Science Behind Essential Oils and Their Natural Aroma

Essential oils are ancient products that have been utilized in wellness, perfumery and tradition. Both of their relaxing, invigorating or positive aromas are the results of nature, what exactly makes essential oils so familiar with their distinct smell? Plant chemistry and solicitary extraction is the answer. We shall cover the science of essential oils and the natural aroma in an easy to understand simple manner.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are very concentrated plant extracts which can be received by the means of flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and seeds or peels. They extract the natural fragrance and other useful compounds of the plant, commonly known as its essence.

Essential oils do not make one feel oily as opposed to ordinary oils. On the contrary, they are volatile and evaporate rapidly giving them strong aromas.

The Science of Aroma: Why Essential Oils Smell so Powerful.

Aromatic compounds are naturally occurring essential oils which give a smell to the plants. These compounds help plants:

• Attract pollinators

• Repel pests

• Insure against environmental stress.

Inhaling an essential oil, these small molecules are carried through the nose to the olfactory system directly linked to the limbic system of the brain, the part of the brain that deals with emotions, memory and mood. This is why our senses can instantly trigger the feeling of relaxation, regeneration or a boost of energy with the help of certain scents.

Important Aroma Compositions in Essential Oils.

• Terpenes- Fresh, citrus or woody smell (lemon, pine, tea tree)

• Esters- Sweet and relaxing aroma (lavender, bergamot)

• Phenols – Warm and strong smells that are cleansing (present in clove, oregano)

• Aldehydes - Light and cheerful smells (presented in lemongrass, citronella)

The individual oils have a different combination of these compounds in each of them, forming the specific aroma and impact.

The Method of Essential Oils Extraction.

The extraction technique significantly contributes to the preservation of the natural aroma and the quality of the oil.

1. Steam Distillation

This is the most widespread technique. The steam goes into plant matter and the aromatic compounds are emitted. The vapour is chilled and the essential oil is separated off the water.

Application: Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint.

2. Cold Pressing

This technique is mostly applied to citrus peels, and it is the method of squeezing the oil without heating it, preserving the fresh scent.

Application: lemon, orange, grapefruit.

3. Solvent Extraction

A tender procedure applied to fragile flowers that are not heat resistant. It creates very fragrant extracts.

Application: Jasmine, rose, tuberose

All techniques influence the scent, intensity and purity of the oil.

The Importance of the Quality of Essential Oils.

The essential oils that are of high quality do not lose their natural aroma or chemical balance. Low-quality oils can be diluted, synthetic or extracted poorly and this can undermine their smell and its properties.

Factors That Affect Quality:

• Plant species and origin

• Vegetation and time of harvest

• Extraction method

• Storage and packaging

Pure essential oils are normally kept in dark glasses to avoid air and sunlight.

Natural perfume vs synthetic perfume.

Natural essential oils have hundreds of compounds that are in interaction and this is what makes them complex. Synthetic fragrances, however, tend to mimic a single or two notes of fragrances.

That is why natural perfumes seem more balanced, natural, and emotionally involved than artificial perfumes.

Final Thoughts

The essential oils science explains the reasons behind the feel of their aromas. Plant chemistry to tedious extraction, each process is a part of the aroma and impact of the oil. Learning this science can make you understand why pure and high-quality essential oils are considered important in aromatherapy, skincare and daily wellness rituals.

When you use natural essential oil, you are not only enjoying a great smell; you are also getting to experience the chemistry of nature.