25 Surprising Facts About Essential Oils
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Essential oils are incredibly popular for natural health, cleaning, and personal care. But despite their popularity, there are many essential oil facts most people don't know, including how they're made, how concentrated they are, and how to use them safely.
I'm sure you'll learn something new from this list!
I used to be a total skeptic about essential oils, but I soon found that they really worked for several problems, and I was hooked.
Soon after, I set out to find the best essential oils company for my buck. Along the way, and since then, I found out some very interesting things about them that I'm sharing in this post. I'm sure you'll find them to be eye-opening as well.
In this guide you'll learn:
- why essential oils are so concentrated
- how many plants it takes to make one bottle of essential oils
- the truth about internal use of oils
- how oils interact with water
- why some oils expire faster than others
- and more surprising essential oil facts.
25 Essential Oil Facts Most People Don't Know
Essential Oils Aren't True Oils
Essential oils are oils; however, they're not like the oils we typically think of. They are, instead, volatile (evaporate easily) extracts that can have a slightly oily feel to them.
The word “essential oil” is actually a shortened version of the original term, “quintessential oil.” This term comes from the Aristotelian concept that matter is made up of four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. The fifth element (quintessence) was thought of as the spirit or life force. Evaporating or distilling the “quintessential oil” out of the plant was thought to bring out the spirit of the plant (source).
Essential oils are typically produced through steam distillation or cold pressing, depending on the plant. The essential oil is then separated from the water phase.
Many Parts of Plants Are Used to Make Essential Oils
A plant's bark, roots, leaves, stems, flowers, and blossoms can all be used to make essential oils. Different parts of a plant can also yield different properties than others. For example, essential oils made from the Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) plant include Neroli (from the blossoms), Orange Petitgrain (from the leaves/twigs), and Bitter Orange oil (from the rind).
It Takes a Lot of Plant Material to Make Essential Oils
There's different information in various sources, but one of the figures I've read is that it takes 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make just one ounce (29.57 ml) of rose otto oil. Now you can see why essential oils are so expensive and why it's tempting for some companies to add “fillers” to oils to make them cost less.
Essential Oils Have Been Around for a Very Long Time
Contrary to what some might think, Young Living and doTERRA didn't bring essential oils into being.
In fact, it's thought that essential oils were used in the following:
- Ancient Egypt: for embalming, cosmetics, and medicine.
- Ancient China: mentioned in “The Yellow Emperor's Book of Internal Medicine.”
- Ancient India: used in Ayurvedic medicine
- Ancient Greece & Rome: Physicians noted the medicinal effects of many plants.
The Term “Aromatherapy” Came From France
In the 1930s, the French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term “aromatherapy.” He severely burned his hands doing an experiment in 1910, and lavender oil healed it quickly with minimal scarring. He then published Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales in 1937, officially introducing the term “aromatherapy.” He then went on to study the many beneficial properties of essential oils.
Essential Oils Are Very Strong
This makes sense due to how much plant material goes into each drop of essential oil. While I don't encourage fear regarding using them, caution is warranted due to this concentration.
Fragrance Oils, Scents, and Natural Oils Are Not Essential Oils
In general, if you see the term “fragrance,” “scent,” or “natural oil”, you don't know what you are getting, but you are likely not getting a pure essential oil. A natural oil might be something all-natural (but not an essential oil), but the others are likely artificial.
Water and Essential Oils Don't Mix
Do not use water to dilute essential oils. If you ever mistakenly apply one to your skin and it ends up burning or itching, do not use water to address the problem. Instead, you should use a carrier oil.
Diluting of essential oils for use on the body needs to be done with a carrier oil and not water. The most common oil used for this is fractionated coconut oil, because it doesn't spoil easily, but you can use whatever oil you like.
Also, if you're making a homemade product with a water base and essential oils, you will need to use an essential oil emulsifier to make the oils blend thoroughly into the product.
What “Neat” Essential Oil Application Means
If an essential oil is being used “neat,” that means that it's being applied without being diluted. Note that this can not only be wasteful but it can also be dangerous.
Essential Oils Must Be Diluted
Since they are so strong, it's best to always dilute essential oils before using them, and this is crucial with “hot” oils like oregano, lemongrass, cinnamon, clove, and thyme.
