Posted by Willow Botanicals
on January 20, 2026
The wellness power of plants is truly a miracle. With as many as 72,000 medicinal plant species available, Mother Earth has given us an amazing and sacred gift that people have accessed through traditional medicine for thousands of years. Sumerian clay tablets dating from 3000 BC list hundreds of medicinal plants, including opium. Papyrus from ancient Egypt, circa 1550 BC, lists 850 healing plants, and virtually every civilization since has relied on plants for health and healing.
The wellness and healing properties of plants lie in the chemicals they produce. During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce sugar–their food, and ours too. However, plants also synthesize many chemicals that help them thrive. These chemicals have many functions. Some attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while others repel pests. They protect plants from bacteria, viruses, and fungi, promote healing, and even send messages to other plants. This is where the magic happens. These chemicals have properties that also benefit animals and humans.
Herbalists access these chemicals by using the whole plant in preparations such as teas and tinctures, or by distilling or pressing the plant to concentrate and extract the beneficial chemicals, known as essential oils. Plants store their essential oils in different parts. Essential oils of flowering plants are usually concentrated in the blossoms, whereas tree essential oils often concentrate in the bark or heartwood. Citrus fruits concentrate oils in the rinds. Seeds, resins, leaves, twigs, roots, and rhizomes are also sources of essential oils. Every type of essential oil offers numerous benefits, and blending different oils can create a stronger synergistic or entourage effect.
The term aromatherapy comes from the fact that essential oils evaporate quickly and are easily inhaled, entering the body through the olfactory system. However, they can also enter the bloodstream through the skin and lungs. Essential oils should never be taken internally, except under strict medical supervision. Because the oils are highly concentrated, they can be deadly if used incorrectly. At Willow Botanicals, using essential oils safely is of the utmost importance. Always use strictly as directed, or consult an aromatherapist to ensure safe use.
Aromatherapists are trained professionals who use essential oils to address physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness concerns. This work complements, rather than replaces, medical care. An aromatherapist addresses the whole person and can advise on the use of essential oils or create personalized blends and products to address specific concerns. Contact Willow Botanicals’ in-house certified aromatherapist to learn more or set up an online consultation.
*Note: the FDA has not approved essential oils as drugs. They are not medicines; however, they complement medical care.
References
Healthy Post. (2024). https://healthypost.co.uk/how-many-species-of-medicinal-and-aromatic-plants-are-there-in-the-world/. Accessed January 15, 2026.
Petersen, D., (2022). Aroma 101: Introduction to Aroma Therapy [23rd Edition]. Portland, Oregon: American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Wikipedia. (2026). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicinal_plants. Accessed January 15, 2026.
