Buying and Storing Aromatherapy Oils
Read more articles on Natural Medicine.July 9, 2006
Posted by Emma
July 9, 2006
Posted by Emma
918 Views
The start-up costs of aromatherapy might seem a bit daunting - good quality essential oils can be expensive. However, oils are very concentrated plant extracts, and a little goes a long way, so even a small bottle can last for quite a long time. It can be tempting to buy inexpensive oils, but it’s something that should be avoided as they are less likely to be of good quality.
Having said that, price isn’t always an indication of quality, so there are a few other things to keep in mind when making purchases. When it comes to essential oils, buying good quality varieties from a reputable company is important. Inferior oils may be derived from poor crops, may have chemicals or other oils added, or may even be entirely synthetic and not plant-derived at all. Similarly, avoid buying fragrance or perfume oils, as these are more likely to be synthetic or have other chemicals added. Instead choose oils labeled as “pure essential oils”. This should not be the only criteria when choosing what to buy, however, as even “pure essential oils” are not always good quality.
Light can degrade the quality of essential oils. Avoid buying oils in clear bottles, and instead choose those which are stored in amber, blue or other dark-colored bottles. Plastic bottles should also be avoided – oils can dissolve the plastic and become contaminated. Similarly, avoid bottles which have rubber eyedropper lids, as oil can dissolve the rubber.
Reputable companies are more likely to supply a lot of information about their products. Look for companies which give such details as the Latin names of the plants the oils are derived from, the country in which the plants were grown, and the method of extraction used to make the oils. If you’re a beginner in the aromatherapy world this information may not mean much to you, but companies which take the time to research and supply it are more likely to care about their products and their customers, and supply good quality essential oils.
Essential oils do degrade over time, but if they are stored correctly it is much less likely to occur, and more likely that the bottle will be empty before the oil deteriorates significantly. Oils should be stored in a cool, dark place to protect them from light and excessive heat. A small and sturdy wooden box is ideal, as it will store your oils safely and allow for easy transportation as well.
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