When Quality Counts
Aromatherapy is big
business these days. You can find fragrances in everything from
candles, and lotions, to soaps and bath salts. What seems to be
lost among this growing industry is the definition of Aromatherapy.
According to Aromatherapy, An Illustrated Guide by Clare
Walters, “Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic oils extracted
from natural plant matter in order to encourage good health, equilibrium,
and well-being. The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy
are truly holistic in that they can have a powerful positive effect
on mind, body, and spirit.”
Why is it important
to have products with pure essential oils? When seeking out products
that claim to relax, energize, relieve stress, or any of a host
of other claims, it’s necessary to realize that there are
no limits on what can be termed Aromatherapy. With no regulations,
how does one know if a product can truly be used for therapeutic
purposes?
Truly holistic Aromatherapy
is derived from using products utilizing pure essential oils with
no artificial fragrances or chemicals. It’s important to
gain a basic working knowledge of the essential oils you are interested
in. When in doubt, do some research. Here are a few things to
keep in mind when shopping for oils.
Latin Names
and Common Names
It is important to know the Latin name of the essential oils you
are interested in. Latin names distinguish the specific genus
and species of a plant. When you only go by part of the name,
or the common name, you may not be getting an oil that has the
therapeutic properties you are seeking. Also be sure a common
name given to an oil relates to the appropriate genus and species
you are seeking.
In her book, Aromatherapy
for Body, Mind and Spirit, Larissa Jones illustrates this
point with Lavender. There are two types of Lavender commonly
used in Aromatherapy, true lavender and lavendin. True lavender
comes from Lavendula angustafolia and is much more expensive.
Lavendin comes from a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender
called Lavendula hybrida. It grows more quickly and produces more
oil. However, lavendin contains a stimulating chemical called
camphor and, while very good for fighting colds; it has no place
in products promoting relaxation, insomnia or children’s
concerns. Both of these oils could be sold as Lavender, but they
have different properties and serve different purposes.
In the case of Lavender,
you will want to seek out products that are labeled Lavendula
angustafolia and designated AOC. This is a certification created
by the French government and only given to 100% pure Lavendula
angustafolia, grown from seed in Haute Provence, France.
Adulteration
Many companies will sell “straight” essential oils
for blending or diffusing. Although these companies may be well
intentioned and the price always seem good, what you may not be
aware of is that these oils are often adulterated with other oils
or chemicals. I recently purchased a not so inexpensive bottle
of Lavender from a local bath and body shop. I wanted to use it
in testing. When I got home I realized I would not be able to
use this product because, although it was listed as Lavendula
angustafolia, it also contained hybrid safflower seed oil and
vitamin E. This becomes especially important when comparing prices
for products. While you think you may be getting a better deal,
you may actually be paying for a lot of ingredients you didn’t
want or need.
Chemotypes
and Gas Chromatography
Other things to keep in mind as your knowledge of Aromatherapy
increase are chemotypes and Gas Chromatography. Chemotypes occur
naturally as plants experience different growing conditions. When
plants are grown in the mountains versus the plains for example,
they can produce different chemotypes which will then possess
different properties.
A Gas Chromatograph
is like a chemical fingerprint. This form of testing can separate
the various therapeutic properties of a given essential oil. When
used in comparison to other brands, this can distinguish which
product contains more of the desired components.
While both of these
tools are difficult to use for the average Aromatherapist, they
are important to keep in mind as your interest and education grows.
As with all things,
a little care and a bit of knowledge goes a long way to obtaining
quality products for your Aromatherapy uses.
About the Author
Nicole Bandes is a Natural Health Specialist and educator of Aromatherapy
and herbs. She currently ownes and operates www.naturallyherbs.com
while seeking to continue her education in the field of Natural
Health.
This article may be
reproduced with the copyright and about the author left in place.
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