Choosing An Essential Oil
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It's important that you know the difference between a 100% pure, unadulterated, essential oil, a fragrance oil, a food grade oil and a diluted or adulterated oil. When shopping for essential oils, you'll want to look for products with the common name AND the Latin botanical name on the label. Look for the words "100% pure", "all natural", "organic", and also that the oils are contained in dark amber or colored glass bottles.
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If you are interested in buying pure, quality, essential oils you'll want to steer clear of any oils that say "fragrance oils", "perfume oils', or "contains essential oils". Be careful of the misleading terms such as "certified therapeutic grade", "aromatherapy grade", or grades such as A,B,C or D. There is no such grading system for essential oils. These terms are merely a marketing line and if you look closely, you may see "TM" meaning the company is using such a term as a trademark when selling their product.
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By the way, just because a label might claim 100% pure doesn't mean it's a good, quality oil. It can still be distilled from bad crops. Some companies may label their item as "pure" because it contains some "pure" oil added to the other ingredients. So it is best to do some research on a company and brand before you start buying from them. Once you familiarize yourself with EO's, you can start depending on your nose too! You can read more about this subject under my Good Reads tab.
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A Rose By Any Other Name Is Not The Same....
Consider this: You want to purchase a 5 ml bottle of Rose Otto (Rose damascena) Essential Oil. (Not the absolute.) So you start looking online at different essential oil distributors. Among the many companies, you find the following:
Rocky Mountain Oils - 5ml bottle $262.50 Original Swiss Aromatics 5ml $143.20
Young Living - 5ml bottle $244.08 Florihana - 5 ml $159.95
Floricopea - 3.75 ml bottle $182.00 Fragrant Earth - 5ml $106.36
Stillpoint Aromatics - 5ml $185.00 Lunaroma - 3.75 ml $109.90
Above are eight examples of prices from different companies but how would you know which is the best oil to purchase?
Answer: You cannot tell from the pricing information above. You have to look at each company profile. You can also research what professional schools and aromatherapists suggest. However, if, for example, I should find Rose Essential Oil at a rock bottom price of $30.00 a bottle, I'd know right away it is not a true essential oil that I would ever consider trying. Why? It takes approximately 21 lbs of rose petals to yield one ml of essential oil making it one of the most precious oils in the world. Take a minute to research whichever oil you are considering purchasing. Because you're going to be introducing this product into your body in one method or another, you should want to know what it is, and the quality of it and the quality of the company producing it.
Rocky Mountain Oils - 5ml bottle $262.50 Original Swiss Aromatics 5ml $143.20
Young Living - 5ml bottle $244.08 Florihana - 5 ml $159.95
Floricopea - 3.75 ml bottle $182.00 Fragrant Earth - 5ml $106.36
Stillpoint Aromatics - 5ml $185.00 Lunaroma - 3.75 ml $109.90
Above are eight examples of prices from different companies but how would you know which is the best oil to purchase?
Answer: You cannot tell from the pricing information above. You have to look at each company profile. You can also research what professional schools and aromatherapists suggest. However, if, for example, I should find Rose Essential Oil at a rock bottom price of $30.00 a bottle, I'd know right away it is not a true essential oil that I would ever consider trying. Why? It takes approximately 21 lbs of rose petals to yield one ml of essential oil making it one of the most precious oils in the world. Take a minute to research whichever oil you are considering purchasing. Because you're going to be introducing this product into your body in one method or another, you should want to know what it is, and the quality of it and the quality of the company producing it.
I personally use and carry Florihana Essential Oils so I can be sure to share and pass on a quality and superior product!
Safely Using Essential Oils
Before you just go out and buy some essential oils, you should know more about how to use them. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they come without safety precautions. They are concentrated and potent, you need to use them with care. There are some oils such as lavender that can be applied "neat" or directly to the skin without dilution, though it not advised. It is suggested that essential oils be diluted before topical application to prevent skin irritation. This can also save you money in the long run by making your oil "go farther". I found that grapeseed oil is thinner than some others and carries your essential oil a lot farther for topical application. The dilution depends on the application method.
When using an essential oil for direct inhalation, no dilution is necessary. There are many ways to use essential oils in this aromatherapy manner such as direct inhalation from the bottle, your palm (cupping), nasal inhaler tubes, from a cottonball, homemade smelling salts and of course an electronic diffuser. You can even wear your oils in a locket so that you have them when you need them. See my STORE tab for Essential Oils, handcrafted aromatherapy diffuser jewelry and aromatherapy room sprays.
