Essential oils in spices are the chemical compounds which are responsible for giving aroma and flavor to the spices. Each spice has different flavor due to different chemical properties of the essential oils. These are also known as spice oils or spice extracts and have equal demand as raw spices. USA, EU and Japan are found to be the major markets for essential oils. These are extracted from raw spices and are of high concentration when extracted. Hence, these are to be diluted before use.

The techniques used in extraction of spices are steam distillation, water distillation, solvent extraction and carbondioxide distillation. Many a times the essential oils are adulterated with many other low quality oils. But pure and high quality essential oils are found to have many benefits.

The commonly found essential oils of spices are cardamom oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, clove oil, nutmeg oil, pepper oil, oregano oil, etc.

The application of essential oils is seen in soap industry, manufacturing of bug repellants, aromatherapy, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics, confectioneries, perfumes, syrups, etc.

Due to their useful properties, they are being widely manufactured all across the world.