs) are volatile, aromatic, non-water soluble liquids obtained by steam, hydrodistallation or expression (cold-pressed, used for citrus EOs) of botanicals. EOs are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of plants. While essential oils are inside of the plant, they are constantly changing their chemical composition to help the plant adapt to the ever-changing internal and external environment. Essential oils give plants their distinctive smells. They play a role in plant pollination by attracting pollinators through these scents. Yes, insects are even attracted to the aroma of essential oils! Essential Oils also aid in the protection of the plant. They help protect plants against unwanted insects, animals and other plants that may be threatening a plant's living environment. They also protect the plant with their anti-fungal and antibacterial nature. Resins and complex combinations of terpenes (organic compounds found in some EOs) are released by some plants and trees to act as antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antibacterial agents to organisms that may threaten the survival of the plants. 

 

In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have been used for health-care practices, food preparation and beauty treatment for thousands of years.

​

But what exactly is a "volatile aromatic compound?" In short, these compounds are small organic molecules that are "volatile" meaning they change quickly from their solid or liquid state to a gas at room temperature. The physical and chemical properties of the volatile aromatic compounds that compose essential oils allow them to quickly move through the air and directly interact with the olfactory receptors in the nose. Such unique properties make essential oils ideal for aromatherapy — using these compounds from plants to help maintain a healthy mind and body — as well as other applications. The type of volatile aromatic compounds present in an essential oil determines both the oil’s aroma and the benefits it offers. 

​

Over 3,000 varieties of volatile aromatic compounds have been identified to date. The nature of an essential oil varies from plant to plant, within botanical families, and from species to species. The delicate ratio of aromatic constituents found in any given essential oil are what make it unique and give it specific benefits. 

​

Even with pure essential oils the composition of the oil can vary depending on the time of day, season, geographic location, method and duration of distillation, year grown, and the weather, making every step of the production process a critical determinant of the overall quality of the essential oil product. This is why it is crucial that each essential oil be thoroughly tested before distributed to the public and why some essential oils are more effective than others. doTerra ensures that all of their oils are tested and contain the highest levels of healing components possible to each specific plant. To learn about the doTerra difference click here. 

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

References

​

Essential Oil University. 2016 <https://essentialoils.org>

doTerra. 2016. <http://doterra.com/US/en/what-is-an-essential-oil>