Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile substances (extracts) with a distinct odour, obtained by distillation from various parts of aromatic plants. In folk culture, it is often said that they represent the essence and soul of the plants. The oils are collected in very small amounts in special glands located in the fibers of the aromatic plants. Common features of all essential oils are that they are: volatile, have a strong characteristic odour, lipophilicity -solubility in fat and alcohol, high refractive index and optical activity Essential oils are obtained from various plant parts such as flowers, fruits, leaves, branches, resins, fruit peels, roots, seeds, etc The most well-known extraction techniques are steam distillation, extraction (enfloration) or physical compression. Steam distillation is basically a very old method since distillation vessels were already used by the peoples of Mesopotamia 5000 years ago. The process is carried out by heating the plants in a large container with steam, and then the volatile components which are released from the plant are collected (condensed) in another container. Essential oils begin to appear on the surface of the water as oil droplets. The quality of the essential oils may vary in chemical composition and odour due to the soil, climate and the method of plants growing.

This is the reason we know more plant chemotypes. Some plant chemotypes differ greatly in composition, despite belonging basically to the same plant family and having the same appearance. For example, the chemical composition of lavender will not be the same if it grows in Dalmatia on the island of Hvar or in the mountains of French Provence. Thus, oils from certain countries have gained a reputation for higher quality oils, such as Bulgarian rose, Ceylon cinnamon, and Turkish pelargonium.  Essential oils are lighter than water and insoluble in water – so they float on the surface of the water. They are soluble in alcohol, ether and vegetable oils (fats).  All essential oil must thus be packed in dark (brown) bottles, protected from UV light.

Aromatherapy is one form of medicine where the aromatic components of plants, especially essential oils, are used as aids. It officially falls under pseudoscience and is recognized in many countries around the world as complementary therapy and a form of alternative medicine. The components of the essential oils, have a direct effect on the subconscious through the limbic system, and thus have a beneficial effect on humans. It is also important to emphasize that aromatherapy also poses a certain risk as, for example, essential oils may have side effects. Many essential oil components are skin irritants or phototoxic. Consumption of essential oils is not recommended, except under the supervision of a physician or a certified aromatherapist. Aromatic plant parts and essential oils have been used in ancient civilizations for therapeutic, spiritual and hygienic purposes. It has also been known to be used in perfumes, mainly in China, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Distilled essential oils have become more widespread and used as medicinal preparations since the 11th century, when the Persian scholar Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sīnā (980-1037), isolated essential oils by steam distillation. The influence of essential oils on the physical and mental well-being of people has been extensively researched in recent history by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gateffosse (1881-1950), who also introduced the term aromatherapy.

Due to its wide range of activities, essential oils are used in many fields. They are most commonly found in cosmetics, aromatherapy, perfumery, medicine, and nutrition. We can also find them in the diet as natural spices or flavours in drinks, jams, etc. In perfumery, they are the basis for aromas. In medicine for various antiseptic creams, ointments for skin diseases, hair tonics, anti-rheumatic ointments, baths, etc. Of course, they are most commonly used in aromatherapy and as a supplement in cosmetic skincare preparations. Cosmetics use essential oils for a wide variety of preparations but are always mixed with some basic vegetable oil. Cold-pressed or refined oils such as sunflower, almond, jojoba, avocado or other suitable oil are used for this purpose.

Some essential oils are very suitable for inhalation, especially peppermint oil containing menthol. Inhalation is known to have a beneficial effect on colds and sinusitis. The use is very simple. If you have a evaporator, just add few drops it. If you do not have the evaporator, make your own home made steam inhaler. Pour boiling water into a larger container and drop a few drops of desired essential oil into it. Place your head over the pan and cover with a towel and start inhaling. Very soon you will notice that hot water in combination with essential oil has a very beneficial effect on your respiratory system.

Sometimes it can help if you can breathe the essential oil straight from the bottle but it is definitely a much more effective inhalation procedure described above. Be careful not to overdo the essential oil as it can irritate the eyes in too much concentration. It is important to remember that it works at low concentrations.

Aromatic baths can be a real dream and relaxing experience. It is advisable to drip about 10 drops of essential oil into one tablespoon and pour it into warm water before taking a bath. If necessary, you can also add a drop more or less, but do not overdo it with essential oils, as it works in very small doses. Too much essential oil can cause itching and redness.

For an even fuller experience, you can add some mineral bath salt in addition to essential oil. Salt has been used for baths in antiquity since it has discovered soothing and healing properties. For very dry or oily skin, the combination of salt in the water helps to restore the skin’s functions and puts it into a balance. Salt baths work to eliminate harmful toxins and absorb beneficial minerals, but beware, this process is very exhausting for the body, so don’t take more than two baths a week.