It’s a little misunderstanding — but no, essential oils aren’t essential like vitamins or minerals.

They're called essential because they hold the essence of the plant — its natural scent, its unique character, its healing power.

Think of it like this:
🌿 When we gently steam or press a plant, we’re capturing its aromatic soul — the part that makes lavender smell so calming or eucalyptus feel so fresh.

So, "essential" really means:
💧 The pure, concentrated heart of the plant.

Essential oils are called "essential" not because they are necessary for survival, but because they contain the “essence” of the plant — its aroma, flavour, or characteristic properties.

Here's a breakdown:

• The word "essential" comes from the term "essentia", meaning the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

• In the case of essential oils, it refers to the volatile compounds extracted from plants (usually by steam distillation or cold pressing) that capture the plant’s scent and therapeutic benefits.

• These oils are considered the concentrated essence of the plant, holding its fragrance and often its healing or protective properties.