Why essential oil quality matters

When I found essential oils 8 years ago, I was called a "Witch Doctor" because no one had heard of them before, lol. I spent hours teaching classes that detailed their importance and potency. Now, there's been a surge of interest in the wellness industry concerning essential oils and their myriad of purported benefits. From stress relief to sleep aid and pain management, these potent botanical extracts have gained widespread acclaim. However, the quality of essential oils varies greatly, and not all are created equal. Unfortunately, the use of low-quality essential oils can result in unforeseen consequences and even potential harm which is why essential oil quality matters so much.

The Significance of Quality

Not unlike the foods we eat or the cosmetics we apply, the quality of essential oils is paramount. High-quality oils are derived through careful and painstaking processes that maintain the integrity of the plants' beneficial compounds. These procedures often involve steam distillation or cold pressing, and they require precise control to prevent damage to the delicate chemical structure of the essential oils.

On the contrary, poor-quality essential oils often use cheap, rapid production methods, such as solvent extraction. These methods can introduce harmful contaminants and adulterants or dilute the potency of the oil, leading to an inferior product that may be detrimental to your health.

Potential Damage from Low-Quality Essential Oils

1. Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: One of the primary risks associated with the use of poor-quality essential oils is skin irritation. This is often due to contaminants, synthetic ingredients, or harsh extraction chemicals lingering in the oil. Users can experience symptoms ranging from redness and itchiness to more severe allergic reactions such as hives or dermatitis.

2. Ingestion Hazards: While some high-quality oils are safe for ingestion in very small amounts, lower quality essential oils can pose significant risks when ingested. Contaminants and adulterants may lead to nausea, vomiting, or even more severe conditions like liver or kidney damage.

3. Respiratory Issues: Inhalation is a common method of using essential oils, but inferior oils can cause respiratory problems. They may trigger allergic reactions in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, they can even exacerbate conditions like asthma.

4. Phototoxicity: Certain low-quality essential oils, especially citrus ones, can cause phototoxic reactions if applied to the skin before sun exposure. This can result in burns, blisters, and severe skin discoloration.

5. Endocrine disruptors - chemicals that can interfere with hormone production or activity in the body. Endocrine disruptors can mimic hormones, causing the body to overreact or underreact to stimuli, or block hormone receptors, preventing the proper action of natural hormones. They can also interfere with the way hormones or receptors are made or controlled, leading to widespread imbalance. Disruption of the endocrine system can have serious health consequences. Depending on the hormones affected, exposure to endocrine disruptors, ex: poor quality essential oils, can lead to:

a. Thyroid Issues: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, and disruptions can lead to issues such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression.

b. Reproductive Health Problems: Hormones play a crucial role in fertility and pregnancy. Endocrine disruptors can cause complications like infertility, menstrual issues, and complications in pregnancy and childbirth.

c. Metabolic Disorders: Hormones help regulate blood sugar and body weight. Their disruption can lead to conditions like diabetes and obesity.

d. Neurological and Behavioral Disorders: Hormones also influence brain development and behavior, meaning disruption can lead to neurodevelopmental issues in children and mental health issues in adults.

Ensuring Quality: What to Look For

The potential damage that poor-quality essential oils can inflict shouldn't deter you from using these potentially beneficial products. Instead, it underscores the importance of carefully sourcing your oils from reputable suppliers. Here are some tips to ensure you're getting a quality product:

1. Look for Latin Names: Quality suppliers will list the Latin name of the plant, indicating they understand the specific species they're distilling.

2. Check for Purity: The ingredients list should include only the plant's botanical material and possibly a base or carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or almond oil. Avoid products that list 'fragrance' or 'perfume' as these are often code for synthetic additives.

3. Avoid 'Too Good to be True' Pricing: Producing a quality essential oil is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Transparency is Key: Reputable companies should be open about their processes, including how their plants are grown, harvested, and distilled.

Essential Oil Quality Matters

Essential oils can provide an array of health and wellness benefits when used appropriately. However, it's crucial to remember that not all oils are created equal. To protect yourself from the potential harm of poor-quality essential oils, always prioritize quality and transparency, and do your research to ensure you're getting a beneficial, not harmful, product. Among numerous brands, one name that consistently stands out is doTERRA. Known for their high-quality essential oils, doTERRA has cemented its reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.

Emphasis on Purity

One of the significant factors that set doTERRA essential oils apart is their commitment to purity. Every bottle of doTERRA oil is 100% pure therapeutic grade, without any fillers, synthetic ingredients, or harmful contaminants that can dilute their effects and compromise your health. This unwavering standard of purity ensures you're getting the full benefits of each plant without any unwanted side effects.

The CPTG Certification

Since there wasn't an industry standard for essential oils, doTERRA developed a proprietary testing process known as CPTG (Certified Pure Tested Grade). Each batch of doTERRA oil undergoes a series of rigorous tests to check for any impurities or adulterants. This includes organoleptic testing, microbial testing, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, FTIR scan (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy), chirality testing, isotopic analysis, and heavy metal testing. This stringent quality control process guarantees that each bottle of essential oil is free from any contaminants and has maintained its unique chemical composition during the distillation process.

Ethical Sourcing

doTERRA’s commitment to quality extends to the sourcing of their raw materials. The company’s Co-Impact Sourcing initiative ensures not only the optimal potency and purity of their oils but also promotes ethical trade practices. doTERRA sources its oils from over 40 countries, more than half of which could be considered developing nations. Through direct partnerships with the local farmers and distillers in these regions, doTERRA supports sustainable farming practices and provides fair, timely payments to its suppliers.

Innovation and Education

doTERRA’s dedication to innovation and education further sets them apart. The company continuously invests in research to improve its essential oils and develop new, innovative products. They also focus on educating their customers and distributors about the safe and effective use of essential oils, ensuring everyone can experience their benefits to the fullest extent.

Transparency

Transparency is a crucial factor in the essential oils industry, and doTERRA excels in this area. They provide an extensive amount of information about their sourcing practices, testing procedures, and the chemical composition of their oils. Customers can access Source To You, a website provided by doTERRA, to learn about the origins of their oils and see the GC/MS test results for their oils by typing in the unique quality ID found on the bottom of each bottle.

While the market of essential oils might seem overwhelming at times, companies like doTERRA make the decision process easier by prioritizing quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing. Whether you're seeking essential oils for relaxation, invigoration, or general wellness, doTERRA's commitment to producing the highest quality oils offers a choice you can feel confident in.

If you would like more information on how to get these oils with a great team that is passionate about supporting one another, give us an email so we can get you connected!