Essential Oils FAQ

Q: How do essential oils work so well in the body?

A: Essential oils and the human blood share several common properties.
They fight infection, contain hormone-like compounds and initiate regeneration. Working as the chemical defense mechanism of the plant, essential oils possess potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Even more than that, essential oils have a chemical structure that is similar to that found in human cells and tissues. This makes essential oils compatible with human protein and enables them to be readily identified and accepted by the body.

Q: Are all essential oils alike?

A: No they are not. The essential oils available for purchase at a health food or grocery store are “perfume grade” oils. These oils generally specify on the label that they are not to be used topically or taken internally. While they have a great scent and can “perfume” the air, they do not have the therapeutic benefit you might think. 98% of essential oils produced today are used in the perfume & cosmetic industry. Only about 2 percent are produced for therapeutic & medicinal purposes.

Q: What makes a Therapeutic grade Essential Oil?

A: Therapeutic grade Essential oils are the highest quality oils available and can be used directly on the skin or taken internally as supplements. The key to producing therapeutic grade oil is to preserve as many of the delicate aromatic compounds within the oil as possible. Fragile chemicals are easily destroyed by high temperature & pressure as well as contact with chemically reactive metals such as copper or aluminum. Ideally, all therapeutic grade oils should be distilled in stainless steel chambers at low pressure and low temperature. The plant material should be free of herbicides and other agrichemicals. These can react with the essential oil during distillation to produce toxic compounds.

Please note: Be sure the essential oils you use are true therapeutic-grade oils according to the European ISO/AFNOR standards. Oils that come from a second, third, or even ninth distilling have lost most therapeutic benefits and are suitable only for perfumery. Oils that have been "extended" with synthetic chemicals may actually be harmful to the body. Please be especially careful with what you take internally.

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