What is the difference between a high quality pure essential oil and its synthetic counterpart?
A pure essential oil is 100% true to the plant from which it is sourced . It is a pure plant extract; a volatile liquid taken from a single botanical source mostly extracted by steam distillation. A fragrant oil is made by blending synthetic chemical compounds in a laboratory in an endeavor to duplicate the scent of the flower not of the pure essential oil. The end result is an oil which is not recognized or used by those seeking to practice the principles of Aromatherapy.
Why are some oils so much more expensive than others?
Essential oils are aromatic extracts from specific plant parts such as petal, heartwood, peel, stem etc…. There is only a very small amount of oil in the plant part from which the oil is taken. Some oils such as Eucalyptus produce a high yield of oil whereas Rosa Damascena (Rose) requires 30 rose heads to produce 1 drop of pure essential oil. Hence the cost of pure Rose makes it an investment and a worthwhile one at that.
Other factors which contribute to the final delivery and price of a pure essential oils include cultivation, farming methods, distillation and finally storage.
Why are essential oils mixed into massage base oils when used on the body?
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and very potent and are therefore not recommended to be used directly on the skin. Cold pressed oils are the natural carriers for pure essential oils and can be massaged into the skin in the correct dosage.
Are Essential oils safe to use during pregnancy.
Certain oils are not recommended for use during the full term of pregnancy, especially the herbs. A reputable company will outline such warnings on their packaging. There are however certain oils such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Mandarin which can provide emotional centering and comfort to the mind and body during this time. Above all make sure you choose a TGA listed oil from a reputable company to ensure its quality before use.
Can essential oils be ingested?
It’s really quite simple, pure essential oils should not be ingested unless prescribed by a healthcare practitioner because ingestion if administered incorrectly may carry health risks. Whereas when properly diluted in carrier oil or inhaled via a vaporiser and used with some level of knowledge, pure essential oils are safe, pleasurable and above all therapeutic and can greatly enhance a healthy lifestyle.
What is the lifespan or expiry date of essential oils?
The lifespan of an essential oil varies as oxygen, heat and light affect the overall degradation of the oil so storage is critical to its preservation. For example, Orange oxidizes very quickly and has a shelf life of about 18-24 months while Patchouli which is thick and viscose gets better with age. All Oil Garden pure essential oils have expiry dates recorded on the bottle. Despite this date use your own judgment before discarding an expired oil. You just may be discarding a perfectly good oil which has matured over time!