Depending on the species of plant, essential oils are extracted from the petals, leaves, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, wood, bark, resin or fruit. In a few cases, every part of the plant growing above ground is used. There are several ways of obtaining the oil, the most common being steam distillation. This involves putting the plant material in a large, closed container, known as a vat, and forcing steam through it. The heat and pressure release the tiny droplets of essential oil from the plant, which then rise with the steam, out through the spiral tube. This cools the steam and turns it back into a liquid, the essential oil (being generally lighter than water, will float on the top and can be skimmed off.  Please do not confuse PURE ESSENTIAL OILS with Fragrance oils.  Never be afraid to ask your seller for a Certificate of analysis (C of A) for the essential oil that you are purchasing.  Remember that Pure Essential oils are never to be used directly onto the skin without properly diluting them for the exception of Tea Tree, Lavender and Dragons Blood.  Never take thereapeutic Grade Essential oils internally and keep these oils in a safe and secure place away from children and pets.   Visit our store at Essential7-com-Oils-and-Butters for 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential oils, butters, waxes, soap and lotion bases, fragrance oils and many other soap and lotion making supplies and aromatherapy products.