What are the differences between essential oils and herbal remedies, since they are both plant medicine? They are really quite unique in how they are made and the ways we use them. Herbal medicines are typically made by immersing botanical material in a menstruum- a liquid substrate that draws out the plant’s medicinal constituents. Essential oils, on the other hand, are high-pressure steam-distilled and are exceptionally concentrated. Additionally, essential oils tend to focus on plants with volatile, aromatic compounds, while most herbal remedies have little to no fragrance…. and much much more!