An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid that occurs naturally and is volatile in nature. It is obtained from herbal plants and trees by one of the many processes such as hydro-distillation or cold pressing (expression) or solvent extraction of the characteristic aroma of the plant part from which it is extracted. Obtained in the pure form, essential oil is not been processed, diluted or manipulated and adulterated in any way with solvents or other additives. Essential oils can be extracted from various parts of plants like leaves, barks, roots, seeds, flower & resin. Some of the prime applications of the oils include aromatherapy, cosmetics, household cleaning products, perfumery, medicine, incense, and as a flavouring agent in drinks and food. These oils are also considered valuable in industries like food and fragrance. Carrier Oils, on the other hand, are used in aromatherapy, a therapy where various essential oils are applied to the body to aid both physical and emotional health as well as well-being. Carrier oils are used to dilute the concentrated essential oils so they can be applied to the skin without any side effect. Commonly used carrier oils include vegetable oils like avocado oil or coconut oil. These oils are extracted from nuts, seeds, or kernels of their parent plant.At times, some unscented body lotions as well as Aloe vera gels are also used as carrier oils.