Is there a Shelf Life or Expriation Date?
So now that you bought your essential oil, how long will it last? Essential oils are considered volatile substances. Don't be scared by that term, it simply means that they have the ability to turn from a liquid to a vapor and are sensitive to heat and light. This is why it is best to keep them stored in dark bottles whether amber, blue or green and
* Citrus oils and conifers (pine, spruce, hemlock), frankincense, lemongrass, neroli & teatree - 1-2 years
* Viscous oils such as vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood - 4-8+ years
* All other essential oils: 2-3 years
This is due to oxidation that occurs particularly when there is empty space within the bottle as you use it, making it smart to transfer the remaining oil from large bottles to smaller bottles to decrease the potential for oxidation.
Refrigeration is recommended for citrus oils to increase shelf life.
* Citrus oils and conifers (pine, spruce, hemlock), frankincense, lemongrass, neroli & teatree - 1-2 years
* Viscous oils such as vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood - 4-8+ years
* All other essential oils: 2-3 years
This is due to oxidation that occurs particularly when there is empty space within the bottle as you use it, making it smart to transfer the remaining oil from large bottles to smaller bottles to decrease the potential for oxidation.
Refrigeration is recommended for citrus oils to increase shelf life.
Suggestions & Tips:
- Essential oils are best stored in original container or dark amber glass bottles, in cool place out of direct sunlight.
- Even though essential oils are a natural substance, they are not necessarily guaranteed as safe and should be used and stored with care. Please keep them in a secure place away from children and pets. Always consult your medical professional when incorporating essential oils into your daily life if you are under a doctor's care for a medical condition or on medication.
- Use care when using an essential oil "neat" or undiluted. Most essential oils should be used diluted with a carrier oil. A skin test is recommended prior to use. If you experience any redness or irritation discontinue the use of the oil or blend.
- If you have a known allergy to certain foods, do not use essential oils or carrier oils that come from those particular foods.
- If you get an essential oil or essential oil blend in your eye, flush the eye immediately with clean water and seek medical attention if irritation occurs or continues.
- To avoid sensitization and irritation to an essential oil, take a break. It's a good idea to take the weekend off from using your oil(s). Or a few days on and a few off. While doing this, you can substitute an oil to provide you a similar benefit as the one you're taking a break from.
- There are certain oils that should be avoided when pregnant, nursing or suffer from epilepsy. Please research and consult an aromatherapist, pharmacist and/or physician before using any essential oils if any of these conditions apply to you.
Here are some other recipes and suggested uses you can find directly in my favorite book The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils handbook For Everyday Wellness and on NAHA https://www.naha.org/
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Massage/Body:
For infants and young children: .5-1% dilution = 3-6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier For adults: 2.5% dilution = 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier or 2% dilution = 4 drops of essential oil per 2 tsp (10ml) carrier oil 3% dilution = 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier or 3% dilution = 6 drops of essential oil per 2 tsp (10ml) carrier oil 5% dilution = 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier 10% dilution = 60 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier |
Facial oil/creams:
For adults: Sensitive skin: .5 to 1 percent dilution = 3 to 6 drops per ounce Normal, healthy skin: 1 to 2.5 percent dilution = 6 to 15 drops per ounce Lotions: 1.5-2% dilution = 30-40 drops of essential oil per 20 tsp (100 ml) lotion Ointments: 3-4% dilution = 3-4 drops of essential oil per 1 tsp (5ml) base Gargle/Mouthwash: 2-3 drops of essential oil in 1 cup water |
Baths:
Add 2 - 12 drops (depending on essential oil) into a teaspoon of honey, whole milk, vegetable oil or other dispersing agent then add to bath once you are in the bath. Hand/Foot Baths: 6-8 drops of essential oil to 1/2 cup Epsom salts in a filled water basin. Sitz Baths: 3-4 drop of essential oil to 1 tsp carrier oil Steam inhalation: Place 2-3 drops of essential oil into 3-4 cups of boiling water. . Compresses: 4-6 drops of essential oil in water regardless of compress size. |
Air Sprays:
10-15 drops of essential oil + 1 tsp of vodka or other alcohol per ounce of water. Diffuser/Vaporizer: Depends on the type you are using. You should follow the directions that come with your equipment. 3-5 drops of essential oil in a table top diffuser or 5-8 drops of essential oil to a large room vaporizer. Direct Inhalation: 1-2 drops of essential oil on a tissue, cotton ball or hankie. |
Other Terms To Know
- Absolute - They are concentrated, highly aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques or more traditionally, through enfleurage.
