The essential oil is a ‘hormone’ in the plasma of the plant, closely linked to its physiological functions.
It is the response of the whole plant organism to environmental and life cycle challenges. The essential oil is the plant’s defence against things like disease, environmental pests, hazards, UV damage and wounds. It’s also the plant’s way of speaking with the world around it; attracting pollinators, repelling predators and communicating with other plants. It is active and ever changing, much like our own endocrine and immune system constantly changes to bring balance to our bodies.