What are essential oils typically extracted from?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma and beneficial properties of the plant from which they are derived. The correct choice highlights that essential oils can be extracted from a wide variety of plant parts, including seeds, bark, roots, and leaves. Each of these components can yield different oils with unique therapeutic properties, making them highly valuable in aromatherapy and other holistic practices.

Seeds may contain oils with qualities that support vitality and balance, while bark can provide grounding and soothing aromas. Roots often offer rich, deeper scents that can promote relaxation or energize, while leaves are often where you find the most aromatic oils that are uplifting and refreshing. By utilizing various parts of the plant, essential oils can deliver a broader spectrum of benefits tailored to different therapeutic needs.

In contrast, while leaves, flowers, and grass can also be sources of essential oils, they do not encompass the full range of plant material that can be used. Water and minerals are not sources of essential oils; rather, essential oils are derived specifically from plant materials. Fruits and vegetables may yield some aromatic substances, but they are generally not categorized within traditional essential oils used in aromatherapy. Therefore, the second choice provides the most accurate summary of the sources of essential oils.