Many people (particularly essential oils direct sales company representatives) recommend using essential oils undiluted. This will of course result in more sales, but it's really not a safe practice.
In fact, the oils are powerful even when diluted, and there are a growing number of reports about people becoming sensitized to them.
Most professional aromatherapy organizations recommend dilution rates between 0.5% and 5% depending on the oil and application.
Allergies and Essential Oils
It's often said that if you are allergic to a plant, you'll be allergic to that plant's essential oil. That may or may not be true.
Essential oils have a different chemistry than the plant. If you're allergic to a chemical in the plant and that chemical is in the oil, you will be allergic to the oil; however many people are not. The reason for this is that most food and environmental allergies are to the proteins in those things. Essential oils don't have proteins in them, so most people are not allergic to essential oils.
However, if you're allergic to a plant, I recommend using caution with the essential oil or avoiding it completely unless you know you don't react to it.
Essential Oils for Children and Babies
You should never use undiluted essential oil on a baby or child, and you should be very careful using essential oils on children of any age.
The younger the person is, the more sensitive the skin will be, so use extreme caution when working with infants and young children.
Regardless of how you choose to use them, keep essential oils out of the reach of children and babies.
Essential Oils and Pets
It's important to be cautious using oils around all animals, but you especially should be cautious when using them on cats.
Cats are highly sensitive. In some cases just having them in a room can be enough to affect them.
Expensive Does Not Necessarily Mean Better Quality
It's been estimated that 95% or more of essential oil companies blatantly adulterate oils or purchase from essential oil “experts” that blatantly adulterate oils. “Adulterating” means heating, adding things to or taking them out of the oils, or otherwise altering them from their natural state.
As a general rule, the low-cost oils would likely have a tendency to be more adulterated, and the more expensive oils test out to be higher therapeutically.
However, there are expensive essential oils that have been found to have adulteration problems as well. So paying extra doesn't always mean that you are getting a higher quality oil.
Essential Oils and Internal Use
That is a hotly debated issue. When I first started trying to use essential oils, I thought that it was fine to use essential oils internally anytime, but I've since changed my mind on this.
Because essential oils are quite strong, it's important to respect them, and they should only be used internally under the care of an aromatherapist or practitioner, or with great care.
Furthermore, it's possible that essential oils with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties could damage the good bacteria in the gut. Therefore, it might be wise to use a probiotic when using these types of oils internally and to not use them for a long period of time. Otherwise, you might make changes to your microbiome and create a real problem with your gut health.
Why Place of Origin Should Be on the Label
Quality essential oil companies will put the country or region of origin on the label of their essential oil bottles. The reason for this is that factors about the location of the plant's growth, including soil, weather, altitude, and more, will contribute to the quality and/or composition of the essential oil.
Harvest Time of Day Matters
For many plants, the time of day that they are harvested is critical, and for many, the best time to harvest is in the morning. For example, lavender is best harvested in the early morning after the dew evaporates and before full blooming. Intense heat will result in evaporation of volatile oils, a less complex aroma, and more camphor, while too early will give a lower yield.
Harvest Time of Year Matters
Likewise, the time of year for harvesting plants for many oils matters as well. For example, the best time to harvest is from late spring to early summer for higher levels of camphene, -pinene, and bornyl acetate. Harvesting in cooler seasons will result in higher levels of camphor and borneol, and the oil will smell more medicinal.
Harvest Developmental Stage Matters
For the most part, plants should be harvested at full bloom or just before to have the most volatile oil present in the trichome plant glands. It's true; plants have glands!
Essential Oil Usage Near Ears and Eyes
Never put essential oils in or too near to your eyes. They are very strong and can do damage. If you are going to use them there, be very, very careful.
Essential Oils Expire
Some people keep essential oils around for a very long time and accumulate huge stashes of them (sometimes due to getting discounts from MLM essential oil companies for ordering them every month). Essential oils do expire and might not be safe to use after their expiration date.
How to Store Essential Oils
Essential oils should be in dark glass bottles (brown or blue) and out of direct sunlight. So, for example, an open shelf in your bathroom is not a great place to keep them.
Storing oils in a dark, cool place (like the refrigerator) can help keep the oils from having their chemistry changed by light and heat.
