| Looking to buy essential oils? Choosing the right oils | | | | See if the vendor follows the ISO (International |
| can be confusing and overwhelming but it's important | | | | Organization for Standardization) guidelines. These are |
| to do your research and find reputable companies | | | | guidelines for packaging, conditioning, storage, labeling, |
| who sell therapeutic grade oils. Unlike synthetic oils, | | | | sampling and testing. |
| therapeutic grade oils have the medicinal qualities of | | | | Try to avoid buying oils that are impure. They can |
| the plant still in tact and therefore offer curative | | | | cause harmful side effects, or at best provide only |
| effects. Prices may be higher for these oils, but the | | | | minimal therapeutic benefits. |
| quality is worth the extra money. | | | | Young Living Oils are all the rage in many circles, |
| Seek out vendors who test their oils, supply samples, | | | | however, I know several people who do not like the |
| and give you confidence in their knowledge. Look for | | | | company for differing reasons so some other |
| the Latin or botanical name of the plant and the | | | | companies that sell high quality, therapeutic-grade oils |
| country in which the plants were grown. Most | | | | are Original Swiss Aromatics, Aromavera and Sunrose |
| reputable companies will provide this to prove the oil | | | | Aromatics. |
| is authentic and to ensure you are getting the right | | | | Just a note....there is a theory and much research |
| oil. For example, there are many species of lavender | | | | that suggests oils can be detrimental to felines. Their |
| and this shows they are marketing to knowledgeable | | | | livers can't process the terpenes in the oils. This topic |
| people as well as the general public. | | | | is beyond the scope of this article but I encourage |
| Is there a statement about purity? You should be | | | | cat owners to Google the following articles: |
| informed if it is not 100% essential oil (meaning, it has | | | | Aromatherapy and Your Cat, The Lavender Cat - |
| been altered or mixed with something else). | | | | Essential Oil Safety and Cats, The Lavender Cat - |
| Is there information about organic growing or wild | | | | Essential Oil Safety and Cats, Dr Khan DVM, DABVT, |
| crafting (gathering wild plants)? | | | | Essential Oils and Cats: A Potentially Toxic Mix. |
| The key to producing a quality oil is to preserve the | | | | Some believe that high quality hydrosols can be used |
| delicate compounds of the aromatic plant through | | | | as an alternative. Usually, you can purchase high |
| expert distillation. Make sure oils are 100% pure | | | | quality hydrosols from the same companies that sell |
| steam distilled plant oils and are free of carriers, | | | | high quality oils. For a list of U.S. and other sources, |
| diluents and other input. Even better if all of the oil | | | | check out Sandy Arora of Holisticatare's article here: |
| distillation process is supervised by someone who is | | | | Remember, when looking to buy essential oils, be |
| accredited as a Certified Aromatherapist. | | | | sure to look for quality, pure essential oils. |