Patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves of the Patchouli plant (Pogostemon cablin) by steam distillation. Patchouli oil’s characteristic scent is most reminiscent of the scent of musk. The oil has a thick consistency and can range in color from light yellowish to dark brown. Patchouli oil is mainly used as a fragrance ingredient in … Read more
Peppermint oil is extracted from Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), which is a cross between spearmint and water mint. Although there is no scientific evidence that peppermint oil can be used to treat human health problems, it has long been used as a natural medicine – especially for digestive problems. In this article, we’ll go through … Read more
Japanese peppermint oil – or simply Japanese mint oil – is derived from the Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis). Japanese peppermint oil is extracted from the above-ground parts of the plant and is produced by steam distillation. Japanese peppermint oil contains up to 95% menthol and is therefore used for numerous natural medicinal purposes – more … Read more
Caraway oil comes from Caraway (Carum carvi), a member of the Umbelliferae family. Caraway oil is extracted from dried caraway seeds and is produced by steam distillation. Caraway oil has an extremely long and rich history, largely characterized by superstition and a myriad of gastronomic and medicinal uses (although the latter are not scientifically proven). … Read more
Black cumin oil is derived from the black cumin (Nigella sativa), a member of the buttercup family. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the black cumin and is produced either by cold pressing or steam distillation. The more well-known caraway (Carum carvi), which belongs to the Umbelliferae family and is used gastronomically in … Read more
Jasmine oil comes from the plants of the genus Jasmine (Jasminum), which belongs to the Olive family. Despite not being a ‘true’ essential oil, jasmine oil is one of the most expensive of all oils. This is due to the way it is produced, but also because it takes a huge amount of jasmine leaves … Read more
Castor oil is also called American oil, castor oil or holly oil. Castor oil is derived from the plant Ricinus communis, also known as the oil plant or holly and belongs to the spurge family. Castor oil is extracted by cold-pressing castor beans, which are actually seeds, as Ricinus communis does not belong to the … Read more
Orange oil is typically extracted from the remains – the peels – of the oranges (Citrus sinensis) used to make orange juice. The extraction itself is usually done by cold pressing. Although there is no scientific evidence of the health benefits of orange oil, it has long been used medicinally and in aromatherapy. In recent … Read more
Apricot kernel oil is also called “apricot oil” and is extracted from apricot kernels (containing 40-50% oil) by direct pressing or cold pressing. Apricot kernel oil is very similar to peach oil because they are both extracted from the kernels of the fruit and also have a similar aroma. Apricot kernel oil is mainly used … Read more