Essential oils are concentrated liquids that contain organic, multi-component, volatile, low-molecule compounds from plants. Essentials oils have the specific aroma of the plant and are also known as volatile oils or just as the oils of the plant from which they are derived.

Essential oil plants are widely spread throughout the plant world, as about 30% of the botanical families include plants with an essential oil component. The essential oil plants in Bulgaria are numerous, and among them are:

• Anise
• Basil
• Birch
• Pine
• Milfoil
• Valerian
• Tansy
• Rose Geranium
• Lovage
• Fir
• Echinacea
• Jasmine
• Saint John’s Wort
• Geranium
• Hyssop
• Caraway
• Cumin
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Angelica
• Onion
• Marjoram
• Rose Damascena
• Lemon Balm
• Thyme
• Mint
• Carrots
• Sea Wormwood
• Calendula
• Wormwood
• Pyrethrum
• Arnica Montana
• Fennel
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Salvia
• Rue
• Juniper
• Hops
• Red Pepper
• Winter Savory

Essential oils are most commonly extracted via distillation; using water vapor. The other processes include extraction via dissolving agents, extraction via absorbers, and extraction via mechanical methods. Very often, in order for a liter of essential oil to be extracted, one often needs 40-50 kg of blossoms or fruit. This explains the high concentration of these products. To produce just one gram of rose oil, more than 1000 blossoms of Rosa Damascene are needed.

Essential oils are mostly used in pharmacy, for the production of medicines and also for stress treatment, viral and fungal infections. Essential oils help improve the biological functions of the skin.  They stimulate metabolism and blood circulation, as well as help the formation of skin collagen. They connect with free radicals in the cells, help their protective barrier and slow down the aging process. Essential oils are also widely used for cosmetic purposes. Their easy absorption by skin cells makes them reliable, beautifying, hydrating and anti aging agents. Their high concentration makes them a main product in perfume production. Essential oils are also used in the food, wine, and tobacco industries as both spices and preservatives.

Most essential oils have stability between 12 -18 months, and keeping them in a dark place is mandatory. When you buy essential oils, it is a good idea to buy ones of natural origin form certified producers, and not to buy those which contain artificial components. The artificial components may cause serious allergies, asthma, and dermatitis.

The fastest test to determine if an essential oil has natural origins is to put a drop on a clean sheet of paper. After a few minutes, if there is an oily stain on the paper, it means that the oil is not pure. If there is no oily stain on the sheet of paper, it is proof that the oil has natural origins.

Another test you can perform is the aroma test. Essential oils may have either strong or delicate aromas of the plant from which it was extracted, but the aroma should never be intrusive. If using an essential and you feel an intrusive, overly-perfumed aroma, it is possible that the oil has some artificial agents added.

The price can also show you if the essential oils have a natural origin. A price of $3-$4 or less for 10 ml is unreal. An essential oil with natural origins has an intensive process of extraction and that is why it has a commensurately high price. And still, you have to be careful; an expensive price does not give you any warranty of the purity of the oil. You have to bear in mind that some essential oil, such as Rosa Damascene or jasmine, are more expensive and may cost fifty times more that the essential oils extracted from other plants.

Alba Grups is a certified producer of essential oils, natural cosmetics and floral waters. All the products that our company produces are natural, tested and certified in independent laboratories. We are ready to give a detailed chemical analysis and a quality certificate. Alba Grups is located in The Rose Valley, Bulgaria; we export Worldwide.