Essential Oils Can Help with Emotions and Mood
Many people talk about using essential oils for physical issues, cleaning, or perfumes, but essential oils also can be helpful for moods and emotions. In fact, there are many oils that are known for being mood-boosting essential oils. Diluting a citrus oil (orange, lemon, or grapefruit) or peppermint gives me a real lift in the middle of the day.
This benefit makes sense because smells affect our moods, and pharmaceutical companies use nasal delivery for some medications. So the nose is one means of delivery into the body.
Essential Oils in the Bible
There are a number of essential oils/ritual scents mentioned in the Bible. Some of the oils and resins mentioned include spikenard, frankincense, and myrrh, cedarwood, cassia, hyssop, cypress, galbanum, sandalwood, and myrtle.
How to Use Essential Oils
There are many ways to use essential oils. You can:
- apply topically to the skin
- diffuse into the air
- take internally (read above for more about the internal usage debate) and
- use in personal and home care products like Homemade Hair Rinse, DIY Chest Rub, Homemade Hair Spray, and Baking Soda Cleaning Paste.
It's great to be able to use the power of oils in natural products rather than using toxic chemicals for health, clean beauty, and natural home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an essential oil?
An essential oil is a highly concentrated, volatile plant extract made by distilling or mechanically pressing plant material.
Why are essential oils so expensive?
Essential oils are expensive mostly due to the amount of plant material needed to make them. For example, some sources say that it takes 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make just one ounce (29.57 ml) of rose otto oil.
Can essential oils expire?
Yes, essential oils can and do expire. Exposure to light, heat, and air causes them to expire more quickly.
Are essential oils safe for pets?
Animals can be quite sensitive to essential oils so caution should be used around them and the oils should never be applied directly to their skin. Diffusing oils can even be too much for pets and cats are especially sensitive.
Do essential oils mix with water?
No, in the same way that cooking and other oils behave, essential oils don't mix with water. You need to emulsify essential oils in order to combine them with water or a water-based product.
I hope these essential oil facts help you understand essential oils better and enjoy them more as well.
Source: Sell, Charles. (2010). Chapter 5: The Chemistry of Essential Oils. (Can Baser K H, and Buchbauer G. Editors) in the book Handbook of essential oils: science, technology, and applications, (pp. 121-150). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.
Thanks for the post on essential oils. I’ve been using EOs for about a year now and love the results I’m seeing. And I always love reading and learning from others. One thing that I often get held up on is diluting and the proper ratio to use. Is there any place you can direct me to that recommends what ratio to use for each individual EO? I know some EOs need to be diluted at higher ratios than others and that’s where I get stuck. Thanks so much!
If you are looking to do that I would recommend Tisserand’s Essential Oils Safety book. Most people, however, will dilute with a basic amount, according to the age of the person for whom the oil is being used and it is ultimately a personal choice.
I hope that helps! Here is the book if you are interested – it’s an affiliate link: https://amzn.to/11VeHt9
Thank you for this article. I’m learning and buy my oils from NAN. Love them! I appreciate all of your research.
You are so welcome!!
Is there any way to get special deals with Rocky Mtn or Native American? Any options for membership?
Hi there. They don’t have that but they do have sales on and off. I typically mention them in my newsletter and/or on Facebook. If you would like to be on the newsletter list here you go -thanks! https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
I have concerns about NAN and RM, I decided to purchase based on your research and recommendations. I do believe that they have good quality oils; however, I think they could do better on their websites. They have little cautionary guidelines regarding children and Eos. They also have “had” misinformation about what oils are in their blends. I have caught 2 mistakes which I brought to their attention and they immediately fixed the mistake. That was 2 that I had purchased. Makes me wonder, I let RM know that my trust factor went down by 10 points they reassured me there were no other mistakes. NAN was a lot more defensive in their response to me then RM. Eos are not harmless substances, depending on your medical condition certain oils can cause reactions so ingredient lists should be accurate with the latin names included.
I would not be surprised that in a couple of years lawsuits will be filed against certain companies (Not NAN or RM). I have friends who have injected Eos into their children based upon recommendations of a certain MLM EO company. There is so much misinformation out there about oil safety it is scary. I bit the bullet and ordered “Essential Oil Safety” by Robert Tisserand. From what I have researched this is the best and latest comprehensive book out there on essential oil safety. I figure I have about $250 worth of Eos in my house a $90 book is a small price to pay for my families health and safety.
