Page 3 - Essential Oils Origins

What role do essential oils
play in plant life?

Depending on the plant type and structure, essential oils may be Today, more than 3,000 types of volatile aromatic compounds have
found in different parts of a living plant. For example, in some plants, been discovered and identified. Essential oils will vary from plant
the essential oil can be found within the flowers, while other plants to plant or species to species, and can even differ within botanical
contain essential oils in the leaves or bark. Regardless of where an families. Each plant has a special ratio of aromatic constituents that
essential oil is found within a plant, essential oils are known to give it specific benefits and make it unique in comparison
play an important role in plant life because they can perform to other plants.
many functions.

In many cases, essential oils give a plant its aroma. In addition to VOLATILE AROMATIC COMPOUND
giving a plant a distinct smell, some essential oils have defensive
properties that protect the plant by keeping insects and herbivores VOLATILE: A volatile compound is one that changes quickly
away. Essential oils also play an important role in plant pollination from one state to another. The organic molecules that make up
and the reproductive processes of a plant, and can even help a essential oils are known to change quickly from a liquid to a gas
plant heal itself when injured. when put at room temperature.

Keep in mind that not all plants produce essential oils, and not all AROMATIC: Typically, aromatic compounds have a distinct aroma,
essential oils found in plant parts will hold meaningful benefits. and a similar chemical structure.
However, with such a wide range of plants and plant parts to choose
from, there are still plenty of sources that produce useful essential COMPOUND: The bonding of two or more chemical elements.
oils with significant benefits.

Volatile aromatic compounds
How does it work?
From a scientific perspective, essential oils are often referred to
as volatile aromatic compounds. Volatile aromatic compounds are Now that you understand where essential oils come from, you might
small organic molecules that are known to change quickly from a be wondering, “How does an essential oil get from the inside of a
solid or liquid state to a gas when put at room temperature. The plant to the inside of a bottle?” While it is relatively easy to know
word “volatile” refers to the quick rate at which these molecules where to find essential oils, it requires a delicate, scientific process to
change their state. Because essential oils change so quickly from a grow and care for the plant, extract the oil, and process it properly so
liquid state to a gas state, they are potent and easy to smell, even that it can be useful.
from a distance. When you first open an essential oil bottle, you’ll
be able to smell the aroma right away. This is because of the volatile
nature of essential oils. The physical and chemical makeup of
volatile aromatic compounds allow them to move quickly through the
air and interact with special sensors in the nose. The type of volatile
aromatic compounds found in an essential oil will determine what
kind of aroma and benefits the oil has.