How to choose essential oils? What to look for? Which are the best quality? Where to buy them? Why read labels? The following list provides answers.
For relaxation, depression, respiratory and digestive ailments, insomnia, and lack of energy. Essential oils have countless uses. What should you consider when choosing them?
1. Name of the oil
It should include the word "oil" and the Latin name of the plant from which the extract was obtained. If the oil was obtained from more than one plant variety, the name must be specified, e.g., peppermint oil, white
grapefruit oil.
2. Essential oil packaging
Most oils are light-sensitive. Therefore, they should be stored in a dark (or amber) glass bottle, which better protects the contents. This prevents them from oxidizing under UV light and reacting with plastic. If the bottle is clear, the oil is likely synthetic.
3. The part of the plant from which the oil was obtained
The packaging must indicate the part of the plant from which the oil was obtained. This should be typical of the specific species (flower, leaf, stem, or root), e.g., cinnamon oil from the bark, grapefruit oil from the seeds.
4. Certificates and guarantee of compliance with standards
The credibility of the oil is increased by information about the certificates granted, e.g. FEMA, EOA, ISO, IFRA, FP. Moreover, the oils should have a certificate issued by the Food and Consumer Goods Research Institute (PZH certificate symbol).
5. Etiquette
It should include the expiration date, name and address of the manufacturer, country of origin of the oil or plant, certificate of the National Institute of Hygiene or the Ministry of Health, indications and contraindications for use.
6. Price of the oil
Price suggests whether a given oil is good. A very cheap product doesn't guarantee safety or high quality. Cheaper extracts may be synthetically obtained, contaminated, or mixed with other extracts. If the oil has all the necessary certifications, it is significantly more expensive. Furthermore, producing a single bottle often requires several tons of the plant, hence the high prices.
7. How to grow the plant
It's important that the oils are free from pesticide contamination. Therefore, it's best to buy those with the "AB" logo, which are organically grown in European Union countries and guarantee the highest quality oils. You can also sometimes find "wildcrafted" oils. These are obtained from wild plants, so you can be sure they haven't been sprayed.
8. Extraction method
This information will ensure that the oil has not been additionally contaminated (synthetics, fats, alcohols), that the distillation was of high quality, and that it has been oxygenated and discolored.
9. Place of purchase
Always buy oils from trusted sources and sellers. Ideally, from herbalists, organic shops, pharmacies, reputable drugstores, specialized online stores, or directly from the manufacturer. Don't buy them from markets. Such oils may be diluted and of poor quality. This means there's no guarantee they won't harm you.
10. Trusting your own preferences
Trust yourself and your preferences. Only buy oils that you like the scent of and that don't irritate you.
