Historically, herbal and medical professionals were intuitively and anecdotally guided in their use of plant extracts. Emerging science now supports the safety and efficacy of all three application models, thereby eliminating the need to be limited by tradition. Ongoing clinical research has found that used together, the three application models create an effective and powerful practice for supporting overall health. Essential oils easily penetrate into the body with all methods of application including aromatic, topical, and internal use. Whichever application method you choose, or if you choose to use all three, essential oils can be very effective and safe when used appropriately.
This modern evolution of essential oil use encourages many people to seek options for their own wellness, to effectively manage their health on a day-to-day basis, and to have alternatives to manage health issues as they arise. Many health professionals are effectively incorporating essential oils into their practices. Modern consumers are drawn to oils as effective alternatives to drugs. Many essential oils are now even found on the GRAS list and more relevant toxicology information is becoming available. These advances allow an educated user of essential oils to apply a more targeted approach to wellness based on science rather than solely on tradition or folk wisdom.
Modern technology also makes possible the testing for purity and efficacy of plant extracts of all kinds while controlling both quality and content in a way that allows for a much more consistent essential oil experience. Though no governing body exists to enforce a universal standard on oil quality, some suppliers have implemented testing to monitor their essential oils and to ensure a superb product. Though critics might dismiss this practice as potentially biased, a self-created standard can put into place very high standards that would exceed any proposed universal guidelines. The terminology behind these quality standards may be unique to a given company, but the oils should:
- Contain only the natural aromatic compounds present after the distillation process.
- Be 100% pure oil, free of any synthetic compounds or contaminants, including heavy metals or microbial organisms.
- Be subjected to mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography testing to ensure consistent extract composition and activity.
- Be derived only from the distillation of the correct and clearly stated plant part.
- Meet organoleptic tests (consistency in taste, sight, touch, and smell).
Organic sourcing can be very expensive and difficult due to differing or non-existent standards in the hundreds of countries where essential oils are harvested. If you can be assured that each batch is tested for residue, that clean farming is practiced (meaning only the plant of interest is included in the harvest), and that the product is confirmed to contain only aromatic compounds, then you will meet or exceed organic certification.
By following these protocols, a consistent quality product can be sourced; thereby allowing mainstream health care professionals, educated users, and alternative healers to all have access to the purest oils possible. More importantly, the efficacy of the oil becomes consistent and reliable, a hallmark of trust and an expectation of those who are accustomed to pharmaceutical-grade products.
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