Essential Oils 101

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oil bottles with herbs on a textured surface

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, bark, roots, and seeds. These oils capture the plant's natural scent, flavor, and beneficial properties in their purest form. Known for their therapeutic effects, essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for medicinal, cosmetic, and spiritual purposes.

The aromatic compounds in essential oils not only offer delightful fragrances but also possess powerful properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mood-enhancing benefits. Each essential oil is unique, and its effects on the mind and body vary based on its chemical composition.

When using essential oils, it's important to select high-quality oils that are 100% pure and free from synthetic additives. This ensures you experience the full range of therapeutic benefits while enjoying a natural, non-toxic product.

The guide · five chapters

A large copper and stainless steel distillation setup, likely for whiskey or beer production, displayed on a wooden workbench in a workshop with white brick walls.

01

How are Essential Oils Made?

There are several methods of extracting essential oils, but the most common techniques are steam distillation, cold pressing, and CO2 extraction. Each method is carefully designed to preserve the plant's natural properties, ensuring the final product remains potent and effective. If you've ever wondered what are essential oils made of, the answer lies in these extraction techniques that capture the essence of the plant's aromatic compounds, beneficial nutrients, and therapeutic properties. Understanding how are essential oils produced through these various methods provides deeper insight into the quality and purity of the oils you use.

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A close-up of a person's hands holding a small amber glass bottle and pouring liquid into a wooden bowl. The bottle label reads 'Solei' and 'Rosemary & Rosehip'.

02

How to Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils can be used in multiple ways, including aromatherapy, topical application, and even household cleaning. When considering essential oils for body care, applying diluted oils directly to the skin can offer soothing, nourishing benefits and support overall wellness. Diffusing oils can transform your environment, while topical use (when properly diluted) can provide targeted relief and skincare benefits. Knowing where to put essential oils—whether on pulse points, temples, or in massage blends—can enhance their effectiveness and make your experience more enjoyable.

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A close-up outdoor shot of lavender flowers in full bloom, with purple flower spikes and green stems backlit by warm golden sunlight against a softly blurred green background.

03

The History of Essential Oils

Essential oils have played a significant role in cultures worldwide for thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian rituals to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Used in spiritual practices, therapeutic treatments, and even embalming processes, their historical significance reveals how these plant extracts have stood the test of time. Discover how essential oils have shaped wellness practices throughout history.

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04

Why Should I Use Essential Oils?

Essential oils offer a natural and effective way to enhance mood, support relaxation, and promote overall well-being. Unlike synthetic fragrances or chemical-based solutions, they provide holistic benefits backed by centuries of use. Whether you're looking for emotional balance, physical relief, or simply a way to refresh your space, essential oils can be a powerful addition to your lifestyle.

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Four small glass bottles with herbs on a wooden surface

05

How to Choose the Right Essential Oils?

With so many essential oils available, finding the right one for your needs can feel overwhelming. Factors like purity, sourcing, and intended use all play a crucial role in selecting high-quality oils. Understanding how to evaluate and choose the best essential oils ensures that you get the most benefits without unnecessary additives or synthetic ingredients.

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By need

Start with the moment, not the oil

Five guides that take you from a time of day to a blend, a method, and the oils behind it.

Frangipani Jasmine & Frankincense roll-on with a golden spider dahlia
For sleep
Frangipani Cedarwood and Eucalyptus oils on a stone with a pink dahlia
For study & focus
Three Frangipani essential oils styled with a calla lily and daisy
For workout
Frangipani Lavender & Hinoki roll-on atop a rock with a pink lily
For meditation
Frangipani Litsea Cubeba & Bergamot roll-on on rocks with a calla lily
For outdoors

Blend builder

Tell us the moment, we will pour the blend

Every blend holds three parts: a top note you meet first, a heart that carries it, and a base that keeps it in the room. Pick a moment to see ours.

Deep sleep

9 drops

Essential oils for sleep

Drop counts are for a diffuser with 100 ml of water. For skin, dilute to 1% — 6 drops per 30 ml of carrier oil.

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Where to start

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