Today I got an email about a new “aromatherapy” company that sells “pure” “therapeutic” grade essential oils. I check their website.
Sales Pitch: The company claims that their quality control is so good that their oils have better permeability than any other OE.
Fact: OK. All essential oils are cell active, penetrate blood brain barrier and permeable by nature. The only indication of the quality of any essential oil is Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) test. All reputable EO distillers and vendors put a batch code on their bottles and provide corresponding GC/MS data. So this company is not the only one. But strangely not a member of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. who promotes safe practices for distillation, testing, and application of essential oils.
Sales Pitch: you can take essential oils internally and get healthy
Fact: Stop. It is dishonest to suggest to use EO internally without any professional supervision. EO are chemicals and have to be treated with respect. What about drugs interaction? What about changes to the chemical components during metabolic process? What about underlying causes?
Sales Pitch: Put a drop of Clove or Cinnamon on your hands…
Facts: STOP. The company’s knowledge about essential oils is dangerously limited.
Clove is high in Phenol. Phenols are considered to be the most irritating components to the skin and mucous membranes. Clove essential oil used undiluted (no more than 1% in a carrier oil) can cause dermatitis and sensitization.
Safety warnings for Clove Essential Oil:
- not safe for the skin in a bath.
- should not be diffused or used in an inhaler
- never be used with babies and children
- should be used with caution on those with impaired liver function ( Essential Oil Safety, Robert Tisserand)
- do not use Clove with people who have clotting disorders, as it acts like anticoagulant.
Cinnamon. Not clear what they are selling leaf or bark distillation (they have different properties). Internal and external uses are suggested on the company’s website. They must be joking. Undiluted Cinnamon can cause burning and blistering.
Safety warnings for Cinnamon Essential Oil:
- always dilute 1 drop per 40 mls.
- can cause burning and blistering
- Can cause skin sensitization and contact dermatitis.
- Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing or with children under five.
- can cause eye irritation when diffusing.
If you want quality professional grade oils you can find distributors at NAHA website:
http://www.naha.org/find-an-aromatherapist
Or talk to me. We have many essential oils in our store and can provide GC/MS test results for all of them.
Sincerely,
Marina Lando, MS, Reiki MAster and Teacher, Aromatherapist
