Difference between revisions of "Buy Essential Oils"
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| − | Essential oils are produced through a process of distillation using different plants. In this process, the oil is separated from the plant.<ref>https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-are-essential-oils/</ref> Their use dates back to ancient times, and their wide variety of therapeutic, medicinal and culinary uses has ensured their continued popularity. About 700 different kinds of plants contain useful essential oils, and you can find many of these online or in your local health food store, farmers market or co-op. In fact, the variety can be a bit bewildering, and because many pounds of plant material are required to extract an ounce of essential oil, the prices can be overwhelming, too. This brief buyer's guide can help you get the best quality and value. | + | Essential oils are produced through a process of distillation using different plants. In this process, the oil is separated from the plant.<ref name="rf1">https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-are-essential-oils/</ref> Their use dates back to ancient times, and their wide variety of therapeutic, medicinal and culinary uses has ensured their continued popularity. About 700 different kinds of plants contain useful essential oils, and you can find many of these online or in your local health food store, farmers market or co-op. In fact, the variety can be a bit bewildering, and because many pounds of plant material are required to extract an ounce of essential oil, the prices can be overwhelming, too. This brief buyer's guide can help you get the best quality and value. |
[[Category:Essential Oils]] | [[Category:Essential Oils]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Determining Your Needs=== | ===Determining Your Needs=== | ||
| − | #Think about why you want to use an essential oil. Different oils suit different needs so it’s important to know what you wish to achieve by using essential oil. For example, lavender can be used in a diffuser to relax and reduce anxiety and sage essential oil can be used as an antiseptic in wounds or as an anti-inflammatory.<ref>https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/sage-essential-oil.html</ref> | + | #Think about why you want to use an essential oil. Different oils suit different needs so it’s important to know what you wish to achieve by using essential oil. For example, lavender can be used in a diffuser to relax and reduce anxiety and sage essential oil can be used as an antiseptic in wounds or as an anti-inflammatory.<ref name="rf2">https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/sage-essential-oil.html</ref> |
#Talk to an herbalist or a natural foods grocer. There are many uses for essential oils. You may be interested in dealing with a specific medical issue using essential oils, you may want to incorporate essential oils into your skin care routine, or you might want to use them for cleaning your home. These are only a few different ways they can be used. You can describe your wishes to an herbalist, who can make recommendations about which oils to use and how to combine them with other oils to achieve the results you desire. | #Talk to an herbalist or a natural foods grocer. There are many uses for essential oils. You may be interested in dealing with a specific medical issue using essential oils, you may want to incorporate essential oils into your skin care routine, or you might want to use them for cleaning your home. These are only a few different ways they can be used. You can describe your wishes to an herbalist, who can make recommendations about which oils to use and how to combine them with other oils to achieve the results you desire. | ||
| − | #*On the other hand you might be interested in ways you can use a specific essential oil that you enjoy. For example, you may really love the smell of lavender, but don't know how it can be used. In this case, you can also search the internet, but be aware that not all information on the internet is accurate! Herbalists are typically well-educated on how to use plants and their oils, so don't underestimate the information they can provide.<ref>http://www.healthcommunities.com/herbalist/alternative-medicine/what-is-an-herbalist.shtml</ref> | + | #*On the other hand you might be interested in ways you can use a specific essential oil that you enjoy. For example, you may really love the smell of lavender, but don't know how it can be used. In this case, you can also search the internet, but be aware that not all information on the internet is accurate! Herbalists are typically well-educated on how to use plants and their oils, so don't underestimate the information they can provide.<ref name="rf3">http://www.healthcommunities.com/herbalist/alternative-medicine/what-is-an-herbalist.shtml</ref> |
#*Find out about any warnings a specific oil comes with. For example, some oils are not suitable for ingestion, and others should not come into contact with skin. | #*Find out about any warnings a specific oil comes with. For example, some oils are not suitable for ingestion, and others should not come into contact with skin. | ||
#*Find out about interactions with medications. If you are taking any medications, make sure the oil does not interact negatively with them. | #*Find out about interactions with medications. If you are taking any medications, make sure the oil does not interact negatively with them. | ||
