The aromatic essence or essential oil of a plant is extracted by cold extraction for citrus peel and steam distillation for other aromatic plants, including lavender. This method involves passing water vapor through the flowering spikes of the plant. Composed of linalool, linalyl acetate, and terpinene, the essential oil can be transparent or slightly colored in yellow-green or purple. Its sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties give the essential oil multiple uses.