You Shouldn't Be Having Dry, Tight Skin After Your Shower.

We've all experienced that dry, tight feeling on our skin after a shower and we've come to associate it with being clean. Your skin is NOT clean, its dry. Skin feeling dry after a shower probably means your shower gel contains parabens and sulphates. These have been known to dehydrate skin. Parabens are a variety of commonly used preservatives in personal care products and sulphates help make cleaning agents frothy. While the jury is still out on whether they are harmful to health, there is little doubt they can be harsh on skin.

Parabens and sulphates often strip skin of oils. While this may seem like a good idea, that oily layer (good oils) is necessary for skin hydration and health. Within that thin oily layer resides many good bacteria. They protect skin against external bacteria and forms part of its protective layer.

Due to this protective layer being removed (resulting in that dry, tight feeling after a shower) many of us apply moisturiser to rehydrate skin. That stops skin from temporarily feeling dry but that protective layer is missing and skin's pH becomes imbalanced. All this serves to weaken skin over time, making it more susceptible to wrinkles, age spots, scarring and ineffective healing.

The alternative is to shower in botanical formulas made without parabens, sulphates or fragrances. There are a few on the market and they are excellent choices for sustainable skin health. The shift towards these much better cleansing options have been slow for two reasons. Firstly, they seem more expensive at first glance. However, many organic formulas have low water content. This means you will need less shower gel to have a shower. This is also better for the environment as fewer plastic bottles are used. We've estimated that organic shower gels are only about 8% more expensive per shower and reduce carbon footprint by 30%.

d'Organica's™ research department recently (Jan, 2016) conducted an experiment with 82 participants (mainly women) who use moisturiser after a shower. They found that 68% of participants, after using a chemical-free shower gel (d'Organica™ Revitalising Shower Gel), said that they no longer felt they needed to moisturise after their shower. 18% said they would moisturise anyway out of habit and only 15% said their skin still needed moisturising.

We conclude from this experiment that many commonly used bath gels, overly dry skin and the subsequent use of moisturiser is often unnecessary. It's a cycle of over consumption that we don't need. This can be seen with hair care products too - the amount of conditioner used can be severely reduced if shampoos were less harsh on hair.

Let's review the purpose of using shower gel to begin with  - It is to clean. So, does organic, paraben, sulphate-free shower gels clean skin throughly. Yes! It does. Instead of using abrasion to strip skin of dirt, grime and odour, chemical-free shower gels use ionisation technology. The compounds in the gels attract dirt and odour. It sticks to the shower gel compounds  and it gets washed away when you rinse. It's micro smart chemistry.
_________________

Read our previous blog on our "over consumption of personal care". Become aware that organic formulas are not just a luxury item or a passing phase. With growing numbers of people with skin sensitivities and diseases, knowing what you put on your skin and what you cleanse with is vital for sustainable skin health.

brought to you by www.dorganica.net

Current Scent Marketing Systems Are Not Quite Working. Send in the flowers ...

What's the function of scent marketing? Some companies simply want to scent a space to capture a brand identity. If this is the case, then the common methods of scenting using fragrance oils will suffice. However, there is a growing trend for office and commercial indoor spaces to extract a neurological and environmental change from their scenting systems.

Office spaces are now pumping their a/c system or using portable
units to create air which is powerful enough to kill germs, motivate
staff to be alert and smell fresh and clean. 

The traditional method of using synthetic, fragrance oil systems can't do this. Fragrance oils are an easy and cheap option, which have made them a popular choice for commercial entities. Advance-thinking companies are acknowledging that aromatherapy-based methods of scenting, have ways of increasing the bottom-line which may not seem obvious at first. Here are some reasons which have led HR, sales, operations and housekeeping departments to value essential oil based scenting systems.

Oils burners heated by a candle are
the most common and affordable
 way to diffuse both essential and
fragrance oils in a small space.