- Adulterated - To render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one. Adding other ingredients, natural or artificial, to an essential oil after distillation.
- Aromatherapy - The use of essential oils from plants for healing. Although the word “aroma” makes it sound as if the oils are inhaled, they can also be massaged into the skin or -- rarely -- taken by mouth.
- Authentic - Of undisputed origin; genuine.
- Calmative - A sedative
- Carrier Oil - A base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin.
- Chemotype - Is a chemically distinct entity in a plant or microorganism, with differences in the composition of the secondary metabolites.
- Cold Pressed - A method of extraction where the oil is produced through a combination of grinding and even, low heat. The temperature must not rise above 120°F (49°C) for any oil to be considered cold pressed. Cold pressed oils retain all of their flavor, aroma, and nutritional value.
- Depurative - Considered to have purifying and detoxifying effects on the blood and body.
- Detoxifier - To counteract or destroy the toxic or poisonous properties from the blood and body.
- Distillation -The extraction method used in producing essential oils. A process of separating the component substances from a liquid mixture by selective evaporation and condensation.
- Essential Oil - A natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted. A concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted
- Expectorant - A substance that helps to expel mucus from the lungs
- Expression - Is an extraction method where essential oils are pressed or squeezed out to obtain the oil
- Floral Water - Also called herbal distillates, hydrosol, hydrolate, herbal water and essential water, are aqueous products of distillation.
- Fractionated Oils - Refers to oils that have been re-distilled, either to have terpenes removed or to remove other substances
- GC/MS- Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is an analytical method that combines the features of gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample.
- Genuine -Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
- GRAS - Generally Recognized As Safe
- Hydrodiffusion - Is a distillation method of essential oil extraction where the steam is produced above the botanical material and then percolates down
- Hydrolate - Softer and gentler than essential oils, they contain water-soluable molecules of the essential oil in trace amounts. They are aqueous products of distillation. Sometimes referred to as hydrosols.
- Infused Oil - Herbal remedy made by soaking/steeping the plant material in water resulting in a product that is not as strong as an essential oil and can usually be used safely without further dilution.
- Macerated Oils - Vegetable oils to which other matter, such as herbs, has been added. Commercially available macerated oils include all these, and others.
- Neat - The application of an undiluted essential oil applied topically to the skin.
- Phototoxic - Rendering the skin susceptible to damage (as sunburn or blisters) upon exposure to light and especially ultraviolet light
- Phytotherapy - Treatment of disease with plant material, including herbal medicine
- Pure -Unmixed with any other matter
- Rectification - To refine or purify, especially by distillation.
- Resinoids - Extracts of resinous plant exudates (balsams, oleo gum resins, and natural oleoresins).
- Synergy - The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.; synergism.
- Tincture - A type of herbal preparation in which the alkaloids, glycosides, minerals, and essential oils of a plant are extracted into a solvent, preparedwith an alcohol base.
- Volatile - Evaporating rapidly; passing off readily in the form of vapor:
The Legal Stuff:
Please note that all information contained in this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to take place of professional, medical advice. Information contained here is not meant to diagnose or prescribe treatment for any medical illness or health condition. No products referenced here or on my Etsy site are intended to treat or cure any illness or disease. I am not a medical professional and am providing information only, not medical advice. As always, please seek the advice of your medical professional before using essential oils especially if you have a medical condition or illness that you are being treated for or seeking treatment for. Information and statements found here and/or on my Etsy site regarding essential oil products is taken from a variety of sources such as aromatherapy books and websites and is for informational purposes and is not intended or to be mistaken for professional medical advice, a diagnosis, a replacement, prevention, treatment or cure for a disease or condition and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please see Terms & Conditions for more information.
Please note that all information contained in this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to take place of professional, medical advice. Information contained here is not meant to diagnose or prescribe treatment for any medical illness or health condition. No products referenced here or on my Etsy site are intended to treat or cure any illness or disease. I am not a medical professional and am providing information only, not medical advice. As always, please seek the advice of your medical professional before using essential oils especially if you have a medical condition or illness that you are being treated for or seeking treatment for. Information and statements found here and/or on my Etsy site regarding essential oil products is taken from a variety of sources such as aromatherapy books and websites and is for informational purposes and is not intended or to be mistaken for professional medical advice, a diagnosis, a replacement, prevention, treatment or cure for a disease or condition and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please see Terms & Conditions for more information.
