Therapeutic and pure essential oils defined
By Wayne Gendel

Essential Oils can be used for:

1. Inhalation – through the nostrils direct from the bottle or diffused into the air
2. Topically for massage – please dilute with carrier oil!
3. Orally – diluted by water or juice, only with health practitioner guidance!

Therapeutic Essential Oils Are Very Different From "Pure" Essential Oils. A pure essential oil is one that does not contain added chemicals or additives of any kind, including vegetable oils. A pure essential oil has nothing added to it.

What to look for in a Therapeutic Essential Oil

• Are the oils from the first distillation?
Some plants are distilled 8 times. Our essential oils are pure essential oils released during the first distillation. Our Ylang Ylang Extra is an example of our quality. Most oil companies use level 3 oil. The word Extra means it is the top 1/3 of the first distillation.

• Is anything added to the oil after distillation?
Most producers extend the oils by simply adding alcohol, propylene glycol, or acetate to the distilled essential oil, and they do NOT list this on the bottle! Our oils are not chemically altered or changed by additives. We believe products used on the body should be void of harmful chemicals. Using oil that is impure for therapeutic purpose can cause severe reactions! Even oils that are not organic and have pesticides in them can cause harmful reactions!

WARNING SIGNS OF POOR QUALITY OILS

1. If all of the oils are the same, or similar cost. Therapeutic Essential Oils should vary a great deal in cost. This is because it can take a large amount of raw plant material to create an ounce of therapeutic oil. Some are very rare and can take many pounds to create just a few ounces! It’s a wonder they are even the price they are!

2. Ignore the term "Grade A". This is NOT a reliable way to measure oils! This is only the United States term.

3. If chemical additives are used. Chemical additives can DESTROY the therapeutic properties of essential oils and be very harmful if ingested, or used topically for perfume, massage or therapeutic uses.

4. Folded oils - The term folded refers to oils that have been redistilled several times to remove constituents, with the aim of changing the scent of the oil for use in the food and drug industry. However, therapeutic qualities are important, and folded oils are not acceptable for use in aromatherapy.

5. Synthetic oils - Synthetic fragrances are produced by blending chemicals derived mainly from coal tar. They are not suitable for Aromatherapy, and are sold at a fraction of the cost of true therapeutic quality oils. Comparing the price of a synthetic oil to natural is totally inaccurate.

7. Watch for tricky terms, such as "aromatherapy quality".

8. Compare smelling high quality oils to regular store bought brands. You will soon see the difference!

9. AFNOR certification is NOT a sign of quality oil

Forever Healthy only distributes Aromatherapist quality oils! They are guaranteed therapeutic grade! Species specific, date batched organic or wild crafted! NO chemicals or pesticides. True Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils

A few of the naturally occurring chemical constituents found in essential oils include

1. Flavonoids, which increase blood flow and cellular oxygenation
2. Terpenes, which help detoxify the body; phenols, which are antibacterial and antiseptic
3. Ketones, which stimulate cell and tissue regeneration. Over 200 have been identified.

Their unique molecular structure gives essential oils the ability to penetrate cell walls to transport oxygen, nutrients, and the above mentioned chemical constituents, and so much more. Chemical additives fracture the molecular structure of essential oils, altering their chemical constituents, destroying their therapeutic properties. One of the causes of disease is the inability of nutrients to penetrate the cell walls. By penetrating the cell walls, pure essential oils transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells -nourishing, cleansing, detoxifying, increasing blood circulation, mobilizing the body's own self-healing powers.

ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be very helpful if used carefully. The following are basic guidelines and it is best to consult a trained aromatherapy practitioner if you are in doubt regarding the proper use of essential oils

• Read and follow label instructions and warnings.
• Do NOT ingest essential oils without consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucus membranes. Flush with olive oil in case of contact. DO NOT flush with water.
• Do NOT apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. There are exceptions to this precaution, such as Tea Tree Oil or Lavender Oil, but the decision to apply undiluted oils should be made by experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners.
• Do NOT use essential oils straight in bathwater. They just float on top and can irritate skin. Water forces oils deeper into the tissues. For best results, dilute the Essential Oil in unscented body gel or shampoo and then add to the bathwater. We suggest Refresh Shower Gel or Ultimate Shampoo, available from Extra Essentials.
• If you have ANY medical condition or are pregnant or nursing, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
• Fennel, hyssop, rosemary, and all types of sage oils should not be used by people with high blood pressure.
• A skin patch test should be conducted on a small skin area to determine skin sensitivity prior to using oil for the first time.
o To do this, place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a band-aid. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should be taken.
• Avoid strong sunlight or sun beds after topically applying essential oils, particularly citrus oils, which can be photosensitive.
• If you experience redness, itching, swelling burning or irritation while using essential oils, discontinue use.
• Take a periodic break from using essential oils. Use oils for six days and then rest for a day, or use oils for three weeks and then rest a week.
• Avoid applying essential oils immediately after perspiring or using a sauna.
• Store essential oils away from extreme cold, heat, light, dampness, magnets and electromagnetic frequencies.
• Be sure your essential oils are tightly closed.
• Keep essential oils away from children.
• Always consult a certified Aromatherapist as Essential oils are not meant to take the place of a qualified practitioner. Especially for children!
• Essential Oils are flammable. Do not drop essential oils on top of burning candles or place them near open flames.

By Wayne Gendel