You love essential oils for their incredible ability to support your well-being, from creating a calming atmosphere to soothing sore muscles. But have you ever wondered why two bottles of “lavender essential oil” might smell different, or why one seems to work better than another? It’s a great question, and the answer lies in understanding that not all essential oils are the same.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, capturing the very essence of a plant’s aroma and therapeutic properties. They are derived from various parts of plants, depending on the oil – whether it’s the fragrant flowers of a rose, the calming leaves of lavender, the woody bark of cedar, the grounding roots of vetiver, the zingy zest of citrus fruits, or even seeds and bulbs. Because they are so concentrated, a tiny amount packs a powerful punch, making their quality incredibly important. This is also why understanding the Latin botanical name is crucial; it ensures you have the correct oil. For instance, Salvia sclarea (Clary Sage) has a very different chemical profile and set of uses than Salvia officinalis (Dalmation Sage).
So, how do you ensure you’re getting the best quality oils for your “wellness toolbox”? Let’s dive into what truly matters when it comes to essential oils.
1. “Therapeutic Grade” is a Marketing Term
You might have heard the term “therapeutic grade” floating around, but here’s the truth: there is no official governing body or certification that designates an essential oil as “therapeutic grade.” It’s purely a marketing term. What you need to focus on is finding a reputable company that prioritizes the purity, potency, and quality of its oils through rigorous standards and transparency. In aromatherapy, we use the term therapeutic properties. (Read on to learn more about this)
2. Organic Essential Oils Matter
Think about it: your skin is your body’s largest organ, and essential oils are incredibly concentrated. While the distillation process can remove some pesticides, it doesn’t eliminate all of them. When you’re applying even a small amount of essential oil to your skin or inhaling it, any lingering pesticides become concentrated as well. Choosing organic essential oils significantly reduces your exposure to these unwanted chemicals, aligning with a cleaner, healthier approach to wellness. Why wouldn’t you choose organic when given the option?
3. You Get What You Pay For
This often holds true in the world of essential oils. If an essential oil seems unusually cheap, it’s a major red flag. Very low prices usually indicate that the oil has been adulterated or diluted with synthetic chemicals, cheaper carrier oils, or other essential oils. A pure, high-quality essential oil requires significant resources to grow, harvest, and distill, and its price will reflect that. Prioritizing quality over cost will always lead to a better, safer, and more effective experience.
4. Testing Matters: Demanding Transparency
For those of us deeply involved in aromatherapy, testing is paramount. When we craft a blend to help you sleep, reduce pain, or boost your mood, we rely on the specific chemical profile of the essential oils to deliver those benefits. We need to know that the active constituents (the active part of the oil) are present in the expected ranges. This brings reliability and trust to every blend and product we create.
5. Growing Conditions Impact Quality
Just like fine wine, an essential oil’s quality and unique characteristics are profoundly influenced by its growing conditions. This includes where the plant is cultivated, the soil quality, the climate, and even the time of year or day it’s harvested. The specific part of the plant the oil is extracted from also plays a crucial role. For instance, a lemon essential oil sourced from Sicily might possess a slightly different aroma and chemical makeup compared to one from Argentina, even though both are pure lemon oil. These subtle variations directly contribute to the therapeutic properties unique to each batch.
So, what exactly are therapeutic properties? Simply put, they are the beneficial effects an essential oil has on your body and mind. These properties are inherent to the pure essential oil itself, meaning they come directly from its unique chemical composition. In essence, the oil’s chemistry dictates how it will work to support your well-being.
6. Proper Storage is Key
Essential oils are delicate. They don’t like heat, light, or water, as these elements can cause the oil to break down and degrade, diminishing its potency and effectiveness. A reputable essential oil company understands this and will store its oils properly, typically in dark glass bottles, kept in cool, dark environments. This is why vetting your essential oil company is so important; proper storage is a sign of their commitment to quality from start to finish.
7. Trust Your Nose: Your Built-In Quality Checker
Finally, don’t forget to use your nose! It’s one of the greatest tools you have. If you’re an “oily” enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with how a pure essential oil should smell. If an oil smells “off,” rancid, overly strong, or just plain “wrong” compared to what you expect, then it probably is. Your sense of smell can often be the first indicator of an adulterated or degraded oil.
At B. Divine Aromatherapy, we take pride in sourcing the highest quality essential oils, focusing on transparency, organic certification where possible, and rigorous testing. We believe that when you use our products, you deserve to experience the true, unadulterated power of nature.
About Beth from B. Divine Aromatherapy
Beth, the founder of B. Divine Aromatherapy, is passionate about enhancing well-being through functional, science-backed essential oil wellness products. With a holistic approach, her mission is to help individuals harmonize their mind, body, and spirit, supporting a healthier, more balanced life.
Beth is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and brings 25 years of experience as a scientist and researcher to her aromatherapy practice. She is a certified aromatherapist, completing her Level II clinical training through the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS), a program accredited by both the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).
An active member of the aromatherapy community, Beth serves on the executive committee of ARQAT, continually contributing to advancements in the field. Her expertise and dedication ensure that every product at B. Divine Aromatherapy reflects a commitment to quality, care, and holistic wellness.