Some reasons for the trend heading towards multi-purpose scenting systems

MARKETING
1) To change behavior
Essential oils will change the neurology of customers. For example, it may be used to relax patients at a dentist office or it may be used to make clients feel a sense of trust at the point of sale.
2) To recall a feeling or memory
A new trend is for real estate brokers to scent a home for sale with spice oils, like cinnamon or to create a feeling of warmth and homeliness. Synthetic fragrance oils are unable to create this physiological and psychological change.

FUNCTIONAL

Many offices are now
opting to deodorise their
fresh air straved spaces,
with portable essential
oil diffuser units. Yup! Body
odour is a problem in
male dominated offices.

1) To deodorise their indoor space organically
Essential oils kill odour causing bacteria. Odours may be biological (food, body odour) or non-biological (cigarettes, care fumes). They also add fresh scents to the air.

2) To uplift stale air in a space that is always enclosed.
Essential oils will ionise air. This means adding (-) ions to create fresh air.

3) Kill airborne bacteria due to high incidence of sick days.
Essential oils when diffused into the air, kill almost all bacteria and viruses it comes into contact with.

4) As a pest repellent in spaces where there is food being served.
Certain essential oils are pest repellents. Even if the mist falls onto food or drink, they are completely safe to ingest. Fragrance oils are synthetic and unsafe for consumption.

Many offices are no longer
discounting the high-tech
multi-purpose use of
diffusing essential oils
commercially in their
work spaces. 

Homes, offices and commercial entities, which want to create a client / consumer behavioural change will need to seek systems which are aromatherapy based. It works only one way - using REAL, essential / spice oils.

There are many methods of diffusion - fanning, evaporation, ionizing, spritzing. They all work to some degree, but the best method will depend on the size of the space, your budget, the availability of a power socket and the duration you intend to scent a space. (We will leave this for discussion on another blog post.)

Scenting utilising essential oils can be expensive, require speciality machines and will probably require a consultant to help you set it up properly. It may seems like a hassle in the beginning, but in the long run ...

• It can improve employee health
• There will be fewer negative comments about the scent
• Fewer people will have allergies from it
• It will detox and deodorise as it scents 
• The ionizing effect on the space is priceless

The effect is not tangible on paper. In fact trying to write the experience to you will not do it justice. But, when you feel the difference of a space scented using fragrance oils vs essential oils, you can immediately feel the difference. The difference is so powerfully obvious that you will probably never use fragrance oils again.

fragrance oils  = synthetic oils

essential oils = real botanical compounds

Fragrance Oils

Pros

Cheaper.

• Many machines can diffuse.

Cons

• Synthetic, so may cause headaches.

• No therapeutic benefit.

Essential Oils

Pros

• Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, deodorising effect. 

• Health benefits.

Cons

• Can be more expensive depending onthe choice of oil and diffusion method.

• Can be difficult to diffuse properly; not all machines can diffuse essential oils.

Want to discover the unique scenting system that is able to diffuse REAL essential oils in a commercial capacity. It's more affordable and easier than you think. Packages starting from SGD$960. Visit Thoth™ by The Little Essentials organic solutions company at www.thelittleessentials.com or click on the logo below to find out about our commercial grade machines for homes and offices.

You're addicted to your personal care products. Wanna know why? Marketing companies' tricks to get you stuck in the cycle of consumption.

You really don't need that many personal care products. Yet, we seem to have so many. Find out from this quick read diagram on why you're probably trapped in a product consumption cycle.

Shop d'Organica

We need a personal care revolution : The shampoo example

d'Organica™

It's shocking how many ingredients in shampoo and shower gels are chemical compounds which, can be toxic to skin. Let's use the example of a shampoo found in a pharmacy or supermarket. They will cost between SGD$8 - $15 for 250ml - 500ml. The big players being Loreal, Dove, Pantene, Herbal Essences, just to name a few. I completely agree, they are affordable. They have been manufactured to be cost effective, but not necessarily good for long term beauty care.