| − | #*If you are pregnant, make sure the oil is safe for you to use. It is not recommended to use any oils in the first trimester, and oils such as cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and sage should be avoided throughout the pregnancy as they could cause contractions.<ref>http://www.fitpregnancy.com/gear/maternity-fashion/essential-oils</ref> | + | #*If you are pregnant, make sure the oil is safe for you to use. It is not recommended to use any oils in the first trimester, and oils such as cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and sage should be avoided throughout the pregnancy as they could cause contractions.<ref name="rf4">http://www.fitpregnancy.com/gear/maternity-fashion/essential-oils</ref> |
#Consider different types of oils. Depending on your needs, you may find that more than one kind of oil is suitable. In this case, unless you have a clear reason for choosing one over the other, use price as a decision-maker. Essential oils vary widely in price, so you could save a lot of money by purchasing the less expensive one. | #Consider different types of oils. Depending on your needs, you may find that more than one kind of oil is suitable. In this case, unless you have a clear reason for choosing one over the other, use price as a decision-maker. Essential oils vary widely in price, so you could save a lot of money by purchasing the less expensive one. | ||
#Consider alternatives to pure essential oil. There are many cheaper alternatives to essential oils that can do the same thing, such as hydrosols, absolutes, and fragrance oils. You can also purchase essential oils that are diluted in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed or almond oil. In some cases, these may be a better choice, particularly if you plan to apply the oil to your skin. | #Consider alternatives to pure essential oil. There are many cheaper alternatives to essential oils that can do the same thing, such as hydrosols, absolutes, and fragrance oils. You can also purchase essential oils that are diluted in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed or almond oil. In some cases, these may be a better choice, particularly if you plan to apply the oil to your skin. | ||
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#Learn about the oil you want to purchase. Take the time to understand how the oil you are after is distilled, what type of plant is used, and where in the world it comes from. Essential oils vary greatly in quality depending on which parts of the plants are included. | #Learn about the oil you want to purchase. Take the time to understand how the oil you are after is distilled, what type of plant is used, and where in the world it comes from. Essential oils vary greatly in quality depending on which parts of the plants are included. | ||
#*For example, lavender oil can be made from the flowers or from the flowers and stalks of the lavender plant. In this case, lavender essential oil made from only the flowers is of higher quality. | #*For example, lavender oil can be made from the flowers or from the flowers and stalks of the lavender plant. In this case, lavender essential oil made from only the flowers is of higher quality. | ||
| − | #Learn about the extraction method. Was the oil distilled using steam or water? Typically, oil distilled using steam is of higher quality. However, there are exceptions to this. For example, essential oils made from the flower typically have to be distilled with water so they don’t stick together.<ref>https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/</ref> | + | #Learn about the extraction method. Was the oil distilled using steam or water? Typically, oil distilled using steam is of higher quality. However, there are exceptions to this. For example, essential oils made from the flower typically have to be distilled with water so they don’t stick together.<ref name="rf5">https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/</ref> |
| − | #Find out if the oil you are interested in has a chemotype. Not all oils will have one, but oils produced in several different countries likely will as they may have a different chemical profile as a result of where they were grown.<ref>https://www.naha.org/assets/uploads/The_Quality_of_Essential_Oils_Journal.pdf</ref> If you are interested in a very specific oil for a very specific reason, and the oil has a chemotype, make sure you are getting it for the profile you need it for. | + | #Find out if the oil you are interested in has a chemotype. Not all oils will have one, but oils produced in several different countries likely will as they may have a different chemical profile as a result of where they were grown.<ref name="rf6">https://www.naha.org/assets/uploads/The_Quality_of_Essential_Oils_Journal.pdf</ref> If you are interested in a very specific oil for a very specific reason, and the oil has a chemotype, make sure you are getting it for the profile you need it for. |
| − | #*For example, rosemary can have different chemical properties depending upon the environment in which it was grown. When looking at the different rosemary chemotypes, chemotype will be abbreviated as, "ct." followed by the chemotype. "Rosemary ct. camphor" is good for treating aches and pains, while "Rosemary ct. verbenone" is useful for its skin regeneration abilities.<ref>http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/07/the-importance-of-knowing-chemotypes/</ref> | + | #*For example, rosemary can have different chemical properties depending upon the environment in which it was grown. When looking at the different rosemary chemotypes, chemotype will be abbreviated as, "ct." followed by the chemotype. "Rosemary ct. camphor" is good for treating aches and pains, while "Rosemary ct. verbenone" is useful for its skin regeneration abilities.<ref name="rf7">http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/07/the-importance-of-knowing-chemotypes/</ref> |
