Peace be with you all,

This information has been comprised for those who have inquiries concerning the difference between the essential  and essence oils that the EcoVillage offers.

The bulk of the essential oils are obtained from associate families and/ or communities that have been involved with the ancient art, science and tradition of fragrances for many centuries now. According to these sources: There are two kinds of scents; ones which occur in nature, such as Sandalwood, Patchouli and then there are others which are blended from a variety of natural ingredients. Due to the prohibitive costs of supplying nature’s oils, sometimes a perfumer blends the naturally occurring oils with other aromatic compounds. The art and science of a perfumer is evident in the fragrances he creates.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ESSENTIAL and ESSENCE OILS
The difference in the oils offered by the EcoVillage is chiefly in the method of extraction. Technically speaking, an essential oil is extracted from plant material by two main methods; simple expression (or pressure) or by steam, water or dry distillation. Distinguishing the difference between essential and concretes or absolutes (fragrances obtained by methods other than steam distillation or pressure) is sometimes very difficult. However, the essentials are very loose – much like water, have no oily feel to them, evaporate quickly (volatile) and the cost of a fragrance is sometimes a lot more expensive than its’ counterpart; concretes, absolutes and oil blends. Essential oils should be stored in tightly sealed, dark colored glass bottles – for light rays, air and excessive heat will quickly deteriorate the essence of the oils. However, when obtaining essential oils in small quantities, clear glass is permissible providing the bottles are kept in the dark (ex. – drawer, purse, pouch, etc.) until ready for use. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, therefore having very potent therapeutic values. Each drop is equal to at least one ounce of plant matter.

Many aromatic oils from plants contain a few major constituents, several minors and a larger number of trace elements. It is virtually impossible to totally reconstruct such a complex combination of components which includes all of the trace elements. Most “nature identical” oils are said to be 96% accurate – with the remaining 4% of trace elements being non-duplicated. It is the synergistics of the specific combination of hundreds of constituents naturally provided to each plant (including trace elements) that give the essential oils therefrom their valuable therapeutic/healing properties.

Concretes – The aromatic plant matter is extracted by organic solvents such as hydro-carbon. Concretes are more stable and concentrated than unmodified essential oils.
Resinoids – Oils from natural resins such as frankincense, myrrh, amber, benzoin, etc. extracted by hydro-carbon solvents. Occasionally the ethanol soluble fraction of a resinoid is called an absolute.

Resinoids – Oils from natural resins such as frankincense, myrrh, amber, benzoin, etc. extracted by hydro-carbon solvents. Occasionally the ethanol soluble fraction of a resinoid is called an absolute.

Absolutes – Obtained by taking the concretes through a second process of ethanol extraction or liquid carbon dioxide. With the latter process, the oils produced are of excellent aroma
quality and entirely free of unwanted solvent residues or non-volatile matter.

All the above methods go through a final process of solvent removal. These techniques are used worldwide for higher yield or to obtain products that cannot be obtained by any other process. An example of this is when an essential oil would be adversely affected by hot water and steam, as is the case with Jasmine – concretes or absolutes would be used; they also produce a more true-to-nature- fragrance.

For clarity purposes; many essential oils not extracted via steam or pressure are referred to as essence oils. 

Essence oils are derived in a variety of ways from flowers, barks, leaves, roots or resins. The fragrance industry requires continuity in its’ products – as well as a means of obtaining a scent without it’s prohibitive costs – considering one pound of essential oil requires 50 lbs. of eucalyptus, 150 lbs. of lavender, 500 lbs. of sage, thyme or rosemary and 2000 – 3000 lbs. of rose. Thus, perhaps is the main reason and practicality of formulating oil blends and creating scents from various aromatic compounds also found in nature. However not all synthesized aromas are of the same quality. Some oils on the market are artificial imitations of natural fragrances. Reverend Nazirmoreh (ABRD) sees to it that Monastery carries some of the best and finest natural oil blends available today.  The Monastery’s oils are free of alcohol and derived from natural, all-vegetable sources -including the musks. Use the EcoVillage’s oils in aromatherapy, as a non-alcoholic perfume, as an incense, as an ingredient in natural soaps, body care products and candles. Try Tangerine oil to bring cheer and light into you life…, Sandalwood to promote a deeper connection to Spirit…, Patchouli for a sense of strength, groundedness and as an insect repellant…, Rose to enhance creativity and a union of physical and spiritual love, and to relieve postnatal depression…, Frankincense and/or Myrrh; two of the most highly treasured and costly substance of ancient civilization – evoking a sense of inspiration, faith, inner strength and stability. 

Try any of the Monastery’s oils and experience for yourself. Those using the Monastery’s oils often remark on the peace and tranquility that the oils carry with them and compliments abound concerning the superior strength and quality that the Monastery’s essence oils have, unlike some oils and commercial scents; the Monastery’s essence oils ARE alcohol free and HIGHLY concentrated, so they last for hours and some for days and the Monastery’s essential oils are of the finest quality available as well.  Whether you are selecting  an essential oil or essence oil through Nahziryah Monastic Community  – rest assured that you are selecting some of the best, purest, uncut, unreduced oils available.

GLOSSARY
Aromatic compound – any of a class of organic compounds containing an unsaturated ring of carbon atoms, as benzene, napthalene, anthracene and their derivatives, and usually having an agreeable odor. Hydro –carbon – any of a class of compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon, as an alkane, methane, CH4 etc., or an aromatic compound; benzene, C6H6.
Perfume – 1. A substance, extract or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell. 2. The scent, odor or volatile particle emitted by substances that smell agreeably. –Syn.: essence, attar, scent, incense, aroma, fragrance.
Therapeutic – of or related to the treatment of mental / physical disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods; medicinal.