Lets use Pantene to illustrate this example. Remember their famous ads which demonstrate that after using their shampoo, it will create immediately silky hair. There's a reason for this. One of it's top 5 ingredients is silicone. Silicone is a fantastic ingredient to use in conditioner - on the surface anyway.

When a conditioner with high levels of silicone is applied to hair, it coats hairs with thin layers of silicone, sealing down damaged hair. This reduces the appearance of fly-away hairs and makes hair appear shiny for about a day.

Here's the catch - because it has sealed down the hair with the sticky silicone substance, it also prevents the hair from repairing itself and rehydrating. Any leave-on conditioners and hair oils don't have a chance to penetrate the hair to repair it. This means that over time, your hair will get more and more dry. Brittle hair and split ends will most likely follow.

That's not all it does. Silicone coated hair also reduce the amount of hair colouring that gets absorbed into your hair. Colourist either have to increase peroxide percentage to force the hair colour to take, or you're left with colouring that's not quite as vibrant as it should be.  

Here's the best part - because your hair is now dry, you have started on the cycle of consumption. You need to buy product to hydrate hair, you need to buy product to make it appear shiny and in a further burst of irony, you need to buy product to detox your hair of chemical residue.

There is a solution, but it may not be the one you want to hear - there is no instant fix. The reality is that your hair is now dependent on silicone based conditioner and it's not been in a natural state for some time. When you do shift to a silicone-free hair care system, your hair will either appear oily or dry and for a weak or two. Yes! We're here to tell you the truth.

If you push on after those two weeks, your hair will start becoming naturally hydrated and shiny - believe it because it's true! The hair shaft will secrete the right amount of oil for your hair and your natural hair quality will start reemerging. It's absolutely inspiring how nature works. The reality is, you're designed to be beautiful. Give nature a chance to prove it! Use 100% natural. Use 100% organic.

by Dianne Little
thelittleessentials@gmail.com

d'Organica™ is the new skin doctor

d'Organica™ is the new skin doctor

We're created a range which rebalances sensitive and damaged skin so normal cell generation can take place. We know you are naturally beautiful and this range will show it.

Why Argan is fantastic for wrinkled and acne prone skin.

About Our Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa) 

Argan is a perfect night cream.
It balances sebum and
naturally exfoliates skin
which you sleep.
Buy Pure Cert. Org Argan here. 

It is a yellowish liquid with medium viscosity. It does not have a distinctive odour, so won’t clash with perfume or fragrance.

From: Morocco (only natively grown in Morocco)

Method of distillation: Cold-pressed

Certification: Australian Certified Organic (ACO)

Quality: First Distillation / Therapeutic Grade (highest possible quality)

100% Pure, Unadulterated, Undiluted Carrier Oil

Chemical, Pesticide, Paraben Free

Buy Australian Certified Organic Argan Oil Here.

Use Coupon Code : Q244087E6 and get 20% off your Argan Oil and Free Delivery Within Singapore. S$10 delivery to India and Australia.

What is Argan Oil?

It is the essence of the argan tree. Only the oil from the nuts are used. Each batch of nuts is manually ground and pressed by hand.

Absolutely no heat is used to extract the oils. It takes about 12 man hours to produce just 1 litre of our premium argan oil. That’s how precious our argan oil is. 

Argan oil extracted from roasted nutsis used as salad dressing in the middleeast. Unroasted argan oil, which is cold-pressed is the right kind for skin care. Buy great quality argan for skin here.

Why Our Oils Are Offered Only In Small Volume Sizes?

15ml - You only need very small quantities of our oils for it to be effective. This size should last you 2 months.

Other oils may appear to be cheaper, but you need to use more of it and they are riddled with chemicals and pesticides. Completely unsafe for topical application. In the natural skin care industry, you really do get what you pay for.

Main Active Ingredients in Argan Oil

Oleic acid (43-50%), linoleic acid (29.3-37%), palmitric acid (10-15%), strearic acid (4.3-7.2%) and others.

What Do They Do?

