The world of essential oils is vast and sometimes confusing, and it can be hard to get accurate information or distinguish the real from the fake. There are so many myths about essential oils, and for us everyday aromatherapy lovers, this can be overwhelming and distract us from the essentials. In this article we will separate the facts from the fiction and the stories so that you can be confident and make the best decisions when it comes to buying and using the best pure essential oils.
WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL MYTH?
A myth is an idea, false information or erroneous belief spread and adopted in/and by the wider world; an essential oil myth is a false belief about essential oils, namely their purity or use. There are countless misrepresentations in this flavor industry and it's time to talk about them and try to get to the truth:
1. THERE IS ONLY ONE BRAND OF PURE ESSENTIAL OILS
This myth is usually promoted by representatives of the larger essential oil companies.
There are many companies that distill their own essential oils or at least some of them, that have contracts with serious local producers or farmers, and that have the seriousness to produce pure, quality oils. To get the best essential oils you only need some basic knowledge, namely, the chemical composition, the genetic structure of the plant (biotype) and the geographical origin/geotype controlled.
2. YOU CANNOT HAVE ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO ESSENTIAL OILS
The truth is that anyone can be allergic to anything. Many MLM reps will claim that skin rashes or other side effects can be related to the detoxification of the body and that allergies are not a possibility because the essential oils are pure. Or they will claim that if you have a reaction to an oil, it is because the oil used is not pure.
Of course we can have adverse reactions to adulterants (ingredients that should not be in oils), but essential oils are distilled from plant material. Just as our bodies react to certain herbs, anyone can also experience their negative effects such as itching, hives, rashes, etc., in response to even unadulterated natural oils. These reactions are the body's way of telling us that it is not happy.
The best practice with any new product is to test an essential oil properly diluted in a carrier oil on a small sensitive area of skin before using it elsewhere, such as the inside of the forearm to see if it causes irritation.
3. PURE ESSENTIAL OILS DO NOT DETERIORATE
Even though there are certain essential oils that get better with time, they will still deteriorate or oxidize eventually, so use them, don't store them for very long. The truth is that almost all essential oils alter their composition as they age, which could lead to side effects and irritation.
For example, oils from the citrus family have an expiration date of approximately 1-2 years. After they expire, they oxidize and no longer have the same wonderful properties.
4. A PURE ESSENTIAL OIL DOES NOT FREEZE / THE REFRIGERATOR TEST
Any liquid freezes at a certain temperature, and the water or lack of water in the essential oil has nothing to do with the freezing point. Even essential oils freeze, and in some situations only a certain chemical compound at room temperature will freeze/crystallize. A good example is Yara Yara/Mousetail or Peppermint oil.
5. "INTERNAL USE" WRITTEN ON THE LABEL NECESSARILY MAKES IT A PURE ESSENTIAL OIL
Certain companies certify that essential oils for internal use are superior and have a much higher degree of purity than oils that do not have this written property. Fake. Oils should be pure whether they are for internal or external use. In fact, most things are absorbed through the skin, so it is important and recommended that all the products we apply to the skin are pure.
The purpose of these writings (internal use/external use) is commercial and marketing, to ensure the legality of companies and protect them. For example, a drop of Peppermint essential oil in water will not cause you discomfort, but consuming it in large quantities and for long periods of time can seriously harm your body. Everything should be done with limit and caution. Therefore, responsible and serious manufacturers recommend the internal consumption of oils very rarely, if at all, due to the high concentration of chemical compounds in the oils. However, specialist advice and opinion is recommended.
6. ADDING ESSENTIAL OILS TO DRINKING WATER IS A GREAT IDEA
Some people recommend using essential oils in water every day to cleanse the liver or as an effective way to lose weight, etc. This is not a good idea! Oils and water do not mix. The added oil will float to the surface of the water and could cause serious damage to the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat or stomach, leading to temporary irritation or even some long-term negative consequences. Ingesting essential oils is a therapeutic option, requiring the expertise of an aromatherapy specialist and serious preparation of the body beforehand. Most specialists do not recommend internal consumption of essential oils. If you want to read more about this topic, you have a serious article here.
7. UNDILUTED ESSENTIAL OILS WORK BETTER
In fact, applying essential oils directly to the skin without diluting them in a carrier oil is dangerous due to their high concentration. Even mild oils such as Lavender, Tea Tree or Frankincense should only be applied in dilutions with carrier oils or butters (shea, cocoa, mango).
Robert Tisserand sounded the alarm about an increase in sensitivity to oils, indicating that it is good to use them very carefully and as sporadically as possible.
8. THE WHITE PAPER TEST
Some people claim that you can test the purity of essential oils at home by putting a drop of oil on a plain piece of white paper and letting the essential oil sit for a few hours. The story is that if the oily spot disappears and no trace remains, then the oil is probably pure. Fake.
First, some oils are heavier and will automatically leave a residue on the paper. Moreover, adulteration is no longer done as usual, by adding carrier oils to the composition, but by adding certain synthetic substances that cannot be detected by such a simple test.
In conclusion, there is a lot of information about essential oils that is not true, propaganda and stories that have no trace of documented research. I hope this information helps you get to know your oils and use them with confidence.
You can always consult a certified aromatherapist for more information! Keep asking questions and be careful how you choose your information!