Selecting essential oils from the many
different offerings in the
marketplace can be confusing. Vast
differences in price exist for what
seems to be one and the same oil. Inquiries
are practically always met with
a universal assurance that the oil is
absolutely pure and natural. This is
not always the case. Many suppliers do not
verify the purity of the oils
they distribute. When purchasing essential
oils, it is important to take
note of their purity, quality and price.
Pure essential oils are expensive. Often one
thousand pounds of plant are
needed to produce one pound of essence. This
process involves manpower to
cultivate and harvest the plant, and the
energy cost for distillation.
Because of the variations in these factors,
the prices of essential oils can
differ. If every oil in a line carries the
same price tag, this is a sure
sign of large scale homogenization and
adulteration for the production of
sheer fragrance oils as opposed to essential
oils.
Essential oils should be called 'essential
oils'. If names are used that
sound evasive, such as 'pure botanical
perfume' or pure fragrance essence',
this is an indication that the supplier is
aware that the oils are not true
essential oils.
Oil essences are most commonly produced to
create fragrances and to process
food. The quality requirements of these oils
are substantially lower than
those used for aromatherapy. Companies that
concern themselves today with
aromatherapy will go to great lengths to
ensure purity.
While pure, natural essential oils may seem
expensive, the smallest amounts
will go far, and this makes them cost
effective. In contrast, the
effectiveness of lower grade oils, or oils
that are diluted, drastically
diminishes over time due to a loss of their
essential properties.
The best way to purchase essential oils for
aromatherapy applications is
from a supplier who specializes in essential
aromatherapy oils.