Surely you've felt it before… that invisible shift a smell can bring.

The moment you open a bottle of eucalyptus, breathe in deeply and suddenly your chest feels lighter. Or when the soft scent of lavender settles over you at the end of a long, tiring day, as if the world itself exhales with you. Maybe it's the drop of tea tree oil you dab on a stubborn blemish before bed, and by morning, the redness and inflammation significantly decrease. But the power doesn't stop there. Tea tree's scent also keeps pesky insects away, gently protecting you while you sleep or relax outdoors.

That's the magic of essential oils; nature's quiet chemistry, weaving its scent through your home, your body, and your daily routines. These little bottles don't just sit on bathroom shelves or bedside tables; they carry memory, comfort, energy, healing, and so much more.

And here's the amazing part: have you ever noticed that the word "scent" is hidden inside Escentia? It's not an accident. It's a clue. A whisper of what this family brand stands for. Because at its heart, Escentia is all about transforming the way we think about scent.

That's where the concept of aromatherapy comes in. If you're new to it, you might wonder: Where do I start? How do scents and oils actually work together?

Escentia's story - one born from family, curiosity, and a deep respect for nature's intelligence - answers those questions by supplying the largest range of essential oils, carrier oils and aromatherapy auxiliaries in Africa. They build on the concept of aromatherapy, which is the practice of using plant-based essential oils to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Escentia answers all the questions you might have about aromatherapy, questions big and small, simple or complex. Which we're about to explore.

As Roy Aiken, the company's founder, explains, "SCENT is from the Latin 'sentire', meaning to perceive, feel, hear, speak...." He invented the name Escentia to reflect both science and soul. "I wanted some kind of 'ye olde' Latin feel."

Their name says it all, but still, there is so much more we can learn from them about the power of scent and essential oils from Escentia.

A Family Legacy in Every Drop

Founded in 1994 by Roy Aiken (now CEO), Escentia was born, as he describes, "out of necessity - but in retrospect, one can see the universal dots lining up to lead to the decision to pursue this incredible and wonderful world generated by plants."

Roy's fascination with the natural chemistry of plants - what he lovingly calls "God's chemistry" - became the foundation of a business that would be trusted by so many across Africa, including us at Essentially Natural.

You'd be surprised to know that eucalyptus oil was the very first product they sold. "It now symbolises a saving grace for us," Roy recalls. "Without it, we might not have made it through the Covid madness… it shot into the psyche of thousands who sourced it for its anti-viral properties." Today, eucalyptus remains a bestseller and a reminder of Escentia's origins: healing in a bottle.

The Family Behind Escentia

Escentia is, at its heart, a family story. What began with Roy and his wife, Jenny Aiken, has evolved to include their son, Matthew, now Managing Director, and a growing team of passionate, kind individuals. Each generation brings its own wisdom: Roy's grounded experience, Jenny's care, and Matthew's forward-thinking leadership.

"Our legacy is to remind people that business is human," Matthew says. "Every call and email is part of a fleeting web of connection in our short time here. We often forget this. If Escentia can inspire others to meet each interaction with kindness, honesty, and presence, that would be enough."

That humanity truly runs deep in every decision Escentia makes, from how they source their oils to how they educate customers. "Local is lekker," Roy shares. "Community and worker support, one-on-one with farmers and distillers, and minimising the chance of any kind of tampering."

Around 30% of Escentia's range is sourced from Southern Africa, including local treasures like Tagetes (Khakibos) and Buchu. "Home for me is the smell of a nicely matured Tagetes… growing extensively in the Free State, interestingly used as a base in French perfumery," Roy adds.

It's a connection to landscape and memory - local scent bottled with care. Roy shares, "During my original 1993 Market Survey, I discovered three suppliers who had garnered 90% of the then market, and all of their material was imported from France... my work in the early 1990s with flavours and fragrances taught me that there were local oil options... We were the first to purchase and pack local materials, which were of extremely high quality indeed… at better than import pricing ...initial resistance to our attractive pricing did give way to the realisation amongst numbers of aromatherapists that our oils were fantastic..."

As Roy reflects on those early days, you can probably tell that Escentia isn't just about oils, it's about vision, care, and proving that thoughtful, human-centred business can create lasting connections.

Quality That Speaks for Itself

When Matthew talks about quality, it's not marketing language; it's philosophy. "At Escentia, 'quality' means transparency, integrity, and respect for nature's intelligence. Each of our oil grades is designed to empower choice by aligning with different user preferences rather than market labels, " he explains.

Every batch is checked for purity and authenticity, and documentation from trusted suppliers ensures each oil's integrity.

Escentia offers several grades: Pure, Organic, and Standard Oils, to meet different needs and budgets. "We focus on clarity in definitions to eliminate the confusion often found in the essential oil industry," Matthew says. The result is empowered customers. Their chance to make informed choices and experience nature's essence as it was intended.

He goes on to give us a deep dive into what this means: "Our purity checks begin at the source. Every essential oil is derived directly from plant material with no synthetic additions. When labelled organic, it indicates that the source has passed certification and testing by recognised governing bodies. While we do not certify oils in-house, we ensure all suppliers provide documentation verifying authenticity and compliance with organic or conventional standards.

For consistency, our Standard Oils follow precise industry formulations using natural or nature-identical constituents to ensure a uniform aromatic and chemical profile. This balance between natural variation and consistency allows both professionals and everyday users to select the right grade for their needs.

Customers should care because the purity and integrity of an oil determine its efficacy, safety, and energetic quality. In essence, Escentia's commitment to transparency and education allows self-healers to make informed choices and experience nature's essence as it was intended - pure, authentic, and true to its origin."