#Research the going price. Once you have determined the right oil for you, try to find the best price for it. Check locally and online, but make sure you’re comparing the same product. Make a list of the best prices and where you found those prices. However, beware of oils that are significantly cheaper than the others, as this may be a low-quality oil. On the other hand, the most expensive oil may not necessarily be the best one. | #Research the going price. Once you have determined the right oil for you, try to find the best price for it. Check locally and online, but make sure you’re comparing the same product. Make a list of the best prices and where you found those prices. However, beware of oils that are significantly cheaper than the others, as this may be a low-quality oil. On the other hand, the most expensive oil may not necessarily be the best one. | ||
#*Is the quantity the same? | #*Is the quantity the same? | ||
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===Finding a Reputable Retailer=== | ===Finding a Reputable Retailer=== | ||
#Read reviews. Decide whether you want to shop online or purchase locally. Read reviews online of the shop you are interested and ask around to see if anyone you know has recommendations or thoughts about a particular retailer. | #Read reviews. Decide whether you want to shop online or purchase locally. Read reviews online of the shop you are interested and ask around to see if anyone you know has recommendations or thoughts about a particular retailer. | ||
| − | #Read product descriptions carefully. The bottle should include important information such as: botanical name of the plant, the country of origin, date of distillation, date of expiration, and the chemotype, if applicable.<ref>http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/03/how-to-choose-high-quality-essential-oils/</ref> | + | #Read product descriptions carefully. The bottle should include important information such as: botanical name of the plant, the country of origin, date of distillation, date of expiration, and the chemotype, if applicable.<ref name="rf8">http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/03/how-to-choose-high-quality-essential-oils/</ref> |
#*The botanical name is a latin name given to each species. For example, true lavender is lavandula angustifolia, mandarin is citrus reticulata and grapefruit is citrus paradisi. Knowing the botanical name of the plant used in your essential oil is important because many species have the same common name, but vastly different uses. | #*The botanical name is a latin name given to each species. For example, true lavender is lavandula angustifolia, mandarin is citrus reticulata and grapefruit is citrus paradisi. Knowing the botanical name of the plant used in your essential oil is important because many species have the same common name, but vastly different uses. | ||
| − | #Consider how the oils are stored. Essential oils should always be kept in dark glass bottles and out of direct sunlight in order to maintain their potency.<ref>http://www.crunchybetty.com/21-things-you-should-know-about-essential-oils</ref> Oils sold in other packaging should be considered suspect. | + | #Consider how the oils are stored. Essential oils should always be kept in dark glass bottles and out of direct sunlight in order to maintain their potency.<ref name="rf9">http://www.crunchybetty.com/21-things-you-should-know-about-essential-oils</ref> Oils sold in other packaging should be considered suspect. |
#Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to email or stop by to ask questions. It is particularly important to find out whether or not the retailer performs GC/MS testing. This stands for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and although it has its own problems, is a generally well-accepted way to test the quality of the oil. Also consider the following: | #Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to email or stop by to ask questions. It is particularly important to find out whether or not the retailer performs GC/MS testing. This stands for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and although it has its own problems, is a generally well-accepted way to test the quality of the oil. Also consider the following: | ||
#*Does your essential oil supplier sell all essential oils in appropriate sizes? Essential oils require a huge amount of plant matter to produce. If the retailer sells huge bottles at rock bottom prices, it is unlikely that the oil is of good quality. | #*Does your essential oil supplier sell all essential oils in appropriate sizes? Essential oils require a huge amount of plant matter to produce. If the retailer sells huge bottles at rock bottom prices, it is unlikely that the oil is of good quality. | ||
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#*Does your essential oil supplier grow and distill its own organically grown herbs? Are the distillation facilities part of the farm where the herbs are grown so they are freshly distilled, maintaining their potency? | #*Does your essential oil supplier grow and distill its own organically grown herbs? Are the distillation facilities part of the farm where the herbs are grown so they are freshly distilled, maintaining their potency? | ||
