Remember how the FDA does not approve essential oils and the labels can be exaggerated? Also, recall the term aromatherapy has no restriction whatsoever, so there are a lot of companies going around using the term very loosely. Some of these aromatherapy products can contain imitation oils, which are not real essential oils.
You want quality essential oils to use, right? Not imitations.
Most essential oils are used in the form of aromatherapy, which is used for balancing, harmonizing and promoting the health of body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is designed to affect the whole person not just the symptom or disease and to assist the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself.
If you use imitation oils you will not get the therapeutic benefit that aromatherapy has to offer.
But, how do you know that you’re purchasing good quality oils?
Use the following tips to help you:
Beware of the term “fragrance”
Avoid any product that uses terms like “fragrance oil”, “parfum”, “fragrance”, or “perfume oil” on the label. These terms do not mean that the product has any amount of essential oil in it. Sometimes they are nothing but synthetic chemicals. If genuine essential oils are used that should be indicated somewhere in the ingredients.
Look for dark colored glass bottles
Essential oils can go rancid very quickly when exposed to extreme sunlight and temperatures. Essential oils should be bought in and stored in dark colored glass bottles as this keeps out the light and holds the oil’s shelf life a little longer.
Look for the oil’s botanical or Latin name
Try to avoid buying oils from places that don’t list the essential oil’s botanical (or Latin name), country of origin, method of extraction, and whether it’s wild crafted, organic, or neither. Regarding the botanical name, some essential oils have multiple variations, and therefore, will have different therapeutic properties.
Look for the terms “therapeutic grade” or “certified therapeutic grade”
Watch out for terms such as “therapeutic grade”, “food grade”, “certified therapeutic grade”, and “aromatherapy grade” as they don’t have any real meaning behind them. Also, the term “pure essential oil” does not hold much authority as even pure essential oils can be of low grade quality.
Buy organic, if you can
When you can, buy organic oils over non-organic ones as organic oils are distilled or extracted from plants that are grown without pesticides.
Look for the safety information
Always read the safety information on the label of the oils as certain oils should be avoided with certain medical conditions like epilepsy, pregnancy, or if you’re breast feeding.
Is it toting safe for internal use?
No manufacturer can indicate to you whether an oil is safe for internal use. Even once you determine that the oil is of the highest quality that is still no reason to take it internally. Internal use of essential oils is not to be taken lightly. Once you cross over from aromatherapy to internal use (also know as aromatic medicine) serious complications can occur. Never ingest essential oils without proper consultation with a qualified professional such as a certified clinical aromatherapist.
Look at the price
Less expensive oils are not always a good idea. You get what you pay for. On the other hand, more expensive doesn’t mean better either. Companies that pay for the testing of their high quality oils will have their oils priced appropriately to account for that.
An important note about essential oils and aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is meant to complement your standard medical care as an alternative health modality and should not be viewed as a cure for illness or disease.
Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin. Make sure they are diluted well in a carrier oil such as olive, almond, evening primrose, jojoba, coconut, or avocado oil. Avoid mineral oil, which is a byproduct of petroleum production – it’s synthetic, clogs pores, prevents the skin from breathing naturally, and prevents essential oil absorption. Do not overuse essential oils as all essential oils have the possibility of causing adverse reactions such as headaches and nausea when overused.
Never ingest essential oils without proper consultation with a qualified professional such as a certified clinical aromatherapist. If used as a mouthwash or gargle ensure proper dilution as well as proper spitting techniques are utilized to ensure minimal swallowing.
What do you look for when purchasing essential oils?
These are some really good tips! I’ve been thinking about trying some essential oils out and if I do I’ll definitely keep them in mind.
Thank you so much! Essential oils can be SO beneficial, but of course everyone still needs to proceed with caution like everything in life…
These guidelines are very enlightening in view of the fact that there are so many essential oil brands and qualities to choose from. I currently use Young Living Oils but I sometimes purchase oils locally when in need. Thank you so much for sharing this healthy and valuable information with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing!
Thank you Deborah!