Some Truth About Essential Oils
Chelsea Audibert@chelseaaudibert
“Everyone can use essential oils and benefit from their remarkable qualities if given access to objective and reliable scientific information.”—Dominique Baudoux and Michael L. Breda, Chemotyped Essential Oils, Scientific Aromatherapy
When I was in school at Mandala Botanicals in Vermont, I became educated about the true nature of essential oils: the lovely beneficial qualities…and the realities. Today, I use them very selectively and sparingly—and mostly opt for using fresh or dried herbs instead (cooking, teas, tinctures, salves). According to EcoWatch, “To begin with, in order to produce a single pound of essential oil, enormous quantities of plants are required: 10,000 pounds of rose petals, 250 pounds of lavender, 6,000 pounds of melissa plant, 1,500 lemons and so forth.”
10,000 lbs of Rose Petals = 1 lb of essential oil
Knowing this, one might decide that essential oils should be used in limited quantity: it takes so much plant matter to create the .5oz bottle that is, over time, applied to wrist, forehead, joints, back, feet, neck, etc… That said, the therapeutic and energetic qualities are undeniable: take a good whiff of a fine oil, and you’ll know what I mean. Which are the good companies????? The answer is: ask questions and decide for yourself so you feel really good about what you are purchasing and using. There are many less-than-quality companies out there selling liberally, so I recommend doing some research. What is their mission? Do they have a “code of ethics?” How do the source? What are their brand promises and how do they guarantee them (if they do). One of the best sources I’ve found is White Lotus Aromatics (https://www.whitelotusaromatics.com/). I also purchase Aura Cacia (https://www.auracacia.com/). Whatever oil you purchase, because you are putting it on your body or burning and inhaling—it best be safe, valuable, well sourced and legitimate.
What is a fine oil? Such a good question! For this, I will interview the folks at VertMont Perfumery in a future blog, but for now, take a look at these tips from Very Well Health here.
“We recommend using the highest quality products for which competent and scientific information is available. Always review safety, dilution and dosage information. A patch test is also recommended before use.”—Dominique Baudoux and Michael L. Breda, Chemotyped Essential Oils, Scientific Aromatherapy
Tidbits for you:
• Not all essential oils should be diffused
• Proprietary blends are not recommended to start: begin with the individual oils. Blends may not always be a great match for you. In fact, you may not do well with all oils.
• Some oils may be used for internal use. I don’t know much about this, so just say: take caution. Read carefully. Study what you use.
• Frankincense is wonderful for uplift and depression (and those with Hashimoto’s Disease)
• Fennel is great for the heart and for digestion
Be in touch!