Essential oils are among the most concentrated and widely used plant preparations in traditional healing systems, yet they are also frequently misunderstood. This recorded webinar offers a structured, educational exploration of essential oils, focusing on what they are, how they are produced, and how they have been used historically and practically across cultures. You are introduced to the foundational principles of essential oil extraction, including steam distillation, volatility, and the distinction between essential oils, infused oils, and hydrosols.
The course clarifies common terminology such as “aromatherapy,” explaining its chemical and historical meaning rather than its popular association with scent alone. You will examine how essential oils interact with the body through topical application, inhalation, and traditional internal use, with an emphasis on safety, dilution, and appropriate context. The material also explores how essential oils have been incorporated into European, Ayurvedic, and traditional herbal frameworks, including their role in bodywork, bathing practices, and digestive support traditions.
This class is designed for anyone seeking a grounded, practical understanding of essential oils within herbal and traditional wellness education.
This class is included in our Global Herbalism Academy Foundations Membership. Get access to this class PLUS our over 200+ classes and more for only $47/month!
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Essential oils represent the volatile, aromatic constituents of plants and have been valued for centuries in traditional medical, culinary, and cultural practices. In this in-depth educational webinar, you explore essential oils from a practical and historical perspective, focusing on how they are made, how they differ from other herbal preparations, and how they have traditionally been used within herbal systems.
The course begins with a clear explanation of essential oil chemistry and production, including steam distillation and the concept of volatility. You will learn how essential oils differ from infused oils and hydrosols, and why these distinctions matter when selecting or using plant-based preparations. The class also addresses the historical development of essential oil therapy in Europe and its relationship to broader herbal traditions.
You are guided through the primary methods of working with essential oils, including topical application, inhalation, bathing, and traditional internal use, with careful attention to dilution principles, preparation methods, and observational safety considerations. The material emphasizes context, proportion, and education rather than prescriptive use. Common misunderstandings around aromatherapy are addressed, particularly the difference between fragrance-based use and phytochemical-based application.
Throughout the course, essential oils are discussed as part of a larger herbal framework rather than isolated remedies. You will gain insight into how different plant oils have been used to support comfort, digestion, circulation, and relaxation in traditional settings, as well as how factors such as age, sensitivity, and life stage influence appropriate use.
What you’ll learn:
How essential oils are produced and how they differ from infused oils and hydrosols
Foundational principles of essential oil chemistry and volatility
Traditional methods of topical, inhaled, and internal application
Historical and cultural contexts for essential oil use
Key safety concepts, including dilution and preparation frameworks
This class is ideal for:
Herbalism students seeking foundational knowledge of essential oils
Wellness practitioners wanting clearer context for traditional use
Individuals interested in plant-based traditions beyond fragrance use
Students of Ayurveda or Western herbalism exploring plant preparations
Anyone looking for an educational, non-prescriptive overview of essential oils
Get access to this class PLUS our entire Foundations Library (200+ classes!) for only $47/month. Members also get access to all new Foundations classes taught live every month!