The body cannot make any of the unsaturated essential fatty acids (UEFA) listed above. Yet they are vital to healthy skin.

High in anti-oxidants, vital for cell reproduction and health.

What Does That Mean For Your Skin?

Regulates sebum - this is why is it great for both oily and dry skin and combats acne.

Argan is high in UEFA, it is instrumental in cell nutrition, health, reproduction and elimination of waste. This means that skin will be bright, fresh, plump and heal quickly without scaring.

How Is It Currently Being Used In The Skin Care Industry?

• It is popularly used in hair care products.
• However, The Little Essentials’ Argan Oil is pure, organic and therapeutic grade. Perfect for skin! It cannot be stressed just how nourishing argan oil is to the skin. We call it SKIN SUPERFOOD!
• Great for wrinkles, dry skin/hair, eczema, oily or dry skin and brittle nails.
• Argan can be used by anyone (except those with nut allergies), on any part of the body and even on sensitive skin. It is the perfect serum for sexy, youthful, pump skin.
• Our argan is pure, unadulterated, Australian Certified Organic and cold-pressed. It is the best possible quality you can find on the market.
• How To Use On Your Face
• Direct application highly recommended.
• Ditch your face cream altogether and replace it with argan. Just a little will do. Simply fantastic!

How To Use On Your Body

Ditch your body moisturiser for argan. It doesn’t leave an oily residue but leaves a silky sheen on the skin. If this is too pricy an option, try applying it to extra-dry areas like your knees, elbows, feet and hands. 

How To Use On Hair

Direct application :

i) Use as a hair mask or leave-in conditioner. 3-4 pumps for a hair mask and rinse. Or just 1 pump as a leave-in conditioner.

ii) Rub 0.5 pumps in the palm of your hands and gentle fluff through your hair. Then pat down the ends. It will tame fly-away hairs and add a natural sheen.

To Condition :

We don’t recommend using argan in shampoo as argan does its best work on the hair itself. Not recommended for people with flat oily hair.

Other Uses Of Argan Oil.

Hot bath - Add 4 pumps to a bath. It will leave a natural glow to your skin.

Eczema - It is not known why eczema occurs. However, argan can treat the symptoms. Gently rub into infected areas. Even if your skin has cracked and is weeping, argan can still be applied. It contains no chemicals or steriods. It is safe to use on children with eczema.

Warning - Argan is a nut oil. It is not suitable for people with nut allergies.

After using our premium quality argan oil, you may be tempted to never use moisturiser or conditioner again - Try it today! 

The Science Behind Argan’s Efficacy

According to the Argan Oil Society (www.arganoilsociety.org), Argan oil is able to treat hair, skin, nails, stretch marks and various dermatological conditions due to the presence of essential unsaturated fatty acids like sterols, polyphenols, ferulic acid, linoleic acid and Vitamin E. 

Essential unsaturated fatty acids are important to the human body as they are vital for repairing cell membranes. However, they cannot be synthesised by the body, so they have to be ingested or topically applied. The extra benefit here is that while 80% of Argan oil is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, these fatty acids are extremely high in anti-oxidant properties.

Essential unsaturated fatty acids are also instrumental in obtaining optimum nutrition for cells as well as in excreting harmful waste materials. They also regulate sebum and assist in the formation of prostaglandins. These essential fatty acids are vital for the regulation and maintenance of healthy skin and prevention of premature aging.

Argan's Fatty Acid Profile

Palmitic Acid : 10-15%   Strearic Acid : 4.3-7.2%   Oleic Acid : 43-50%   Linoleic Acid : 29.3-37%

Enter here to discover the function these fatty acids have on your skin. Once you discover just how effective they are, you'll never use synthetic creams again.

* Each batch of the oils we get will be different from the next, so the percentage mix of each compound will be different. The reason being is that this is a completely natural product, with no added ingredients, synthetic or otherwise. The chemical make up of the tree will vary according to soil, rainfall and other weather related conditions. Whatever is distilled from the plant, flower or nut is, refined if necessary, then bottled. Indicated above is the average range in which the active ingredients of our essential oil falls into.) 

