Essential Oils

By Barbara-Jean Gill

Melaleuca - The Wellness Company

. http://www.saferforyou.com

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Essential Oils

Essential oils are the buzz in late. There are numerous companies who sell essential oils through direct marketing and there are many retail outlets selling oils in their stores.

What, exactly is an essential oil? Essential oils are simply a concentrated form of the oils found naturally in the flowers, the bark, stems, seeds and other parts of plants. When oils are extracted they maintain the exact characteristic fragrance or essence of that particular plant.

Essential oils are not new – far from it. Essentials oils have shown up across cultures and continents from ancient Egypt, to traditional Chinese medicine, to today’s drug stores. They have been around for thousands of years.

So, how do you know if an oil is “real”? To get the benefits of an essential oil, you want the plant-derived real deal and not a synthetic version made in a laboratory. Look for oils and products that list the plant’s botanical name like melaleuca alternifoila and not just tea tree oil, or lavandula angustifolia and not just lavender, or mentha piperita, which is peppermint. Make sure there has been quality testing on the oils such a microbial testing or heavy metal/pesticide/herbicide testing and that the methods of extraction are sustainable.

Synthetic scents often contain harmful chemicals. A study published in the Archives of Environmental Health linked chronic exposure to VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) found in air fresheners to headaches and depression. These harmful chemicals include benzene and formaldehyde, which are byproducts of the manufacturing process of synthetic oils. As an aside, benzene exposure can damage bone marrow, which decreases red blood cells and affects immunity. Long-term exposure to airborne benzene has also been liked to increased risk of anemia and leukemia.

Don’t be fooled by companies who advertise that their oils are “therapeutic grade” or “certified therapeutic grade” There currently is no governing body that certifies the production and quality of essential oils nor is there a standard system for grading them.

Another word of caution when using essential oils – while some companies say their oils can be ingested, ingesting oils may cause internal damage to organs. Do not ingest oils without proper supervision, like from a doctor. Also beware that most oils should be used with a carrier – such as coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil or other lotions. Know your oils; some oils are photo sensitive; some oils are designated as “hot” oils and must be used with a carrier oil and extra care should be taken when using oils on children.

Essential oils incorporated into your regular health routine can provide you with added benefits for staying fit and keeping your immune system strong. Have fun with oils. Diffuse them, make you own personal blends and share this information with your friends.