Knowra Essential oil Essential oil An essential oil is a concentrated, volatile mixture of aromatic compounds obtained from plants, commonly by distillation or mechanical pressing. Its composition varies with the plant species, plant part, and extraction method.
Steam distillation : A separation method that uses steam to vaporize volatile compounds and then condenses them for collection. It is the most common way to separate volatile plant compounds from herbs and flowers.
Terpene : A diverse class of compounds built from five-carbon isoprene units, common in plants and many essential oils. Terpenes form a major family of aromatic compounds found in these oils.
Perfumery : The art and practice of creating fragrances by combining odor-producing materials. Essential oils provide natural aromatic materials in many perfume compositions.
Absolute (perfumery) : A fragrant extract produced from plant material using solvents, often yielding compounds unsuitable for distillation. Absolutes can contain less volatile aromatic material that steam distillation leaves behind.
Hydrodistillation : A distillation method in which plant material is heated in water, and vapor is condensed to recover volatile compounds. It extracts essential oils when plant material is boiled in water rather than exposed to steam alone.
Monoterpene : A terpene composed of two isoprene units, typically containing ten carbon atoms. Many familiar oil constituents, including limonene and pinene, are monoterpenes.
Aromatherapy : The use of aromatic plant extracts, especially essential oils, in practices intended to support well-being. It is a prominent use of essential oils, though claims of medical benefit require evidence.
Fixed oil : A nonvolatile lipid, such as olive or sunflower oil, that does not readily evaporate at room temperature. Fixed oils differ from essential oils, which are volatile aromatic mixtures rather than fats.
Cold pressing : A mechanical extraction method that releases liquids from material by pressing without substantial heating. Citrus essential oils are commonly obtained by pressing the oil-bearing peel.
Sesquiterpene : A terpene composed of three isoprene units, typically containing fifteen carbon atoms. Sesquiterpenes contribute to the composition and often the less volatile notes of essential oils.
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