Absolutes

This is a term that describes substances that are obtained from a plant by means of anflerage or solvent extraction. When anflerage is extracted, a substance called lipstick is a mixture of fat and essential oil. When extracted with solvents, a concreta consisting of fats, waxes, essential oils and other plant substances is obtained. The absolute is extracted from the lipstick or concreta with the help of alcohol. These methods are used to extract the essence from the petals of flowers in cases where distillation could distort their delicate aroma. In aromatherapy, three absolutes are mainly used — rose, jasmine and orange flowers (neroli). Other floral absolutes, such as carnations, gardenias, mimosas, hyacinths, are used in high-quality perfumes, but only occasionally used for medicinal purposes.
Absolutes differ from essential oils (they are obtained by distillation) in that they have an exceptionally strong aroma and high healing power and should be used in low concentrations. Absolutes are usually colored, highly concentrated liquids that are more viscous than essential oils. When stored in a bottle at room temperature, rose absolute can harden, but if it is held in your hand, it quickly returns to the liquid state.