A Few Thoughts on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

The use of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy has become very popular in last number of years. I am pleased to see more and more people aware that plants have an amazing capacity to heal us both physically and emotionally.  But as in many things that become popular there is a certain amount of misinformation and well as companies jumping on the bandwagon making false claims.  These are companies using fragrance oils, which have absolutely no therapeutic value and yet label their products under  aromatherapy.  There are several ways oils are extracted from plants:  steam distilled, cold pressed, solvent extracted or c02 extracted.  There are some plants and flowers that cannot be extracted and, therefore, there are no oils produced.  For example if you see Gardenia or Lilly of the Valley you should note they are synthetic as there is no essential oil made from these plants.  The same is true for most fruit with the exception of citrus.

Speaking of therapeutic oils, in my searching for resources to purchase my essential oils or just wanting to learn more I keep coming across terms such as "therapeutic grade essential oils".  For the record there is no such thing.  It was mostly a ploy used by MLM companies.   That is not to say that essential oils are not therapeutic because they are.  Whether they are diluted to be used in skin care, massage, in a bath or to inhale in a diffuse these powerful botanical extracts are powerful healing tools.  At this time, however, there are no classifications such as medicinal or therapeutic.   You should always be careful where you purchase your oils and only buy organic or wildcrafted oils.  Some companies adulterate their oils with fragrance oils or add a cheaper essential oil to the most costly oil.  If you are in doubt request a GC analysis. 

The last thought I would like to share with you today on this subject is the use of essential oils and overuse of some.  First of all essential oils should very rarely be used "neat" or undiluted on the skin.  I know many people are using Tea Tree oil directly on the skin for a variety of  issues. First you need to test for skin irritation by applying a drop on a cotton swab and only dabbing the area in question.  Keep in mind that even if you show no sensitivity or reaction you can develop a sensitivity to the oil over time.  Most of the sites on the web recommending using full strength are not experts in the use of essential oils.   Most experts will recommend never using oils full strength unless under the advisement of an expert.  Some experts claim that it is more effective in a 2% dilution than using neat. Another problem with Tea Tree is that it has become the "catch all" cure and go to oil.  Many companies put it in all their products.  It is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial oil and is perfect for certain condition but I have seen it in skin care products for combination and dry skin and that is not a good choice.