I guess what I am trying to say is while I love NAN’s oils I just wish they had more education on their site. I find a toggle back and forth between various websites trying to determine if something is safe for kids (which is why I bought the book). RM has more info then NAN but still not enough. RM has told me that they are trying to improve their websites with more info. I know to research everything but not everyone does. They see eucalyptus helps with breathing “I think I will diffuse it in my babies room” not so fast research it. Same goes with pets here is a good list on what is safe for dogs https://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-palmquist-dvm/pet-aromatherapy_b_877199.html
Oils need to be respected not just given/used because your neighbor told you to. I strongly believe in the power of Eos when used correctly. Despite that I have contemplated given EOs up entirely because of all information out there makes my head spin. I am hoping the textbook will clarify things for me.
Hi there. I am sorry you feel that way, but I can tell you that NAN’s site used to be much more difficult to maneuver around. You should have seen it when I first recommended them :). Yikes. I wish I had a screenshot.
There is a lot of misinformation, but I would think personally that the FDA is more of a threat then the lawsuits since damages by natural things like supplements is so minimal compares to pharmas. But I do hear you.
I know they are really frustrated and sorry for the typos that occurred. We all have that problem, even huge people / companies. I have bought books with typos and caught them on huge bloggers’ sites and basically all over the place. So no one is perfect. Including me :).
I know they are really glad when folks tell them something so they catch it sooner :).
I think it’s all in perspective. Think about how many docs prescribe totally unnecessary meds every single hour and what the FDA allows to be put in and on our food all the time and even encourages it. So I personally think that the dangers and worries about oils, while they are strong, is not something to be as angry about. Does that make sense? We can gently push companies to write more to help us / and or point us to other resources without thinking that they are trying to be negligent.
I am also personally worried that if I got the textbook spinning might happen :). But still, I might get it.
I am by no means encouraging being casual with safety issues, but I am saying that I think the pendulum can swing too far in the other direction to the point that folks are petrified to even keep them in their home. I personally drank some eucalyptus thinking it was peppermint. I didn’t drink a ton – maybe 5 drops. But I called Young Living at the time (it was their oil) and they told me to not worry about it – that I would need to drink a lot more to have an issue. That really put my mind at rest b/c I had heard how toxic it was.
Here is a very interesting post about the side effects and deaths. They are pretty much limited to a narrow list of oils and ingesting a lot of it. https://leetea.hubpages.com/hub/Essential-Oil-Safety-Documented-Side-Effects-Injuries-and-Deaths-from-Essential-Oil-Ingestion
What do you think about that. Does that help?
I do not throw oils down my throat or my kids’ throats willy nilly and I am very careful. I don’t agree with those who use them all the time for everything. I think that is overboard.
It’s always best to seek an education from more than just the people selling you the oils. We are working on increasing our information and education on our website but people do need to take the initiative and find their own.
Hi again, Tania. I just got this back from the companies.
One correction to #12 on your list. I agree an “Aromatherapist” would not necessarily be the correct person to council regarding internal use. I would instead suggest the person requesting the use of essential oils as a medical treatment consult an “Aromatologist”. An Aromatologist has completed the standard 200 hours of training like an Aromatherapist and then continues their education with scientific studies in the fields of chemistry, epidemiology, and completes several case studies. They are qualified to interpret the results of the various scientific studies and GC/MS results. There are very few schools in the US (most EO medicinal training is in Europe). The Franklin Institute of Wellness offers accredited training in the US. I’m not aware of any others.
Sorry I misspoke, it looks like their Aromatology courses are not finalized online yet. They do offer an intermediate level course in Aromatic Medicine through Vintage Remedies. I’m a student and can highly recommend several of the courses. The training focuses on evidence based medical research. Great info.
Hi there. Interesting. So are you saying that you think an aromatologist would be necessary to give counsel regarding internal use / any use for therapeutic reasons of oils or are you just correcting the term that I used? Thanks!
Are there opportunities with Rocky Mtn or Native American Essential oils to sell for them like the bigger MLM companies?
No, they aren’t an MLM. Sorry. You could try a different way to make money perhaps. I am working w/ several MLMs that are less “problematic” and trying 2 new ones. I couldn’t make the big MLM oils companies work. Wanted to…..
how would you check into a MLM company for oppertunities? i am asking due to one of your responses below of someone asking you about it and you said ” you can make money other ways ” and that you were trying 2 new ones, yes this is from last year in dec but hey i thought i would ask.
