For best results you will want to use essential oils that are produced from the complete aromatic plant or flower. Most essential oils are obtained through steam distillation. The hot steam causes the essential oils to be released by the plant. The oils do not dissolve in water and will float to the top. They are then skimmed from the top and you have a pure essential oil.
Nature creates essential oils from basic hydrocarbon molecules.
The type of molecules that make up the essential oil determines the range of effects the oil will have. The aromatic molecules of essential oils come in contact with the only part of our brain that is exposed outside our body - the olfactory bulb, which is responsible for the sense of smell. You simply have to breathe the essential oil for an effect to be produced in your body. Though not proven, it is believed the molecules of an essential oil can also permeate the skin and be carried by the body s lymphatic system for healing. Here s how I have experienced lavender essential oil.