I’ve noticed over the past few months an almost raging fever over essential oils. People are taking “classes” about how to use essential oils–and then offering the classes (and the oils) to someone else. Mostly, I read and smile when someone posts a comment to me and says how much they wish I could get some [this company’s] oils for whatever is ailing me. I’ve been using [other sources] oils since 2002.
There are several reasons why I am not using [this company]. For one thing, I discovered other sources first. I read deeply and educated myself about how to determine the quality of the oils I purchased; and I made some mistakes along the way. I once purchased four ounces of orange oil packaged in plastic (first mistake) at a bargain price (second mistake). It was probably intended for soap-making; and perhaps it would have ended up making an acceptable soap–if I didn’t really care much about the fragrance. When I got the oil, it was diluted and barely smelled like orange. I never purchased essential oils from that vender again.
I do not purchase oils from venders who always seem to have just what I need in stock. For one thing, I never know how long the oils have been sitting there. When I work with smaller vendors who tell me where their oils come from and how it is produced, and I know that sometimes it goes out of stock and is even out of season, I know that I am working with a reputable dealer and I will have to plan my shopping so that I have oils in stock when I need them. The oils will last for a little while; but that is something for me to trust based on my own shopping dates and not to gamble on with the dealer’s stock. The longer it sits in the warehouse, the shorter its time on my shelf.
Some vendors make a point of saying that they have “pure, therapeutic-grade” oils; but then they also say that they are not subject to government regulation. An article from Nature’s Gift explains some of the qualities people tend to look for when they use the term “therapeutic grade”. If you are looking for these qualities, be very careful where you buy your oils. I have purchased from Nature’s Gift and from Mountain Rose Herbs and have not been disappointed with products from either vendor.
Please also understand that while some web sites claim that essential oils are safe to consume internally (because they come from plants that are edible), these oils are very potent. If you read no other link I have included, please read this article about essential oil safety from a naturopath. It is important to understand how potent one drop of oile is and what you are adding to your food if you use oils in your cooking. There are some oils that should not be ingested at all.
Some oils are extremely toxic to the skin and should never be applied directly. If your vendor is not warning you about this, find another vendor! Please read 3 Reasons to Avoid Ingesting Essential Oils. I have used floral waters in my cooking; and it is vital to differentiate floral waters from essential oils. After reading several one company’s web sites, I see that they all include the same misinformation about ingesting essential oils and using them for cooking; and they all include the same misinformation that floral waters are a type of essential oil. Floral waters are very fragrant (because they come from the process of distilling the oils); but they are not essential oils.
The FDA is very serious about what it allows companies to claim regarding the power of oils to do. There are good reasons for this. Read about web sites that violated these regulations.
I have been a happy user of essential oils for many years and, obviously, will continue to do so. However, I cannot stay silent when I feel that people are being misled about safety or other issues where oils are concerned. It is imperative that you have information about how to stay safe with your oils, wherever you obtain them.
One disclaimer applies to this article. Yes, I generate a small commission from Mountain Rose Herbs products that are sold if you follow links from my site. I do not, however, generate any commission if you then sign up for the affiliate program and sell products on your own site. That commission generated is entirely yours, and I lose. I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs because I truly love the products. In fact, I recommended their products for several months while my account was inactive. I also recommend other companies where Mountain Rose either does not sell in large enough bulk supplies or does not have the type of product that serves my needs.
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