What Are Essential Oils?
The living essence of plants and the link between nature and wellbeing
Essential oils are one of the purest and most concentrated expressions of nature. They are born from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots and seeds of aromatic plants, representing their vital force. A complex combination of compounds that help them grow, protect themselves and communicate with their environment.
Although they are called “oils”, they do not have an oily texture. They are volatile substances, which means they evaporate quickly and release their aroma into the air. That’s why, the moment you open a bottle, the scent spreads almost instantly.
The Science Behind Essential Oils
According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an essential oil is an oil separated from water through steam distillation or mechanical pressing of natural aromatic materials. But that is only the technical definition.
In truth, essential oils are much more than that. They are volatile aromatic compounds produced by around 10% of all known plant species. These substances act as the plants’ “adaptive immune system”, helping them defend themselves from microorganisms, insects and environmental stressors.
Each essential oil is made up of hundreds of different molecules, known as constituents, which determine its aroma and properties. One of the most important groups are terpenes, responsible not only for the characteristic fragrance of plants but also for their antifungal, antibacterial and protective abilities.
Scientists have been studying how trees and aromatic plants release their essential oils to communicate with one another and adapt to their surroundings. For example, it is known that certain species of fir trees alter the composition of their oils to prevent pests from developing resistance. Nature’s intelligence at work.
How Essential Oils Are Produced
The most common method of extracting an essential oil is steam distillation, which separates the aromatic molecules from the plant. In the case of citrus fruits, the method used is usually cold pressing, which releases the oil contained in the rind.
During extraction, a precise balance between temperature, pressure and time is essential. Even a small error can compromise the oil’s purity and alter its chemical profile. That’s why distillation is considered a true art form that it demands knowledge, patience and respect for each plant’s natural cycle.
How Essential Oils Work
The volatile compounds in essential oils diffuse rapidly into the air and are detected almost instantly by the olfactory system. This, in turn, communicates directly with the limbic system — the part of the brain associated with emotions, memory and behaviour.
Beyond their aromatic effect, essential oils also act on a physical level, thanks to their natural properties, which vary according to the plant of origin. Each oil has its own unique chemical identity and, therefore, its own set of benefits.
Purity Makes the Difference
Not all essential oils are the same. Their quality can vary depending on the origin of the plant, the soil, the climate, the harvesting method and, above all, the distillation process. Purity is what determines whether an essential oil is merely fragrant or truly therapeutic.
For this reason, it is vital to choose brands that guarantee quality, traceability and safety. At Shakti & Me, I use doTERRA essential oils for their proven purity and the scientific rigour behind every bottle. This choice reflects the brand’s commitment to safety, efficacy and respect for nature.
A Bridge Between the Natural and the Essential
Essential oils are the soul of plants. They form a bridge between the plant world and our wellbeing, between the unseen and the sensory. Since ancient times, they have been used to promote balance, health and harmony, and they continue to do so today, now supported by modern science.
Understanding what essential oils are is the first step towards using them consciously. At Shakti & Me, every formula is born from this respect for nature and the desire to offer our animals (and ourselves) a purer, more natural way to care.
Article written by Marta Oliveira