Concentrated solution to nature (7)

I believe the answer is:

essence

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'to nature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "Vital element" , "Scent; core" , "The quality that makes something what it is" , "The most distinctive element" , "Characteristic nature" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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