Step 1: Right Plant in the Right Location

The best oils are derived from the best plants grown in the best possible locations. One misconception is that the oils must be indigenously grown in order to be considered high quality. This belief is false. The plants must be grown where they will best thrive. For example, some plants in China do not thrive there and the distilled oil from those plants are of lesser quality than if they were to be grown in a better environment. However, other plants will thrive in China’s climate, causing the plant to produce a true, therapeutic-grade essential oil.

Step 3: Oils are Extracted

Steam: Steam passes through the plant material (leaves, grass, roots, etc.), causing them to release their aromatic components. The steam is then condensed and the essential oil is extracted.

Water(hydro): The plant materials (normally bark, wood, or harder compounds) are submerged in water to make a “soup.” As they are heated, they release their aromatic components into the steam which is then condensed and the essential oil is extracted.

Steam/Water: Indirect steam is applied to the plant material (normally leaves) while water sits underneath the plant material.

Expression: Plant materials (generally citrus rinds) are pressed by machines to squeeze out oils. Also known as “cold-pressed.”