Q&A
What is essential oil ?
An essential oil is a concentrated natural aromatic substance extracted from plants, flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, or other parts of a plant. These oils are called "essential" because they contain the essence, meaning the aromatic and active compounds of the original plant.
The extraction of essential oils is done by steam distillation. It involves using steam to extract the volatile compounds from the plant, and once condensed, this steam produces both the essential oil and the hydrolat.
Essential oils are valued for their aromatic properties as well as their therapeutic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and various other benefits. They are used in areas such as aromatherapy, skincare, perfumes, alternative medicine, and cooking, although their use often requires precautions due to their high concentration and potency. It is important to use them judiciously and according to professional advice.
all our organic essential oils
What is hydrolat ?
Hydrolat, also called floral water, is a product obtained during the distillation of plants, flowers, leaves, seeds, or other parts of plants to produce essential oils. During the steam distillation process, steam passes through plant materials, extracting volatile compounds, including essential oils. Then, the steam is cooled and condensed to form two distinct products : the essential oil and the hydrolat.
The hydrolat is essentially water charged with water-soluble compounds present in the plant, along with small amounts of essential oils. It generally retains the therapeutic properties of the plant but at a milder concentration compared to the essential oil obtained during the same process.
Hydrolats are often used in aromatherapy, cooking, cosmetics, and skincare for their soothing, refreshing, and toning properties. They are considered gentler than pure essential oils, making them suitable for more direct use on the skin without dilution.
all our organic hydrolats
Are our hydrolats and essential oils 100% pure, natural, and integral?
Yes! We cultivate and distill our organic plants ourselves on the farm, ensuring the quality of our products. By preparing and packaging all our essential oils and hydrolats on-site, they cannot be adulterated with other products or synthetic elements.
Furthermore, the quality of our essential oil is assessed every year. Chromatographic analysis measures the content of constituents naturally present in the essential oil. We know the exact quality of our essential oil for each vintage. These analyses are conducted and guaranteed by an independent laboratory.
What is a chemotype ?
A chemotype refers to a specific biochemical variation in the composition of substances produced by a plant. Chemotypes form due to factors such as genetics, climate, soil, and other environmental influences.
In other words, a plant may have different chemotypes depending on its geographic region, growth conditions, altitude, climate, etc. These variations can influence the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the essential oils extracted from the plant.
For example, two different chemotypes of the same plant species can produce essential oils with distinct chemical compositions, resulting in different properties and uses. Some chemotypes may be more suitable for specific therapeutic applications or preferred for their specific aromatic characteristics.
Recognizing chemotypes is important in the field of aromatherapy and phytotherapy as it helps better understand the diversity of active compounds in plants and adjust the use of plant extracts based on their chemical variations.
The quality of our essential oil is assessed every year. Chromatographic analysis measures the content of components naturally present in the essential oil. We know the exact quality of our essential oil for each vintage. These analyses are conducted and guaranteed by an independent laboratory.
Culture and distillation in organic farming
From the beginning, we naturally chose to cultivate our Perfume, Aromatic, and Medicinal Plants without any pesticides. Our essential oils and hydrolats are labeled Organic Agriculture (AB) by the control and certification organization Ecocert. Steam distillation, carried out on-site at the farm, is crucial: we adapt as closely as possible to weather conditions and the maturity of the plants to guarantee optimal quality.
What is phytotherapie ?
Phytotherapy (phyto = plant, therapy = healing) is an ancient medicine that uses plant extracts (phytocompounds) for therapeutic purposes. It relies on the use of the medicinal properties of plants to prevent, treat, or alleviate various health issues. Phytotherapists, practitioners of phytotherapy, often use different parts of the plant, such as leaves, flowers, roots, bark, or seeds, to obtain the necessary active compounds.
It is important to note that while many plants have beneficial properties, phytotherapy is not suitable for all health issues, and self-medication can pose risks. It is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is aromatherapie ?
Aromatherapy is an ancient medicine that uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic substances extracted from various parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. These essential oils are used for therapeutic, aromatic, culinary, and cosmetic purposes.
Aromatherapy can be applied in different ways, including inhalation, topical application (on the skin), or ingestion.
Aromatherapy is often used for its relaxing, stimulating, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and other potential health benefits. However, it is important to use it with caution, following the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, as essential oils are concentrated and can cause adverse reactions in some individuals.
Packaging and conservation
Essential Oils
The chosen packaging preserves the quality of the essential oil and facilitates its use.
Bottles are opaque to preserve the quality of the essential oil from light. Glass is preferred for small containers, aluminum and HDPE for larger ones, to avoid breakage.
Small containers accompany us easily during our travels. Large containers are also useful for refilling smaller ones.
Bottles equipped with a dropper allow universal use. The spray and roll-on sold individually also fit on bottles from 5 ml to 100 ml.
Hydrolats
Packaged in opaque blue PET bottles protected from light for sizes 100ml to 500ml, in opaque white HDPE bottles protected from light for the 1L size, and in drums for the 5L size.
Our hydrolats are guaranteed without preservatives and microfiltered.
Keep them cool to preserve all their qualities longer. White filaments may form in your hydrolat, they are harmless and do not affect the quality of your product. If you prefer, you have the option to eliminate them by using a coffee filter.
Shipping and shipping costs
We offer various types of shipments as well as click and collect.
It's free: You come to pick up your order at the farm. Validate your cart, do not consider the shipping costs that appear - they are canceled when you choose the Click & Collect option.
Click & Collect at Lacontal Farm - TOUFFAILLES during opening hours:
June - July - August: Monday to Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Throughout the year on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Choose your payment method: Credit card, online PayPal, check, or cash when picking up your order.
- Shipping to mainland France
Participation in shipping costs 6€
Free from 150€ : Consider grouping orders with family or friends!
Departure of orders upon receipt of payment: Online credit card, PayPal, Bank transfer, check.
Concerned about preserving our environment, we prioritize the recycling of our packaging for order shipments.
For any other destination, do not hesitate to contact us, we will study the different possibilities.
Use of local resources and CSR
Our farm is 100% organic.
The wool from our sheep supports diffusion "clouds of wool" and the composition of gifts, duvets, and pillows made from washed wool only with water.
Some boxes are made of poplar wood from the Garonne Valley, we also offer glass, cardboard, and metal boxes.
Recycling of lavender straw into bedding for sheep, manure, and compost.
100% dry toilets.
