What are essential oils?
Essential oils are aromatic plant essences. They are obtained, among other methods, by steam distillation or by pressing certain parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, bark, and fruit peels. They are characterized by their intense fragrance, which can be fresh, herbal, floral, woody, or spicy, depending on the plant. Unlike fatty plant oils, essential oils are volatile and generally leave no oily residue.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy centers on the fragrances of essential oils. They are used, for example, in oil burners or diffusers and are an integral part of many relaxation and self-care rituals. Fragrances can evoke memories, complement moods, and create very different atmospheres in a room. The use of aromatic plants has a long history: even in the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia and Egypt, fragrant plants and resins played a role in rituals.
How do we perceive essential oils?
When we breathe in, fragrance molecules reach the olfactory receptors in the nose. The processed scent information is also connected in the brain to areas involved in memories and emotions. That is why the same fragrance can evoke very different impressions in different people: lavender might remind you of a summer garden, citrus peels of freshness, and cedarwood of a walk in the woods. Explore essential oils and find the fragrance notes you personally enjoy.
Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Always follow the directions for use and safety information for the product in question. Not every essential oil is suitable for direct application to the skin.