essential oils

Essential oils are usually extracted from plants by steam distillation. The oil-giving part of the plant is placed inside a stainless steel distillation vat and the extreme pressure of the steam around the vat breaks down the plant material, releasing the essential oil from the plant cells. When cooled, the oils separate naturally from the water. The residual water is used for cosmetic purposes and is known as "floral water"....... For the most part, essential oils, if packaged properly in dark glass and stored in a cool, dry area, will retain their aroma for years. The quality of an essential oil depends primarily on the growing conditions of the plant: soil, weather and the timing of the harvest will all influence the fragrance, colour and potency of the extracted essential oil.