Beneficial oils found in plants are attracting a lot of attention these days as aromatherapy and natural body care products are becoming big business. As always when there is a lot of money at stake, however, the industry attracts some who market inferior products. Choosing organic and wildcrafted essential oils from a company with a proven track record can help consumers be sure that they are getting a high-quality product. When emotional, mental, and physical health may depend on it, taking care in this area is obviously a priority.
An essential oil is a volatile compound that gives a plant a distinctive odor, flavor, or property. The aromatic components can be taken from stem, leaf, blossom, root, or bark, depending on the plant. A volatile oil readily turns to vapor at room temperature. This is the reason for the fragrance of the rose or of the sprig of lavender. This oil may be a natural way to attract pollinators or repel insects and animals that would feed on the plant.
As with any supplement, essential oil should be pure, not damaged by harvesting or production, and free of any chemical taint. This is where 'organic' comes in. A plant grown without chemical fertilizers, without pesticides or herbicides, and on enriched soil will have all the inherent benefits of that plant - and without chemical contamination. Careful extraction of small batches of oil, without the use of heat or chemical solvents, can provide an undamaged product to consumers.
The fragile plant essences can also be damaged by improper handling. Light can damage expressed oil; this is why most essential oil is sold in dark glass bottles. The harvested plant material must be processed quickly and protected from heat and light throughout the process. Storage must be in cool areas away from direct sunlight. A reputable manufacturer will follow all the right procedures.
'Wildcrafted' simply means harvested from the wild. This, of course, is not always a positive if the product comes from a rare plant. However, many companies own their own source lands, where the populations of native plants can be monitored. Other plants may be cultivated in conditions that carefully replicate the native habitat. Producers thereby have control over both harvesting and delivery to the processing plant.
Expert handling is required from start to finish. Some herbs are harvested before the sun gets hot, while others are most potent in early afternoon. Some are most beneficial in the spring, while others have valuable roots that are best dug in the fall. Weather, country of origin, and season all may be important.
Most companies that go to the trouble and expense of achieving an organic certification care deeply about giving their customers the very best products on the market. Most that exploit the wild habitats care about their viability and preservation. Consumers who determine to support only companies that follow good manufacturing practices help to protect both the planet and the industry.
Volatile oils can enhance the quality of life by making our surroundings pleasant, keeping insects at bay, and freshening everything from bedding to laundry. They can also help promote serenity, ease of breathing, sound sleep, mental alertness, and more. Only the highest quality products should be used in such intimate ways.
An essential oil is a volatile compound that gives a plant a distinctive odor, flavor, or property. The aromatic components can be taken from stem, leaf, blossom, root, or bark, depending on the plant. A volatile oil readily turns to vapor at room temperature. This is the reason for the fragrance of the rose or of the sprig of lavender. This oil may be a natural way to attract pollinators or repel insects and animals that would feed on the plant.
As with any supplement, essential oil should be pure, not damaged by harvesting or production, and free of any chemical taint. This is where 'organic' comes in. A plant grown without chemical fertilizers, without pesticides or herbicides, and on enriched soil will have all the inherent benefits of that plant - and without chemical contamination. Careful extraction of small batches of oil, without the use of heat or chemical solvents, can provide an undamaged product to consumers.
The fragile plant essences can also be damaged by improper handling. Light can damage expressed oil; this is why most essential oil is sold in dark glass bottles. The harvested plant material must be processed quickly and protected from heat and light throughout the process. Storage must be in cool areas away from direct sunlight. A reputable manufacturer will follow all the right procedures.
'Wildcrafted' simply means harvested from the wild. This, of course, is not always a positive if the product comes from a rare plant. However, many companies own their own source lands, where the populations of native plants can be monitored. Other plants may be cultivated in conditions that carefully replicate the native habitat. Producers thereby have control over both harvesting and delivery to the processing plant.
Expert handling is required from start to finish. Some herbs are harvested before the sun gets hot, while others are most potent in early afternoon. Some are most beneficial in the spring, while others have valuable roots that are best dug in the fall. Weather, country of origin, and season all may be important.
Most companies that go to the trouble and expense of achieving an organic certification care deeply about giving their customers the very best products on the market. Most that exploit the wild habitats care about their viability and preservation. Consumers who determine to support only companies that follow good manufacturing practices help to protect both the planet and the industry.
Volatile oils can enhance the quality of life by making our surroundings pleasant, keeping insects at bay, and freshening everything from bedding to laundry. They can also help promote serenity, ease of breathing, sound sleep, mental alertness, and more. Only the highest quality products should be used in such intimate ways.
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You can find a summary of the reasons why you should use organic and wildcrafted essential oils at http://www.naturalassortments.com right now.
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