Hi there. One great option is Beautycounter. I have been working with them for a long time and the income and experience has been a huge blessing to us!
I looked around the NAN site; their prices are great. Fairly new to EO use, but I’m loving it. I’ll be ordering the Clary Sage EO to use in my husband’s natural blood pressure regimen. We’re keeping his former 200s/90s BP in the 140/80 range without toxic pharma (yippeeee!), and Clary Sage was found to be more effective than lavender for lowering BP. As always, thanks for all the research you do and share. I learn so much from you.
Way to go – that’s GREAT!!! I hadn’t heard that about Clary Sage – so glad you shared! I am learning all along w/ you all but thanks for the kind words!!
The reason people recommend ingestion only under the care of a certified aromatherapist (usually always as opposed to an MLM rep who a year before didn’t even know what essential oils were), is because each person has different medical issues and needs. Whereas a certified aromatherapist would know to ask about medications being taken, etc. There are so many contraindications with medications, but I never hear about those!
And, one drop of peppermint oil can be equivalent of up to 75 cups of peppermint tea. Why the heck would you say “oh, you have a stomach ache, drink 75 cups of peppermint tea!”
Sounds ludicrous. But people do it! (take 2-3 drops of peppermint oil internally) ACK!
And, if you do ingest oils, they should always have an oil or fat included. For example, a drop of oregano oil (a very hot oil) into greasy sausage and marinara sauce for spaghetti. That would be an appropriate way to use an oil internally. Or a peppermint patty — homemade, with a drop of peppermint oil, coconut oil (the fat) and raw cacao, raw honey, etc etc.
However, I do not know many “consultants” who know those things. I know that hydrosols are a LOT safer to take internally and can give you the same benefits. So why not use those instead?
And I have read reports that someone’s liver was irreversibly damaged by taking essential oils internally… over YEARS!! so it didn’t happen all at once. You have no clue what you are doing regarding long term damage… it may take YEARS for damage to show. The burning through of your esophageal lining, or stomach lining, or your liver…. imagine being the reason your child has irreversible liver damage FOR LIFE. Yeah, no thanks. Not worth it.
I personally won’t believe something just because a blogger wrote it… I will stick with my naturopathic MEDICAL DOCTOR who has been trained in essential oils….. and understands the WHOLE BODY system. And especially understands what medications I am on and how things will interact. As you mentioned, essential oils are SUPER potent. SUPER. And so you don’t mess around with them. Seriously. You give them the respect they deserve, and use them appropriately. 🙂
Hi there and sorry for taking so long to respond – I got so busy and left some comments for later and am just getting to them. I hear you on your concerns, but when you look at the damage done by natural remedies and essential oils, aren’t we possibly getting way too worked up about it? There is of course caution that should be in practice but I think that being overly worried can lead to folks not turning to these good remedies. What do you think?
I would love to hear more. Thanks!
You convinced me and I use Native American /Rocky Mountain Oils………..they are very good and the shipping is reasonable and the are very quick!
I am so glad you are pleased with them. I am too!!
Hi Adrienne. I really enjoy your site and all of the great information you give. I am actually in school right now to become a certified aromatherapist. We just talked about taking oils internally during our last class. My instructor said she hardly ever recommends it. Have you ever looked at Amrita essential oils? There is a lot of educational information on their website. It’s a nice resource you may want to check out. http://www.amrita.net. Amrita is one of the few essential oil companies my school recommends due to the gas chromatography testing they do. The owner, Dr. Streicher, has a Masters degree in Biochemestry and a Ph.D. in Physiology. Check out his site. I think you will like it. 🙂
Hi there. Thanks! I haven’t looked at them but I will. Sadly, I can’t comment on other companies for several reasons but it’s mainly legal. I will say that you might want to read this post to see how they stack up. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxic-overload-health-concerns/essential-oils-testing-is-it-reliable/
Hope to see you around again!!
If you do get an essential oil where it should not be, oil removes oil. Use coconut or olive on a tissue and it will dilute/reduce/remove the essential oil.
Thanks! I do think I mentioned that – did I miss something? You are so right :)!