The essential oil industry is booming, as stated in a recent report by Transparency Market Research, with aromatherapy forming a vital part of lives that prioritize holistic health and wellness. Essential oils are currently used for everything from stress to headaches and digestive issues, though buyers should be careful when making their selection. This is because not all oils sold are suitable for the skin or for diffusion in the home, and choosing a non-therapeutic-grade product can result in more harm than good.
What Are Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils?
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are considered the highest quality available, as they are unadulterated and contain the natural synergy that is found within the plant itself. Many natural essential oils on the market are actually distilled; that is, they do not contain the optimal ratio of natural compounds that pure oil does. These distilled oils are used for personal and home fragrances, but they may be ineffective, and worse yet, they may cause issues like skin rashes or digestive upset. Top-quality oils should also have been grown without pesticides and other toxins that can interfere with human health. Essential oils can be tested by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, which show if the oil has been adulterated.
The Importance Of Using Quality Oils
Some of the most common uses of essential oils are for headaches and stress, with top used products including lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. Essential oils for headaches can be used in various ways – including via diffuser and via direct application to the skin. In some cases (e.g. with lavender), the oil can be directly applied. In others (for instance, with peppermint), the oil is usually diluted in a carrier oil like almond or olive oil. Governments across the globe have actually posted health warnings about the use of some oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils (since they can burn). It is important to select oils that do not contain toxic ingredients and to consult with a knowledgeable expert on how they should be used – for instance, many oils can be toxic if ingested. You can also test a small amount of diluted oil on your skin first to see if you have a reaction.
How To Choose Quality Oils
While there is no regulatory body that classifies essential oils as ‘unadulterated’, it is easy to find good oils: simply look for reviews, recommendations, and opinions. Well, reputed companies are few but established, and the quality of their processes are available on their websites. Check out the companies’ respective stances on pesticide use, mass harvesting, and the like. Quality companies will harvest smaller batches and will not use toxins that can harm an oil’s quality. Finally, essential oils should be sold in dark bottles to retain their integrity.
For many people across the globe, essential oils are a powerful natural way to control issues such as headaches, stress, and digestive problems. It is important, however, to buy oils from trusted companies with a reputation for sustainable growing practices and a true commitment to health. Ensure you speak to knowledgeable therapists and/or your doctor before selecting both the type of oil and the brand that can best soothe your problems.
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