Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants. The oils are referred to as essential because they contain the essence of the plant from which they were extracted. This includes the fragrance of the plant & also the healing properties and other medicinal plant characteristics.

• Steam Distillation 
  Distillation is the most commonly used method to Extract Essential Oils from plants. In this process, aromatic, volatile compounds are isolated from the plant with the help of steam.
• Expression 
  This process of extraction is primarily used for citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, in which the Essential Oil is obtained from tiny pores in the fruit’s peel. The oils extracted through the cold-press process are the most volatile of Essential Oils and are evaporated quickly when exposed to air.
• Solvent Extraction
  In this process, the plant material is mixed with chemical solvents, such as hexane, or benzene. The solvent is then evaporated at high temperature, leaving only the most fragrant constituents behind. The essential oils extracted through this process are also known as absolutes.
• CO2 Extraction
  CO2 Extraction is the most modern method for essential oil extraction, it has now become possible to extract oils from plant material using CO2 (Carbon Di Oxide). It is the cleanest but an expensive process that produces a superior quality oil. Enfleurage: This is one of the oldest & rarely used method these days, to extract oils from roses and jasmine. A heap of petals would be laid on trays which had been earlier smeared with vegetable fat or tallow. The tray was kept out in the sun for the rose oil to be absorbed into the vegetable fat. This procedure was then repeated again to get more and more oil into the fat.

Essential oils have the capacity to change our physical, mental and emotional state when they are used either topically or aromatically. The human body absorbs the therapeutic components of essential oils via inhalation through the olfactory system of the nose and by absorption through the surface of the skin

• Inhalation
  When essential oils are inhaled via the nose, the chemical messengers in the nasal cavity sends a direct signal to the brain which stimulates the functions that moderate our minds and bodies.
• Topical Application
  When essential oils are applied on the skin, their therapeutic components are absorbed into the bloodstream by the pores and through the hair follicles. Once these components enter the bloodstream, they disperse to the specific organs and systems on which they work.

Air & light are the two major factors that affect the quality of essential oils. Hence, the oils should always be packed in an airtight, dark amber colour glass bottle or Aluminum bottles. It is also recommended that oils should be stored between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius (room temperature) and out of direct sunlight.

Essential Oils can be used in 04 different ways & they are

• Massages
  Massage is one of the most effective ways to use Essential Oils. However essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying topically. The carrier oil here is nothing more than a means of diluting the oil to transport it through the skin.
• Inhalation
  Inhalation is the direct & quickest way to experience the therapeutic benefits of Essential Oils. Selection of Essential oils should always be based on the advice given by a healthcare consultant.
• Baths
  Adding Essential Oils to a warm, soothing bath can be a relaxing experience and also be of therapeutic importance.
• Diffusers
  When used in an aroma diffuser, various essential oils have the property to detoxify the air, protect the interiors against pathogens & relieve you from bad odour.
  Hot/Cold Compress: Compresses can give quick results when Essential Oils are applied directly to the affected areas where they are needed the most.