About Essential Oils

The Legacy of Essential Oils

For centuries, aromatic botanicals have been valued across cultures for their sensory, ceremonial, and personal care applications. Early advances in plant distillation are widely attributed to the Middle East, where foundational extraction techniques were refined and later adopted by ancient civilizations including Egypt, India, and China.

Historical records indicate that the ancient Egyptians utilized aromatic plant oils in cosmetics, embalming rituals, and ceremonial practices. In India, botanical aromatics have long been integrated into Ayurvedic traditions focused on balance and holistic living. Comparable uses are documented in early Chinese cultural practices, where plant aromas were valued for their sensory and ritual significance.

In the modern era, essential oils are used globally in aromatherapy, personal care formulations, fine fragrances, and wellness environments. Aromatherapy, as a discipline, focuses on the controlled use of natural aromas to enhance sensory experience and environmental quality.

Defining Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic, and volatile compounds obtained exclusively from botanical sources. They are extracted from specific plant structures—including flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, resins, fruits, and peels—where aromatic compounds are naturally produced and stored.

The term essential refers to the characteristic essence of the plant rather than nutritional necessity. Most essential oils are produced through steam distillation or cold expression and are named according to their botanical origin. When properly extracted, pure essential oils retain the authentic aromatic profile of the source plant, reflecting both its chemical composition and geographic terroir.

Essential oils are widely used for aromatherapy, personal care applications, and formulation science. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Constituents of Essential Oils

From a scientific standpoint, essential oils are complex mixtures of naturally occurring volatile organic compounds. Their composition varies based on species, cultivation conditions, harvest timing, and extraction method. Key compound groups include:
•    Terpenes
A large and diverse group of compounds responsible for aroma and many therapeutic effects.
•    Phenols
Known for strong antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
•    Alcohols
Often antibacterial and antifungal; commonly used in skincare applications.
•    Aldehydes
Typically fruity or citrus-like in aroma; known for calming and antiseptic properties.
•    Ketones
Found in oils such as lavender and sage; known for antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
•    Esters
Sweet and fruity compounds with calming and relaxing properties.
The unique combination of these constituents gives each essential oil its distinct fragrance and therapeutic profile.

Extraction Methodologies

The quality and aromatic integrity of an essential oil are directly influenced by its extraction method. Common techniques include:
•    Steam Distillation
The most common method, where steam passes through plant material to vaporize volatile compounds, which are then condensed and collected. This process is both an art and a science.
•    Cold Pressing
Used primarily for citrus oils, where oil is mechanically pressed from the fruit peel without heat.
•    Solvent Extraction
Uses solvents such as ethanol or hexane to extract aromatic compounds; typically used for delicate flowers.
•    Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extraction
A modern method using pressurized CO₂, ideal for preserving delicate plant compounds.
Steam distillation remains the most widely used method due to its effectiveness and ability to produce high-quality oils.

The 2N (Nirvana Nurture) Standard

2N (Nirvana Nurture) represents a commitment to precision and purity to producing premium-grade quality, 100% pure natural essential oils. Most of our oils are Organic and undergo stringent quality checks, including thorough testing and analysis to ensure purity and authenticity.
From farm to bottle, our oils are naturally processed under strict conditions to preserve potency and effectiveness. Our essential oils are:

Each oil undergoes rigorous quality verification to confirm:
•    Botanical identity
•    Purity and authenticity
•    Absence of synthetic additives, fillers, or diluents

Our essential oils are:
•    Non-GMO
•    Cruelty-free
•    Produced under controlled conditions from farm to bottle

We never compromise quality for price and carefully select only the highest-grade oils that meet our rigorous standards.

Essential Oil Dilution Guidelines

Why Essential Oils Must Be Diluted

Essential oils, whether single oils or blends, are highly concentrated and should never be applied directly to the skin. Undiluted oils may cause irritation, sensitization, or toxicity in some cases.
Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil:
•    Reduces the risk of skin irritation
•    Improves absorption
•    Makes oils safer for topical use

Not all carrier oils are suitable for all skin types, so selection should be based on individual needs. Please refer to our Single Oil and Blend Dilution Table for recommended ratios.

Tips for Diluting Essential Oils

•    Always use a dropper for accurate measurement
•    Dilution percentages vary based on application (skin, hair, massage, pain relief)
•    Not all essential oils have the same potency

Essential Oil Shelf Life & Expiry

Essential oils do not technically expire in the same way as food products; however, they can gradually change in aroma, color, and potency over time. These changes occur naturally due to oxidation and exposure to air, light, and heat.

When stored properly, most essential oils maintain optimal quality for 4–5 years or longer, depending on the oil type. Citrus oils tend to have a shorter shelf life, while resinous, woody, and root-based oils often last longer.

Factors That Affect Essential Oil Shelf Life

•    Exposure to air (oxidation)
•    Heat and direct sunlight
•    Storage conditions and bottle sealing
•    Oil type and chemical composition

Storage Best Practices

•    Store essential oils in dark glass bottles
•    Keep bottles tightly closed when not in use
•    Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and sunlight
•    Avoid transferring oils to plastic containers

Signs an Essential Oil Has Degraded

•    Noticeable change in aroma
•    Thickening or cloudiness (not caused by cold temperature)
•    Reduced fragrance strength

While an oil that has aged may still be aromatic, it may no longer perform as intended. For best sensory experience and quality, we recommend using essential oils within their optimal shelf-life period.