#Consider the willingness to answer questions. Does your essential oil supplier provide knowledgeable staff to answer your questions about use, and supply as much information as possible free of charge? If not, or if they are hesitant to answer questions or pushy about making a purchase, consider going somewhere else. | #Consider the willingness to answer questions. Does your essential oil supplier provide knowledgeable staff to answer your questions about use, and supply as much information as possible free of charge? If not, or if they are hesitant to answer questions or pushy about making a purchase, consider going somewhere else. | ||
| − | #Be suspicious of retailers who sell all of their oils for the same price. Different oils require more or less plant matter, some plants are not as difficult to grow, and some are not as difficult to process. Therefore, prices can and should vary significantly if the retailer is selling high quality oils.<ref | + | #Be suspicious of retailers who sell all of their oils for the same price. Different oils require more or less plant matter, some plants are not as difficult to grow, and some are not as difficult to process. Therefore, prices can and should vary significantly if the retailer is selling high quality oils.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#Find out about shipping costs. If you want to purchase your oils online, find out the shipping costs first. Industrial suppliers may charge upwards of $50 shipping regardless of the weight of the shipment. | #Find out about shipping costs. If you want to purchase your oils online, find out the shipping costs first. Industrial suppliers may charge upwards of $50 shipping regardless of the weight of the shipment. | ||
| − | #Look for retailers who sell only organic or unsprayed oils. They will cost more, but these oils are better because pesticides can become more concentrated in essential oils.<ref | + | #Look for retailers who sell only organic or unsprayed oils. They will cost more, but these oils are better because pesticides can become more concentrated in essential oils.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#Smell the oils. If you are shopping in a store, smell the oils you are interested in. Does it smell rich, organic, and delicate or does it smell strongly of chemical or bland (e.g. like canola oil)? High quality oils will have a rich but delicate smell. | #Smell the oils. If you are shopping in a store, smell the oils you are interested in. Does it smell rich, organic, and delicate or does it smell strongly of chemical or bland (e.g. like canola oil)? High quality oils will have a rich but delicate smell. | ||
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*Look for the words “pure essential oil”. If the bottle says “fragrance oil”, “fragrant oil”, “perfume oil”, or even “aromatherapy oil” it is likely that the product is synthetic. Which may or may not be OK depending on your needs. | *Look for the words “pure essential oil”. If the bottle says “fragrance oil”, “fragrant oil”, “perfume oil”, or even “aromatherapy oil” it is likely that the product is synthetic. Which may or may not be OK depending on your needs. | ||
*Look for "100% essential oil". Many more precious oils are diluted at 3-5% in a base oil such as jojoba, to make the price more attractive. But such oils are useless in a vaporizer as they are simply not strong enough. | *Look for "100% essential oil". Many more precious oils are diluted at 3-5% in a base oil such as jojoba, to make the price more attractive. But such oils are useless in a vaporizer as they are simply not strong enough. | ||
| − | *You can test the quality of your oil by placing a drop on a piece of paper. A pure oil will evaporate and leave behind little or no mark while a diluted oil will leave a greasy mark.<ref | + | *You can test the quality of your oil by placing a drop on a piece of paper. A pure oil will evaporate and leave behind little or no mark while a diluted oil will leave a greasy mark.<ref name="rf9" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
*Beware of oils that are sold in clear glass or plastic. Essential oils may need to be protected from sunlight, which can quickly damage them. Essential oils degrade most plastics quickly. | *Beware of oils that are sold in clear glass or plastic. Essential oils may need to be protected from sunlight, which can quickly damage them. Essential oils degrade most plastics quickly. | ||
*Keep essential oils away from children. Some essential oils can cause damage to eyes and skin, while others can be deadly. Make sure your oils are stored safely. | *Keep essential oils away from children. Some essential oils can cause damage to eyes and skin, while others can be deadly. Make sure your oils are stored safely. | ||
| − | *Be aware that no “therapeutic grade” essential oil truly exists. While almost all oils will advertise themselves as such, this is only a marketing scheme.<ref | + | *Be aware that no “therapeutic grade” essential oil truly exists. While almost all oils will advertise themselves as such, this is only a marketing scheme.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | *Very few oils can be used on the skin undiluted. Failing to do so may cause a bad reaction. Only lavender, German chamomile, tea tree, sandalwood, and rose geranium oils are safe to use without diluting them in carrier first.<ref | + | *Very few oils can be used on the skin undiluted. Failing to do so may cause a bad reaction. Only lavender, German chamomile, tea tree, sandalwood, and rose geranium oils are safe to use without diluting them in carrier first.<ref name="rf9" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
