To put it simply, essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants to ultimately capture the purest essence of nature. Found in flowers, trees, seeds, fruit and more, essential oils harness the true power of nature and can offer a multitude of uses and benefits.
About Essential Oils
A history of essential oils
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for different purposes, and the usage of these oils span the globe. Earliest reports date back to 4500 BC in ancient Egypt as the Egyptians incorporated these aromatic oils in ancient healing practices. If we look across the Indian Ocean, Vedic literature lists over 700 substances including cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood and rose, all of which are still being used and loved over 3,000 years later and 4,000 miles away.
The ancient Greeks documented use of essential oils in cosmetics, ointments, and even spiritual rituals. Certain aromas were believed to have the power to chase evil spirits away, and it’s why the ancient Greeks often buried their dead with a bottle of perfume. Fast forward to the 11th century in the years of the Crusades, European armies are credited with uncovering the ancient practices and uses of essential oils and bringing them to western Europe. It speaks volumes how special these oils are to have stood the test of time. They’ve been used and celebrated by civilisations throughout history!
Steam distillation
This method of extraction is the most widely used and is often the favoured method for oils derived from trees. To extract the purest essence, the botanical is placed in or above water and heated, allowing steam (carrying both oil and water-soluble components) to rise and travel along a tube through a cooling system, where it’s returned to a liquid state. Once condensed, the oil can be found collected at the top where it’s then separated from the water. Sounds easy? Here’s the kicker: the process needs to happen at the perfect temperature and pressure to avoid altering the oil’s properties or aroma.
Cold pressing
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.
Evoking memories through scent
Science, as well as our own human experience, teaches us that scents can trigger different emotions and memories. How does this happen? Scents can bypass the thalamus and go straight to the olfactory bulb of the brain, which is the region associated with emotion and memory. Each essential oil has a unique scent that can inspire different memories and feelings. Refreshing scents like rosemary and citrus essential oils can evoke bright and uplifting feelings whilst lavender offers a calming aroma. Incorporate moments of self-care into your life by using essential oils and essential oil blends for soothing baths, massages, inhalation, or topical application.
Prioritising physical wellness
Life is busy, we get it. That’s where essential oils and essential oil-infused products come in, providing targeted solutions to support you feeling your best. Passionate about fitness? Gently breathe in uplifting scents such as spearmint and peppermint essential oil before your workout, or add drops to your pulse points to keep you motivated throughout. These oils can even have post-workout benefits when combined with carrier oil and massaged into the body. Reach for multivitamins and food supplements made from pure essential oils and other naturally derived ingredients as an excellent source of nutrition to support your overall health and wellness goals.
Cleaning the home
We don’t want to fill our bodies with harsh chemicals and toxins, so why should we clean our homes with them? Essential oils are a natural way to deodorise your home. Look for products with naturally derived ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
Enhancing natural beauty
Let your natural beauty shine through without harsh ingredients and synthetic fragrances. Enjoy the beautiful benefits of essential oil-infused, naturally-derived, cruelty-free cosmetic and personal care products.
The importance of purity
For an essential oil to be considered pure, it needs to be carefully extracted from a raw botanical source without any other chemicals or additives. Sadly, essential oils can be tampered with, a common example of this being when sellers add synthetics to bulk out the volume and therefore maximise profits. The consequence of using impure essential oils is that they will not offer the same benefits as promised by the purest, high-quality essential oils.
How to find the best essential oils
Finding a trustworthy company doesn’t have to be daunting. Look for reputable companies that offer statements on their commitments to purity and standards. Here at Young Living, we are proudly leading the way to ensure our standards go far beyond the standard with ourSeed to Seal® commitment, offering our community the most authentic essential oil experience available.
Each one of our essential oils products comes from our own farms and a global network of trusted partner farms and Seed to Seal-verified suppliers.
As trailblazers in the essential oil world, we've dedicated decades to perfecting the art of crafting, researching, and rigorously testing our products.
We don't just set high standards-we keep pushing them higher to bring you quality you can trust and results you can feel.
We are more than just a company—we are guardians. We’re committed to protecting the earth and its people for generations to come.
