What Should I Look for When Buying Essential Oils?
Buying aromatherapy products, especially essential oils, demands a lot of caution because there are many products on the market with doubtful authenticity or therapeutic action, which might be even harmful. Aromatherapy essential oils vary in purity, ingredients, origin, production method, etc., and can be purchased from different types of stores.
These two facts are the main reasons that cause difficulties and confusion for inexperienced individuals who want to take their first steps in the aromatherapy world. This guide includes all the necessary information that you should keep in mind before and when you buy aromatherapy products.
What to buy.
Before buying any aromatherapy product, you should ask yourself what you need. Do you want aromatherapy oils to make a healing blend or just a candle or a diffuser for your home? Which essential oils can treat the disease you are suffering from? Which essential oils mix well together? Which vegetable oil should you buy for massage? Do some research, look up an aromatherapy book, or consult an aromatherapy practitioner to find out which product will meet your needs.
From where to buy.
Herb shops, health food stores, supermarkets, drugstores, cosmetic shops, open-air markets, Internet shops, and aromatherapy stores all sell aromatherapy products. If you want medicinal essential oils, avoid supermarkets and cosmetics shops because they sell impure, contaminated soils. Herb stores and healthy food stores are the ideal places to buy essential oils because their consumers are careful and experienced in aromatherapy.
Which essential oil bottles are the best?
Buy essential oils that are sold in glass bottles with light-blocking colors, such as dark amber or blue, because oils can be damaged by light. Avoid plastic bottles and rubber dropper tops, because the concentrated essential oils will dissolve the plastic, get contaminated, and lose their purity and potency.
What to check in the label.
You should always check the label. Search for “100% Essential Oil” or “Pure Essential Oil” and avoid bottles labeled “Perfume Oil”, “Fragrance Oil”, “Botanical Essence”, “Natural Oil” or even “Aromatherapy Oil”, because this is a sign that the oil might contain unwanted chemical substances and is not 100% pure essential oil. Synthetic oils are usually cheaper and are not as therapeutic as pure ones.
Moreover, another indication of a good quality essential oil is that it is labeled with the Latin botanical name of the oil as well as the common name. Following this tip, you will avoid confusion over essential oils with the same common name but different properties. Besides, the most reputable essential oils will provide you with a brochure with information about the country of origin, method of extraction, and use instructions.
What about the price?
Consequently, their prices should be different. Therefore, if you see a line of bottles with the same price, presume that these oils are not pure essential oils. The typical price of common oils, such as lavender, is 5 to 10 USD per 10 ml. On the other hand, essential oils that come from exotic plants or need a lot of plants for a small amount of oil are more expensive and cost a few hundred dollars per 10 ml.
Other buying tips.
Take a few minutes between sniffs to clear your nose of prior aromas when comparing aromatherapy items. If you sniff an essential oil too closely, you may hurt your nose or get dizzy. Aromatherapy goods lose their medicinal powers and scent as they age, especially essential oils and candles. Finally, ask the seller for guidance. You’ll get aromatherapy answers and advice.