 

** If you would like an exact breakdown of the compounds found in the particular bottle you purchased from us. Feel free to email us at enquiries@thelittleessentials.com with your name, the name of the oil, the batch number and the order number you got when you purchased from us. We will be delighted to email the information to you.

Buy Australian Certified Organic Argan Oil Here.

Use Coupon Code : Q244087E6 and get 20% off your Argan Oil and Free Delivery Within Singapore. S$10 delivery to India and Australia.

How To Choose & Use Essential Oils For Aroma

How To Diffuse Essential Oils In A Vaporiser 

Essential Oils not only smell great
and have health benefits,they also
give a room an atmosphere.

There are many kinds of vaporisers. We are only mentioning the methods that we recommend for our fine quality essential oils. Our oils are premium grade, pure 100% certified organic oils. They must be used sparingly as they are extremely potent and concentrated. A little goes a long way.

Electric or Candle

Fill the diffuser with water and turn on the power or light the candle. Let the water warm for a few minutes, then add 3-4 drops of the required oil. It should last 3-4 hours.

Bowl of Water

If a diffuser is not handy. You can add 3-4 drops of oil to a wide brimmed small bowl of water. It will have the same diffusion effect except that it will diffuse for only 1-2 hours.

Choosing the right essential oil for aroma

Choosing For Emotions

Essential oils have neurological effects. The chemical compound of an essential oil will be absorbed through the capillaries in nose when inhaled and absorbed into the blood steam where it passes the blood brain barrier and changes the neurology of the brain. So, if you want to change your physiological or emotional state, you need to know what the dominant chemical compound of the essential oil. This will tell you the effect it will have you.

Choosing For Scent 

Choosing the right essential oil for aroma alone, will in many ways depend on if you like it. Whether you like it, will in part depend on how it makes you feel. Please see Choosing Essential Oils For Emotions above to find out more about this.

However, choosing how long an aroma will last and what you will smell when an essential oil is heated and infused into the air will require you to understand the rate of evaporation of the oil a.k.a base notes.

Essential Oils with Top Notes : The oils in this category are those that evaporate the most quickly and the ones you experience first when an essential oil blend in diffused. The aromas of these notes are crisp and sharp. 

Mandarin	sweet, floral, orange-like
Geranium	floral, sweet
Lavender	floral, fresh, sweet, herbaceous
Ylang Ylang	floral, rich, sweet
Lemongrass	Fresh, lemon, sweet
Eucalyptus	citrus, fresh

Middle Notes : The oils in this category make up the 'heart' of what you smell.

Lemongrass	Fresh, lemon, sweet
Mandarin	Sweet, floral, orange-like
Lavender	floral, fresh, sweet, herbaceous

Base Notes :These oils have a very slow evaporation rate and extend the the amount of time the essential oil remains on the skin or in the air. Your nose will generally become aware of these aromas upon dry-down (in a vaporiser) or about 20 min after applied to the skin.

Frankincense	Woody, sweet

So, essential oils that are in the top note category will diffuse throughout a room quickly. You will be able to smell in throughout the room almost as soon as the water in the vaporiser heats. Essential oils in the middle note category last the longest in a vaporiser. So, Lavender and Lemongrass will probably last in the diffuser for 3-4 hours or as long as the water in the vaporiser is still heating. Frankincense which have a strong base note, may not be noticed too quickly upon heating, but it will continue to diffuse throughout the room long after the water in the vaporiser has dried up.

Between, an essential oil's heath effects and its aroma, there is a perfect essential oil for everyone. For everyday use, we recommend Lemongrass (it lasts long while being uplifting) and Lavender (it lasts long while being relaxing).  

Click on the essential oil of your choice to buy premium 100% pure essential oils

HOW I USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN MY DAY by Dianne Little

HELLO,

When I first starting using essential oils, I found it complicated and confusing. I soon reaslied that this was because many retailers bombarded me with an overwhelming amount of information about what essential oils can do. Frankly, I got lost in that sea of information.

