Collection: Doterra Essential Oils

What Are Essential Oils?

An essential oil is a concentrated liquid made up of aromatic compounds taken from plants. These compounds evaporate easily at normal room temperature, which is why essential oils are also called volatile oils or ethereal oils. You may also see them referred to by the Latin term aetheroleum, or simply as “the oil of” the plant they come from, such as lavender oil or peppermint oil.

The word “essential” refers to the fact that each oil captures the essence of its plant’s fragrance, the distinctive scent that makes that plant recognizable.

Most essential oils are produced through distillation, and steam distillation is one of the most common methods.

Once extracted, essential oils are used in a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, and air fresheners. They also flavor foods and drinks, and add scent to incense and household cleaning products.

Essential oils are also central to aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine in which the aromatic compounds are believed to have healing benefits.