Essential oils are regarded as the quintessence of a plant's being. Essential oils are natural organic substances produced by aromatic plants. Some plant species may produce up to three essential oils, extracted from leaves, blossoms, fruit peels or bark. Essential oils are highly volatile in the sense that they readily evaporate. Each essential oil has its own volatility rate, which is measured on a scale of 1 to 100.
Essential oils feel more like water than oil, and some oils are more viscous others.
They are soluble in alcohol, ether and fixed oils. They are not soluble in water. Most essential oils are anti-bacterial. These oils can be absorbed through the skin quickly, between 20 and 70 minutes, depending upon the fat content of the person. Essential oils are distilled using either dried or fresh herbs.