Essential oils and I have really been getting along lately. They are great for supporting good health among other things. However, there are a LOT of fallacies about them, mainly being bounced around by representatives of the big companies in an effort to make more sales. So, here are the top 5 misleading ideas that I have come across in my research, most of which my readers have asked about. Hopefully debunking these myths will shine a little light on the real use of essential oils.
[dropcap]1[/dropcap] Myth: There is only ONE company that sells pure, therapeutic grade essential oils.
Reality: FALSE. First of all, the term “therapeutic grade” is a made-up term[note]Wikipedia[/note]. The FDA does not regulate essential oils in this manner and, therefore, although many companies claim “therapeutic grade,” this is not an official label and can easily be misused. There are also some companies that boast a special seal or certification; that, too, is made up. That said, there are several companies that I have come across in my extensive research that sell pure, high-quality essential oils. I’ve settled upon one specific brand for specific reasons, but I have absolutely nothing against people who choose other brands, even though I am most pleased with my personal selection!
[dropcap]2[/dropcap] Myth: All essential oils are the same quality. Essential oil is essential oil.
Reality: FALSE. Not all essential oils are equal. There are MANY oil manufacturers who sell adulterated (this means other stuff is mixed in) or even synthetic (man-made; not the real stuff) oils. To find a company that sells pure, high-quality oils, do your research! Dig deep. Email the company with questions. Ask them for gas chromotography results. Ask where the plants they use are grown and how they are grown and distilled. And so on.
Typically, if an oil is cheap or relatively inexpensive, it’s probably too good to be true. If it is sold online at a store like Amazon or in a brick-and-mortar store like Whole Foods, it’s probably not good (even if it is labeled a high-quality brand–people purposely mislabel).
[dropcap]3[/dropcap] Myth: Pure, high-quality essential oils are too expensive.
Reality: FALSE. The value of an essential oil is measured by its drops. A typical 15 mL bottle of oil contains about 250 drops. Let’s compare this to a different supplement like vitamins. Rather than X number of capsules in a bottle like vitamins have, essential oils have X number of drops. One teeny tiny drop goes a very long way. I have bottles of oil that came with my original starter kit that are still serving me two years later. When purchasing a bottle of essential oil, take into consideration the cost per drop. Most pure, high-quality oils are actually pretty affordable!
[dropcap]4[/dropcap] Myth: A rash or other such skin irritation indicates that your body is detoxing.
Reality: FALSE. If an oil is causing ANY form of irritation or other adverse reaction (to your skin or otherwise), STOP USING IT! Reevaluate the oil. Make sure you are using it correctly. Try diluting it with a carrier oil (such as olive oil) to eliminate this problem. Consult a doctor. Just don’t injure yourself!
[dropcap]5[/dropcap] Myth: Oils can be interchangeably used–topically, internally, and aromatically.
Reality: FALSE. ALWAYS read the label on an oil VERY CAREFULLY. If it only says to use it topically, only use it topically. The directions are there for a reason and not every oil can be used the same way.
Love this! Thanks for being so open and honest!