WHAT MAKES ESSENTIAL OILS SO ESSENTIAL?

by Brittany Hogan September 10, 2018 3 min read

dripping essential oil into bottle of aroma spray perfume

Technically speaking, essential oils are called "essential" because they represent the volatile, aromatic compounds extracted from plants, the vital essence or "life force" of that plant. This is what gives each plant its signature scent and unique therapeutic profile.

In practice, one deep breath is all it takes to understand the profound impact essential oils can have on our body and mind.

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL?

bottle of essential oil perfume next to herbs for herbal skincare

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from a plant’s roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, or fruit. They are captured through steam distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines essential oil as:

"A product made by distillation with either water or steam or by mechanical processing of citrus rinds or by dry distillation of natural materials. Following the distillation, the essential oil is physically separated from the water phase."

HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED?

using essential oils in herbal skin care

Through Inhalation

Essential oils can be inhaled through diffusion, steam, or simply by opening a bottle. Once airborne, their aromatic compounds interact with the olfactory system, sending signals to the brain that influence mood, memory, and emotions.

This is why essential oils are often associated with calming the mind, boosting clarity, or lifting the spirit. Their power begins with a single breath.

Through the Skin

When applied topically (properly diluted), essential oils can be absorbed into the skin and eventually into the bloodstream. Research shows they may help reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and support overall wellness.

At Nefertem, we blend therapeutic-grade essential oils into our tallow-based skincare to deliver holistic nourishment, both through scent and through the skin.

HOW POWERFUL CAN 1 DROP OF ESSENTIAL OIL BE?

drop of essential oil into glass bottle of aromatherapy spray

Essential oils are incredibly potent. Through extraction, the plant’s active compounds are concentrated—sometimes up to 100 times more powerful than the raw plant itself.

Did you know it takes 5,000 pounds of rose petals to create just one pound of rose essential oil?

One drop of peppermint essential oil, for instance, may deliver the equivalent of 70 cups of peppermint tea. That's the power of nature distilled.

WHAT CAN ESSENTIAL OILS DO?

peppermint used for herbal knee cream

Essential oils can support the body, mind, and spirit. Some are known to help ease tension and improve relaxation. Others may reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, or even support skin renewal and collagen production.

A study once showed that children exposed to lavender and orange essential oils experienced lower anxiety levels during dental visits compared to those who weren’t exposed.

We use select essential oils in our tallow-based products not just for their aroma, but for their skin-supportive and emotionally grounding benefits.

WHY ARE ESSENTIAL OILS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL?

woman smelling flowers used in nefertem herbal skin care

Perhaps they’re essential because they concentrate the life force of a plant into a single drop. Perhaps it's the healing they offer—not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Or maybe it's simply that they smell so good, they can shift your entire day in a moment.

Whatever the reason, essential oils continue to be an integral part of our tallow skincare philosophy—offering both functionality and beauty in every jar.

Crafted with Intention

At Nefertem, we formulate our products with purpose—infusing small-batch, grass-fed tallow with plant oils and authentic essential oils that support radiant skin and a grounded self-care experience.

Nefertem Tallow Skincare – Crafted for those who care what they put on their skin.

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