How to Choose the Best Aromatherapy Oil 1
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Essential oil referred to as aromatherapy oil is obtained from different plant parts. Here, the term “Essential” is used for referring to this oil because it contains the essence of the fragrance from plants.
The extremely potent natural contents of this oil make it competent to solve many health issues and the oil extraction from different plants is done either through cold pressing or steam distillation method.
As alternative medical practitioners frequently use essential oil for aromatherapy, it is referred to as aromatherapy oil. The reason for the use of this oil is that the practitioners believe that fragrances from these plants provoke emotional and psychological responses. To stimulate the desired effect or to treat certain conditions, most aromatherapists use a combination of essential oils. Of course, there is no scientific proof that reiterates the fact that essential oils cure or prevent illnesses. However, some of these oils are known to function as milk expectorant or decongestant. On the other hand, other oils are known to create a sense of calmness in individuals when they are exposed to fragrances.
If you have an essential oil diffuser in your home, you might be thinking about the right essential oil to buy. Many factors should be considered in the process of shopping aromatherapy oil as this oil comes in different flavors and thicknesses. Here, let us delve into the top 10 factors that will help you with the selection of the right essential oil:
You might have shopped for perfumes earlier. You decide on the suitable scent by sniffing the scent to know the aroma. In the same way, as aromatherapy oil comes in different flavors, you will have to identify whether the fragrance suits you before shopping for the first time. Here are some rules to follow concerning this as you cannot sniff essential oil as you do for scents:
You should finally choose the fragrance that calms your mind and body for aromatherapy benefits.
Of course, aromatherapy oil standards are not regulated. However, reputed brands producing this oil from around the world follow some quality standards in the product. The standards include GC/MS Testing. With GC expanded as Gas Chromatography and MS as Mass Spectrometry Testing, some essential details can be gathered about the quality of the oil and they are:
The MS/GC testing shows the accountability on the part of the manufacturer of essential oils. When a brand has done these testing standards for its oil, it is an indication that the brand is particular about the transparency and quality of their products.
Nevertheless, you should remember that just because a company does not show these testing results, it does not mean that the oil they produce is of poor quality. The reason is that some companies, particularly startups will have to spend a huge on getting these testing standards. But, they produce quality aromatherapy oils.
Of course, you will be particular about the quality of the aromatherapy oil you buy. Many factors can contribute to the compromise in the quality of essential oil including storage, distribution, manufacture, distillation, and harvesting.
When you are considering the quality, throw some light on the following things as they can have an impact on the quality of the oil you buy:
The storage container in which the oil is sold determines the quality. The reason is that essential oils should be stored in darkened glass containers that are tightly closed and sealed. They should have been stored in cool places for ensuring long-lasting quality. If these things are not followed, you cannot expect the best quality.
Chemical oxidation from the aromatherapy oil can happen due to improper handling, storage, and packaging. For instance, there might be chemical degradation if the oil is exposed to oxygen, light or heat. Particularly, essential oils from citrus products are particularly prone to oxidation that can swiftly change the chemistry of these oils.
Due to the increasing popularity of these oils, poor quality products that are not ideal for clinical use are also available in the market. The oils that you can get at cheap rates in health food stores near you might include pure essential oils. However, sometimes, they might have been diluted or adulterated.
There can be a negative impact on the quality of the aromatherapy oils if chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers are used in the growth of plants used for oil extraction. The difference in rainfall, soil conditions, and altitude can also have an impact on quality.
In short, it is better to choose your aromatherapy oil from a good brand with good customer ratings.
Of course, during the first-time shopping, you cannot do this. But, after buying, you should check the texture of the oil. The higher the purity of the oil, the stronger will be its permeability.
Just put a drop of the oil on the back of your hand and gently massage it with your fingers. Your skin will absorb the oil if it is of good quality. You will find that there will not be any residual on your skin. Even, if you find that a small quality is dripped, it will volatilize in about 3-5 minutes without leaving any mark.
When you test this for the first time, you can continue buying the oil from the same brand if you feel it is of good quality with this testing method.
Nowadays, most manufacturers of essential oils are stating the purpose of the oil in the product label itself. For instance, if you are planning to use the aromatherapy oil for clinical purposes, you should check whether the terms Therapeutic or clinical grade is specified in the product label.
Also, check the label as to whether terms like organic, wildcrafted or unsprayed are used. It would be wise to choose organic oils to get the best benefits.
When you buy essential oil locally, you should check for any dust particles settled on the top of the bottles. These particles indicate that the oil has been sitting around for long. With time, most oils oxidize as mentioned earlier.
Above all, they lose their therapeutic properties as well. The good thing about buying from a physical store is that you will find tester bottles that will help with evaluating the aroma and thickness of the oil.
As a thumb rule, it is better to keep away from aromatherapy oils from a brand that has priced all its oils the same. The reason is that from one plant to another, the extraction process can greatly vary.
The pricing practices followed by the manufacturer will stand as an indication as to whether the oil is organic or synthetic. Here are some rules to remember:
The product label should provide you the detail on whether it is 100% essential oil. Otherwise, if the oil contains a mix of many oils; it should also have been specified.
Aromatherapy is truly a beneficial therapy. But, you can get the benefits only when the right oil is used. Consider the factors above and select the right aromatherapy oil to get the complete benefits of this therapy.
This post was last modified on November 28, 2020 4:46 pm