Plant Parts Determine the Purpose of an Essential Oil

Just as our human bodies have various parts that serve different purposes, plants do, too.

Your legs and feet help you stand, balance, and move to different places. But your arms and hands don’t serve that purpose. Rather, they help hold and grasp things and can perform the most detailed of tasks. A useful example of this is that a doctor’s arms and hands have the ability to perform complex surgery, whereas his or her legs and feet typically don’t have that function!

In nature, plants have various parts such as roots, flowers, seeds, leaves, grass, needles, fruit, resins, and trunks. And just as our body parts are uniquely different in what they do, so are the parts of a plant. In regards to essential oils, plant parts determine the purpose of an essential oil.

Plant Part Knowledge is Powerful

Knowing the part of the plant that your essential oil is extracted from is an advanced concept. And creating your own blends based not only on the type of oil used, but also on plant part, stimulates emotional balance and allows you to reap the therapeutic benefits of an essential oil.*

All essential oils have a balancing effect on the mind, body, and spirit. You can deem great insight on the intended purpose and effects of an oil by knowing the part of the plant the oil is extracted from. Additionally, a blend of oils that are extracted from different plant parts can provide a complementary mixture of therapeutic benefits.

The Benefits of Each Plant Part

Roots

Just as our legs and feet are the “root” of our bodies, providing stability and balance, so too are the functions of the roots of a plant. A plant’s roots also absorb water and nutrients that are needed for the plant to grow.

Thus, using oils that are extracted from the root of a plant provide us with stability and balance.* They are effective in relieving stress related to life changes and turmoil.* Feelings of panic, worry, and over-thinking are also decreased when using essential oils extracted from the root of a plant.*

Ginger and Vetiver are all essential oils derived from the roots of plants.

Flowers/Buds

The flowers of plants bloom in springtime. We all think of spring as a time of re-birth and new growth. The strong aromas of flowers attract insects that play a role in the actual process of new creation.

So, the oils extracted from flowers support us in providing new energy, self-confidence, and creativity.* Their fresh, aromatic, and sweet-smelling scents provide emotional support.* They soothe the heart and calm the mind.*

Many facial skin care products are made from oils extracted from flowers/buds, due to their calming and rejuvenating properties.

Jasmine, Chamomile, Rose, Helichrysum and are just a few common flower oils.

Seeds

Seeds literally represent reproduction. A plant’s seeds are the beginning of life and contain all of the plant’s potential. And oils extracted from seeds also support new growth and potential in each of us.*

Furthermore, these seed oils support reproductive health, birth, and nourishment, and can be used to encourage the release of blocked energy.*

Carrot Seed, Fennel, Coriander and Nutmeg are some of the essential oils in this category.

Leaves, Grass, and Needles

Just as the leaves, grass, and needles of a plant or tree help it to breathe, so do the oils derived from them help us experience healthy respiration and positive energy.*

These oils have both physical and emotional effects by protecting us from infections and disturbing energy, while supporting mental expansion and creativity.*

Anise, Sweet Basil, Cinnamon Leaf, Cajeput, and Eucalyptus belong in this category.

Resins

Resins have been used for thousands of years for ritual, meditation, incense, protection, and honor.

Oils extracted from plant resins help heal emotional wounds and can support deep reflection.*

Amber, Frankincense, and Myrrh are all derived from plant resins.

Fruits

Plant Parts Determine the Purpose of an Essential Oil Fruit oils are naturally cleansing. They are beneficial in helping the lymphatic system and are effective when used for emotional cleansing and clarity.*

Oils extracted from fruit are refreshing and are wonderful for bringing new, clear energy to a space.

Essences from citrus fruits bring us inspiration, creativity, and light.* Citrus fruit oils are often found in various essential oil blends to help lift depression.

Orange, Pink Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Juniper Berry, and Black Pepper (the “fruit” is Black Peppercorn!) are common fruit oils.

Wood/Trunk

The trunks of plants take water and other nutrients from the roots and directs them to the plant’s stems, leaves, and flowers.

Oils extracted from wood provide core support and help conduct energy.* They also help with your sense of balance. Their main functions are core support and inward focus.*

Wood oils can also be effective in lessening muscular and skeletal pain.*

Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Cypress, Rosewood, and Cinnamon Bark all belong to this category.

Purchase all of the essential oils mentioned in this article, below, along with carrier oils for dilution.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.