Essential oils are made from herbs, various parts of the plants, sometimes leaves or stems or roots. So it is safe to say that herbs are the basic source of essential oils. Every plant has its own miniscule quantity and quality of essential oils. Large quantities of herbs are needed to produce small amounts of essential oil. Most remarkable is the understanding that the entire quality of the essential oil cannot exceed the quality of the herbs from which it is made. No wonder it is important to seek excellent sources for therapeutic grade essential oil.
The quality of the herbs will suffer if the growing conditions are not ideal and that will affect the quality of the essential oil. If the herbs do not have the quality grown into them from the environmental and geographical conditions it will be impossible to obtain therapeutic grade essential oil from the plants at that location. People will return to the same grower year after year for trusted quality and purity of herbs.
The therapeutic value of essential oils has been known for a long long time. The healing powers of these oils and herbs were used by people long before we had fancy hospitals and trained physicians to provide health services. The herbs were distilled and the best ones produced therapeutic grade essential oils.
Years ago. French scientists identified a need for uniformity and created standards for comparing therapeutic grade essential oils.The International Standards they developed are still in use today.
The analysis of quality goes beyond the normal sensory evaluation for color and clarity. Science supplies technology to grade essential oils. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are two lab tests used to assess the quality and purity of essential oils to determine if they are pure enough to be certified therapeutic grade essential oils.
You can use therapeutic grade essential oils in many ways. You never want to use synthetic or lower grade impure essential oils for therapeutic applications with your clients. They are not likely to have the same results and can have negative complications for your clients. This is true if you are using aromatherapy or massage that includes essential oils.
You will be wise to find and stay with a reputable dealer who works with growers who can provide you with fine quality therapeutic grade essential oils. Dont go wasting your time and money on cheap imitations or diluted lower grade oils. Or your results will be disappointing or worse.
Buying therapeutic grade essential oils online requires more diligence and care. Pay attention to pricing. Work with someone who has prompt delivery and a good reputation. If you have the essential oil and a piece of blotting paper handy. Put a drop on it. When it evaporates, the fine quality essential oil leaves no stain. The lesser grade may have been blended with other carrier oils with impurities and will leave a stain.