Steam distillation
The most common method. Steam passes through the plant, carries the aromatic substances along, and after cooling the oil separates from the water. Gentle and proven over centuries.
Essential Oils: The Complete Guide
Complete Guide
Essential Oils: The Complete Guide
What essential oils are, how they work and how to use them safely. A complete guide: from extraction and the five oils to start with, to diffusing and quality.
In short: essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile plant extracts obtained by steam distillation or cold pressing. They are used mainly in aromatherapy (diffusing and inhalation) and – well diluted in a carrier oil – on the skin. A few drops are enough.
What Essential Oils Are
An essential oil is the concentrated essence of an aromatic plant: the volatile liquid that holds the scent and characteristic compounds of flowers, leaves, roots, bark, resins or peels. It is obtained from plant material – in the case of our oils, from organic cultivation. The key word is concentration: a single bottle requires large amounts of plant material. That is why essential oils are never used «by the spoonful», but drop by drop.
How They Work
How They Are Obtained
Cold pressing
Reserved for citrus oils (orange, lemon, bergamot). The peels are pressed mechanically, without heat, so the fresh notes stay intact.
The Science in Brief: The Molecule Groups
The aroma and character of every oil depend on its composition. Knowing the groups helps you compose balanced blends and understand why some oils should be dosed more carefully.
Monoterpenes
Fresh, airy, invigorating notes. For example: Lemon, Organic Cypress
Esters
Soft, relaxing notes, popular for the evening. For example: True Lavender, Roman Chamomile
Phenols and aldehydes
Intense molecules, use well diluted. For example: Organic Oregano, Organic Thyme, Organic Litsea Cubeba
Oxides
Balsamic, airy notes, welcome in the cold season. For example: Eucalyptus, Organic Camphor
The 5 Essential Oils to Start With
If you are starting from scratch, these five cover almost every everyday need. Buy them individually below, or together as a set.
Start With the Complete Set
The five classics plus a sixth oil in one organic set: the simplest way to begin, with a scent for every moment of the day.
How to Use Them (in Practice)
Diffusing
4–6 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser scent a room for hours, without heat.
Quick inhalation
1–2 drops on a tissue, or a few drops in a bowl of warm water.
On the skin (diluted)
For a massage, roughly 2–3 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil such as jojoba or almond. For the face, use less.
Bath
Never add neat drops to the water – first emulsify with a spoon of carrier oil or salt.
For exact ratios see our dosage guide.
Oils for the Evening & Relaxing
Some oils are among the most popular for creating a calm atmosphere in the evening, before going to sleep. They work no miracles, but a familiar scent gently accompanies the evening ritual. Learn more in our guide on sleeping better.
Dedicated Guides
Safety: The Golden Rules
- Never neat on the skin: always diluted in a carrier oil.
- Do a patch test before first use.
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes; store tightly closed, away from light and heat.
- During pregnancy, breastfeeding, with small children or ongoing treatments: ask your doctor first.
- Learn more in the full safety guidelines.
How to Recognise a Quality Oil
- 100% pure and without diluents or synthetic oils.
- Botanical name in Latin on the label (e.g. Lavandula angustifolia) – it shows exactly which plant it is.
- Origin and plant part stated.
- Dark glass: protects the oil from light.
- Be wary of prices that are too low: a lemon and a rose cannot cost the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an essential oil and a carrier oil?
The essential oil is the concentrated, volatile aromatic extract of the plant. The carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba) is a fatty vegetable oil used to dilute the essential oil before applying it to the skin.
Which essential oils should I start with?
Five oils cover almost everything: true lavender (evening and calm), peppermint (freshness), tea tree (purifying), lemon (good mood) and eucalyptus (cold season). They also come together in the set of 6.
Which essential oil for the evening?
Among the most loved for an evening atmosphere are true lavender, Roman chamomile and sweet orange: soft, enveloping scents for the evening ritual.
Can they be used neat on the skin?
No. Essential oils are very concentrated and must always be diluted in a carrier oil. A patch test before first use is recommended.
How many drops do you need in a diffuser?
Usually 4–6 drops are enough for a room. Better to start with a few and increase only if needed.
Can essential oils be ingested?
It depends on the product. Our essential oils are intended for aromatic and external use; for internal use consult a doctor or a qualified person. Our range also includes edible oils (black cumin, pumpkin seed, MCT) and supplements that are meant for consumption. Always follow the labelling on the individual product.