Wednesday, August 19, 2009

How pure is Pure Essential Oils???

Most essential oils printed 100% pure on their labels, but they are more to it for authentic quality oils. Many are unaware of the differing quality of essential oils available, use fragrant and poor quality essential oils, and wonder why aromatherapy does not work or produces adverse effects [Australian Nursing Journal, Feb 2002 V9 i7 p33(1)]. There are broadly 4 things that any end user needs to look for in a trader in order to judge the quality of oils being offered for sale.

1. Price should be varying from each essential oil – differing from oil extraction from plants
2. Essential oils to be labelled with their botanical or Latin name as well as their common name.
3. Scientific analysis of the oils – enforce quality control

4. Membership by the trader of a trade association (to act as a body to the profession)