While I am in awe of the flexibility of essential oils, when you distill all that information down, certain oils with certain grades and more suited for certain things. So, the information on this website is primarily targeted for skincare and topical application. The reason being is that our products are all therapeutic grade. This means that they have strong remedial and healing properties. Our products are also 100% certified organic. This means that they are pesticide and chemical free.

Put this all together and you get a premium product which is safe (please see disclaimer) and effective for skincare and topical application. It would be a waste to use such premium products in your household cleaners or in a diffuser for scent purposes. So, we've kept it simple - providing information on essential oils for skin radiance because that's what the quality of our oils are designed for.

Your skin is the external representation of you. At The Little Essentials we want to invite you to take care of your skin the best way you can with the best natural skincare you can find.  

I personally use all of the pure essential oils in our range. After all, if I don't use or believe in the quality of my product, why should I expect you too. I wanted to share with you how I personally use essential oils in my day. Perhaps it may give you some inspiration into how to use it in yours.

Also I would like to know how you use The Little Essentials essential oils in your day. I'd love to hear from you via Facebook, Twitter or send me a personal email on dianne@thelittleessentials.com.

Warm Regards,

Dianne Little

CEO & Marketing Director

The Little Essential Pte Ltd

The following is an example of how I use essential oils in my day : 

	WEEKDAY	WEEKEND
Diffuser	In my car : I reuse Glade car freshners (the kind that comes in a bottle and clips onto your air-con vent). I wash out the wick and bottle and fill the bottle with lemongrass oil. It's a fresh and uplfting scent.	3-4 drops of lemongrass oil into a diffuser. It makes my bathroom smell like a spa.
Skin	Day : Eucalyptus spray under my arms. It kills odour causing bacteria which deodarants do not do. However, I use an anti-perspirant after it dries to reduce sweat as essential oils do not help with this. Night : Replace moisturiser with rosehip	Day: Use a lemongrass spray on my legs. I'm prone to insect bites. Eucalptus works too but doesn't smell as great. Night : Replace moisturiser with Argan
Hair	Argan on my tips to prevents fly-away hairs and repair split ends. I use a tea tree hair spray to give my hair a nice scent.	In the Pool : I rub rosehip onto my hair to seal the shaft. It prevents chlorine from entering into it and drying it out. Rosehip is a dry oil so it won't disappate into the pool
Face	Day - Tea tree spray as a face toner. I suffer from acne and tea tree is toxic to bacteria found in acne.	Night - I use 1 pump of argan under my eyes, my face and neck. I do not own night cream. Although I'm prone to acne. Argan oil has actually reduced my acne.

CLICK HERE FOR SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO USE  ESSENTIAL OILS

Organic Paraben, Fragrance and Sulphate Free Bath Supplies

A premium organic bath range without chemicals and fragrances.
Safe for the elderly, children over 6 months, people with sensitive skin and those suffering from eczema.

The Little Essentials Bath Range is designed to provide your skin with premium hydration and protection without chemicals or fragrances which could irritate skin. We've removed anything unhealthy for skin to maintain skin's natural oils and PH balance.

THIS IS A PREMIUM RANGE DESIGNED USING AUSTRALIAN FORMULATIONS AND SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND CHILDREN OVER 6 MONTHS. 

Bath Gel, Aloe Gel, Day Cream, Body Butters, Body Mist, Shampoo, Conditioner ... etc. Free delivery within Singapore. 

Buy Organic Paraben, Fragrance and Sulphate Free BATH SUPPLIES here

Aroma Oils vs Essential Oils - Know What The Labels Mean Before You Buy

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ESSENTIAL OIL GRADES

WARNING! USING LOW GRADE OR SYNTHETIC OILS ON YOUR SKIN CAN BE HARMFUL. USE ONLY CERTIFIED ORGANIC, PREMIUM GRADE OILS.