At its core, you can clearly see Escentia is more than an essential oil company; it is a mission-driven guide to experiencing nature with clarity and respect. By championing transparency, authenticity, and integrity in every bottle, they invite customers to reconnect with the essence of plants as nature intended. In empowering individuals to make informed decisions.

These are the values we cherish, ourselves, and are honoured to align with.

The Biggest Myth About Essential Oils

While essential oils offer incredible potential, misconceptions still circulate in many spaces. As Roy explains, "The understanding and use of essential oils is actually not for everybody.. Anyone with any kind of cognitive dissonance in this field will not benefit from it...History, however, has powerful tales to tell regarding the potency of these magnificent natural creations..."

It's a fair reminder that essential oils are powerful, and with potency comes responsibility. That's why Escentia focuses not only on providing high-quality oils but also on educating you to use them safely and knowledgeably. Something we at Essentially Natural are proud to stand alongside: sharing the same passion for empowering you to embrace mindful living through nature's gifts.

When we asked Escentia what makes our partnership meaningful to them, Matthew says:

"We've partnered with Essentially Natural for many years, built on shared values of authenticity, trust, and conscious living. It's a natural fit that helps both our teams offer customers real, accessible wellness choices grounded in integrity and care."

He goes further to share that, "Being part of the Essentially Natural family brings a sense of alignment and shared purpose. It is refreshing to work with a team that values authenticity, education, and human connection as much as we do."

We're cultivating community, and that's a responsibility we're honoured to carry. Now, let's talk about education.

So, What Are Their Best Tips to Read Labels?

Charmaine Simon, Escentia's Chief of Staff, explains some practical guidance for reading essential oil labels:

"Green flag: Look for the botanical name of the oil (for example, Lavandula angustifolia for true lavender). This shows that you're buying a specific, authentic essential oil rather than a synthetic or imitation blend.

Red flag: Avoid vague descriptions like "lavender oil" or "fragrance oil," which usually mean the product contains synthetic ingredients or has been diluted."

This education-first approach is what makes Escentia a trusted partner for us at Essentially Natural and a guiding light for newcomers learning how to use essential oils safely. "Health is not a destination, but a journey," says Chanel Martin, Business Development Specialist. "Every step creates a connection with nature and is a contribution to a better world."

Soil to Bottle: Sustainability in Action

Behind the beautiful bottles is decades of experience in sourcing, product knowledge and crafting oils and a deep commitment to sustainability. "Our 'soil to bottle' journey starts with sourcing directly from farmers and distillers who share our values. Many are part of associations that promote ethical, sustainable, and often wild-harvested cultivation practices. We prioritise local production where possible, supporting communities while reducing transport emissions." Matthew explains.

The company operates off-grid on solar power and harvests rainwater to reduce environmental impact. This certainly proves that integrity isn't just a word, but a practice.

Some botanicals, like rosewood, sandalwood, and palo santo, are consciously avoided due to overharvesting. "They are 'sacrificial oils,' distilled from the heartwood," Roy notes. It's a reminder that ethical sourcing is as vital as purity itself.

Their commitment shows just how sustainability, ethical sourcing, integrity, and respect for both nature and community can drive meaningful impact, shaping a future where essential oils are not only pure and authentic but also responsibly and consciously crafted.

The Balance of Tradition and Innovation

Much like the oils they bottle, Escentia's identity is a blend of old and new… traditional methods paired with modern technology. "Nature is never identical from one season to the next, and that's part of its beauty. Rainfall, soil and climate can subtly influence an oil's colour, scent or yield, and with that, its natural vibration," says Charmaine. "We see this not as inconsistency, but as a reflection of nature's living energy. "

To balance this, Escentia created their Standard Oils range to ensure consistency and reliability for makers, while keeping their Pure and Organic lines true to their natural variations and unique vibrational qualities. As the Escentia team puts it, "Business is evolving, and knowledgeable millennials are leading us forward. Their tech-savvy approach propels us into a promising future."

From our view at Essentially Natural, Escentia exemplifies how honouring nature's unique rhythms while embracing thoughtful innovation allows makers to experience both authenticity and reliability in every oil.

Healing as Heritage

For Roy, aromatherapy is more than business - it's a philosophy. "The future of healing will lean more and more towards a proper understanding of energetics," he reflects. "Essential oils could play a major role in times to come… they are, after all, the life-force of the plants."

Each bottle, whether eucalyptus or agarwood, carries with it a memory and a story. Roy's personal favourite, Rock-rose, or Rose of Sharon, or Labdanum, is his daily grounding ritual: "a neat dab on the inside of each wrist." These sensory rituals remind us that healing begins with awareness.

Escentia's Tips on Using Essential Oils

Charmaine explains, "Essential oils are powerful, so always use them mindfully. Dilute before applying to skin, using about 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 20 ml of carrier oil for general use, and 1 to 2 drops for the face, children or sensitive areas. Some oils like clove, cinnamon and lemongrass can irritate the skin, so start with less and increase slowly if needed. During pregnancy or when using oils around children, choose gentle options such as lavender, chamomile or mandarin, and avoid strong ones like rosemary, peppermint and clove. Diffusing offers emotional and aromatic benefits, while diluted topical use supports specific needs like soothing muscles or caring for the skin."

For beginners, she adds, "If you're just beginning your journey with essential oils and natural living, start small and stay curious. You don't need to know everything at once; one thoughtful step is all it takes. Begin with one or two versatile oils, like lavender for calm or lemon for freshness, and explore how they make you feel. Notice their scent, their energy, their vibration. The goal isn't perfection, it's connection, learning how nature's rhythm supports your own.

Natural living is a gradual return to awareness. Trust your senses, take your time, and let the experience unfold. Your well-being, as we like to say at Escentia, "is in your hands."