What is an essential oil?

An essential oil is defined as a concentrated hydrophobic liquid that contains volatile aroma compounds derived from plants. This definition highlights the key characteristics of essential oils: their concentrated nature, which means they contain a high potency of plant extracts, and their hydrophobic quality, indicating that they do not mix with water. Additionally, the term "volatile aroma compounds" signifies that these oils are made up of various organic compounds that can easily evaporate, giving them their distinctive scents. This unique characteristic allows essential oils to be used in various applications, including aromatherapy, perfumery, and natural healing practices, where the therapeutic properties of the plant extracts can have a significant impact.

In contrast, the other options provided describe substances that do not match the definition of essential oils. The first option describes minerals rather than plant-derived products, while the second option inaccurately portrays essential oils as diluted mixtures with water, which contradicts their concentrated form. The last option refers to nutrients important for plant health, which is unrelated to essential oils, as they do not serve a nutritional function.