CLICK HERE TO  FIND OUT WHICH ESSENTIAL OIL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR SKIN.

NATURAL vs SYNTHETIC

Essential Oils = Natural

Fragrance Oils = Synthetic

Synthetic oils mimic the aroma of essential oils. Although cheaper they have absolutely no therapeutic benefit on the skin. This is because fragrance oils are synthetic versions with different structures and the body does not absorb them like natural molecules. In fact, synthetic oils can be harmful when applied to the skin causing irritation and rash.

Essential oil prices can fluctuate greatly because of crop conditions. For this reason some are reasonably priced while others seem excessive. Fragrance oils are cheaper and can be purchased in unlimited quantities because they do not depend on a crop harvest. A few essential oils are less expensive than their synthetically produced counterparts such as lemon, orange, pine and some lavender but they are also more volatile.

As its name suggest, fragrance oils only smell good. They will offer absolutely no therapeutic benefit.

So how can you tell if you’ve got the real thing?

• Some people are genetically able to smell the difference.
• If you are not one of these people – do the oil drop test. A drop of natural essential oil on paper will evaporate without leaving an oily residue.

GRADES of ESSENTIAL OILS

There are 4 Grades of Essential Oils

Grade A essential oils are pure and therapeutic quality. They are usually made from organically grown plants distilled at the proper temperatures using steam distillation

Environmental factors (where the plant is grown, soil type, fertiliser (organic vs. chemical), altitude, etc.) and physical factors (how and when the plant is harvested, distilled and bottled) also determine if an essential oil is of therapeutic quality.

• Grade B essential oils are food grade. They may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilisers, chemical/synthetic extenders, or carrier oils.

• Grade C oils are perfume grade and may contain the same type of adulterating chemicals as food grade oils.

• Floral Water is a byproduct of the distillation process. It can be very high quality if it comes from a Grade A distillation process. Accordingly, a very low quality if it comes from poor quality raw materials and/or poor distillation processes. It is usually found in skin and hair products. This grade has no therapeutic qualities.

Some Evidence The Quality Of Essential Oils Makes A Difference

Not all essential oils are the same. A randomised, double-blind trial of essential oils from two different species of lavender, topically applied on post-cardiotomy patients revealed that the quality of the oil is an important factor in determining the efficacy of its use.

28 patients were randomly selected to receive aromatherapy massage with one of the two essential oils on two consecutive days, and their emotional and behavioural stress levels were evaluated both before and after the treatment.

The results revealed that the therapeutic effects of the two lavenders were clearly different; one was almost twice as effective as the other, thereby disproving the hypothesis that aromatherapy, using topical application of essential oils, is effective purely because of touch, massage or placebo.

[Source: Buckle J. Nurs Times (ENGLAND) May 19-25 1993, 89 (20) p32-5]

Why is it so Costly to Produce Therapeutic Grade Oil?

You need hundreds of pounds of material to make a pound of therapeutic grade oil. For instance it takes 30 to 60 roses to make one drop of pure therapeutic grade Rose oil.

It takes far less material to make synthetic or perfume grade oil. Therefore producing oils correctly and for therapeutic benefits is extremely time consuming and costly. The cost of the plants alone can be enough to discourage a company from producing them. The therapeutic grade essential oil is extremely concentrated and although the cost of the oil is more, we need far less and we can expect superior results.

Enfleurage is the most expensive extraction method and is the only one that won’t alter the chemical makeup (therefore, fragrance) of some botanicals such as lilac. As a result, commercial production of some essential oils is impractical.

Distillation and cold pressing methods yield liquid essential oils. The results of solvent extraction and enfleurage are resins and concretes--solids and semi-solids. Essential oils will dissolve in alcohol or oil and are volatile; evaporation dissipates their scents quickly (patchouli is one exception). A drop of pure, liquid essential oil on paper will disappear without leaving an oil spot when it is dry. You can use this easy test if you doubt the genuineness of an essential oil.