Quality of Essential Oils: Choosing the Right Company

The Quality of Essential Oils and Choosing a Supplier

At Amish Heart, we deeply value the quality and authenticity of the essential oils we use in our products. This commitment to excellence is the very heart and foundation of our approach to aromatherapy. This article aims to shed light on how to determine the quality of essential oils and choose a reliable supplier amidst a market often clouded by deceptive practices and misleading marketing.

Understanding Quality: A Historical Perspective

When aromatherapy began gaining popularity in the late 20th century, the market for essential oils was significantly smaller and more focused on practitioner needs, particularly in England. This practitioner-driven market ensured high-quality essential oils. However, as the interest in aromatherapy spread to the retail market, especially in the United States, the number of essential oil suppliers increased dramatically, leading to significant variations in quality.

The Myth of "Therapeutic Grade"

One of the most pervasive marketing terms in the essential oils industry is "therapeutic grade." This term was coined in the 1990s by marketers aiming to differentiate their products. However, it is important to note that there is no regulatory body that certifies or grades essential oils as "therapeutic grade" or any other grade. This term is purely a marketing invention with no scientific or regulatory basis. The FDA, nor any other agency, evaluates, grades, or certifies any essential oil from any company. Therefore, any claims to certifications or grades of a product are false and misleading marketing ploys.

Misleading Certifications and Claims

Many companies claim certifications or approvals from organizations like ISO, AFNOR, or even the FDA. Here’s what you need to know about these claims:

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): ISO standards provide guidelines for the composition of essential oils but do not certify or grade them. These standards ensure consistency in the chemical composition of oils used in industries but do not address therapeutic quality.

• AFNOR (Association française de Normalisation): Similar to ISO, AFNOR provides specifications for essential oil compositions. These standards do not differentiate the therapeutic quality of essential oils.

• GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe): This FDA designation indicates that a substance is considered safe for use in food and cosmetics. It does not imply therapeutic efficacy or purity and is often used misleadingly to suggest higher quality.

Large-Scale Production and Quality Concerns

Large, mass-production essential oil companies face significant challenges in maintaining high levels of quality and purity. To meet large quotas, these companies often mix batches from multiple sources of varying quality, typically sourcing from the lowest-priced suppliers. This practice compromises the integrity of the oils, leading to inconsistencies and potential adulteration. The drive to fulfill high-volume demands makes it nearly impossible to maintain the same level of quality control as smaller, specialized suppliers who can dedicate more attention to the sourcing and processing of their oils.

GC/MS Reports: What They Do and Don’t Tell You

A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) report is a valuable tool for understanding the chemical profile of an essential oil. However, it is not the ultimate determinant of quality. A GC/MS report provides information on the chemical constituents of an essential oil but does not account for the oil's age, the quality of the plant material, or the distillation process.

Qualities to Look for in a Supplier

To ensure you are purchasing high-quality essential oils, consider the following qualities in a supplier:

1. Small Size: Smaller companies often maintain closer relationships with distillers and have better control over their supply chain.
2. Owned by Practitioners: Suppliers owned by aromatherapy practitioners or essential oil specialists often have a deeper understanding of quality requirements.
3. Batch-Specific Reports: Suppliers who provide batch-specific GC/MS reports demonstrate transparency and accountability.
4. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Availability of MSDS indicates a supplier’s commitment to safety and quality.
5. Reputation: A strong, positive reputation in the field, especially among practitioners and educators, is a good indicator of a reliable supplier.
6. Experience: Longevity in the field and recognition by other practitioners and educators can be a sign of a trusted supplier.

Qualities to Look for in Essential Oils

When purchasing essential oils, ensure the following information is provided:

• Common and Latin Names: Knowing the exact genus and species helps ensure you are getting the correct essential oil.
• Country of Origin: The origin can affect the oil’s quality due to climate and soil conditions.
• Part of Plant Processed: Different parts of the plant can yield oils with varying properties.
• Type of Extraction: Whether the oil is distilled or expressed can impact its quality.
• Growing Method: Oils from organically grown or wild-crafted plants are generally of higher quality.
• Chemotype: When relevant, the chemotype should be specified to understand the oil’s chemical composition.

Using Your Senses: Organoleptic Assessment

Your own senses are crucial in assessing the quality of an essential oil. This involves using your sense of smell, taste, touch, sight, and even intuition. Here are some steps to enhance your ability to evaluate essential oils:

1. Strengthen Your Sense of Smell: Become more aware of the aromas in your daily life. Practice smelling different substances and observe their nuances.
2. Engage with Aromatic Plants: Spend time with the plants from which essential oils are derived. This helps build a deeper connection and understanding of the oils.
3. Compare and Contrast: Smell and compare essential oils from different suppliers to identify quality differences. Take time to “listen” to the oils, observing how their aromas evolve.

Conclusion

Determining the quality of essential oils and choosing a reliable supplier requires diligence and awareness. Be wary of misleading marketing terms and certifications. Instead, focus on suppliers who demonstrate transparency, experience, and a commitment to quality. Use your senses and knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring you get the highest quality essential oils for your aromatherapy practice.

Reference: Shutes, Jade. "The Quality of Essential Oils." Printed format, used for several years. No direct internet link available.