Essential Oils

Last updated: 11 Dec 2019  |  2187 Views  | 

Essential Oils

Essential Oils
           Many people are drawn to the essential oils they see on the market; perhaps they enjoy the aroma, or are interested in the benefits of each type of oil. But how many brands truly extract 100% of their ingredients from nature, and produce oils that have no adverse effects on their consumers?

               Although the bottle may read “100% essential oil”, is important for consumers to understand that the product may also include other ingredients. Therefore, while buying essential oils, it is imperative for them to carefully consider each brand.

 

Important things to consider:

 

1. Essential oils are different from perfume. If you are looking to promote health or relieve stress, it is best to avoid bottles labeled as “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil”. These synthetic fragrances have no effect on aromatherapy; however, if you are just looking for the fragrance without these benefits, these perfumes are an acceptable substitute.

 

2. Essential oils should be packaged in dark colored (such as green, blue, or brown) bottles, as their properties can be changed after prolonged exposure to sunlight. If packaged in a clear glass bottle, the fragrance of the oil will be sustained for a shorter period of time, and the benefits of use for medical treatment will decrease.

 

3. Avoid essential oils that are packaged in plastic, as the oils can dissolve through it. However, essential oils that are diluted with water or ethanol may be stored in plastic bottles, as the small amount of essential oils in these products are not enough to dissolve their packaging.

 

4. Essential oils typically cost around 2.5 - 200 baht / cc, or around 50 - 5,000 baht / ounce. Some fragrances, especially flower based ones, such as rose or jasmine, tend to be especially expensive. Be wary of essential oils sold at a much cheaper rate — they may be diluted, or synthetic.

 

5. Essential oils should be stored in a low-temperature environment, such as a refrigerator, outside of sunlight. In this environment, some essential oils such as vanilla or rose, may turn into solids. However, they will revert back to liquids when brought back to room temperature.

 

6. Before use for a massage, essential oils should be diluted with coconut oils or carrier-based oils. Concentrated oils can irritate the skin, and should not be used around sensitive skin, such as around the eyes.

 

7. Some essential oils, such as kaffir lime oil or lemon oil, are sensitive to light. After appliance, these oils also induce your skin to be photosensitive — therefore, users should avoid direct contact with sunlight for four hours after using this type of oil.

 

9. Pregnant women should avoid using these essential oils: Basil oil, Clove oil, Clary sage oil, Marjoram oil, Myrrh, Peppermint oil, Rose oil, Rosemary oil, Thyme oil, and Wintergreen oil. If use cannot be avoided, consult a doctor or seek advice from experts beforehand.

 

10. People with high blood pressure and epilepsy should avoid certain essential oils, such as Rosemary Oil and Clary Sage Oil.

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