What are Essential Oils?

The production of essential oil is achieved by a process called steam distillation. This involves mixing the plant material and low-pressure steam, breaking the membranes of the cells in the plant tissue containing the oil and releasing the essential oil into the stream of steam in the distillation unit.

Essential oils have been traded internationally for several centuries. The unique opportunities South Africa has, to compete in the international essential oil markets, include a diverse range of climatic regions and agricultural land, a production season different to northern hemisphere competitors, and a well developed business, scientific, agricultural and transport infrastructure.

Essential oils are ideal products for small-scale farmers, provided that they receive the correct technical and marketing training. The SEOBI focuses on transferring appropriate technologies and training to emerging black farmers in order to facilitate starting or increasing commercially viable essential oil production on their farms.

That farmers that form part of the business incubation processes of SEOBI produce a range of conventional and organic essential oils that are in demand in the international markets.

A-Z of Essential Oils

This is a guide to essential oils that are used in aromatherapy, their properties and ailments that they can treat. Some essential oils present specific dangers to pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, always consult a doctor before trying aromatherapy.