Enticingly Simple

Author: Enticingly Simple

  • How to Buy Manuka Honey
  • Manuka Honey FAQs

    • As you may have guessed by the title, I’m talking about Manuka honey!

    I know you’ve heard all kinds of things about honey in general, but how does Manuka honey differ from other kinds of honey in general?  Well, we’ll address the below questions and more as we learn about this amazing and natural remedy.

    – Does Manuka honey actually work?

    – Where does Manuka honey come from?

    – How is it being used to improve skin?

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the manuka shrub (Leptospermum scoparium) that grows throughout New Zealand. The shrub can actually grow into a moderately sized tree, anywhere from 7-16 ft tall (source).  

    Its scented flowers are usually white or pink colored and, at first glance, appear to be identical to Kanuka flowers (Kunzea ericoides), which grow on a tree that reaches upwards of 30 feet tall.

    Manuka Flower
    Manuka Flower.

    The honey produced from the Manuka plant is more effective and has more health benefits when it’s raw and unheated. Plus, it has better therapeutic properties than other kinds of honey overall. Interestingly, it’s said that earlier settlers considered the plant an invasive shrub, which proved a frustration because it would keep growing after they cleared their lands of it.

    However, nowadays, the plant is used in revegetation efforts and on bare or otherwise eroded slopes.

    To make this wonderful honey, it’s really just a matter of location for the beekeeper.  In order to be sure their honeybees pollinate Manuka plants as opposed to other flowering plants, the beekeepers place themselves and their bees in close proximity to areas where the Manuka plant grows.  

    Their bees then gather nectar and pollen until enough honey has been produced in the honeycomb.

    Manuka Honey Properties

    Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory properties that are great in eliminating inflammation and redness of acne breakouts, cysts, and pimples. All around the world, and especially in New Zealand, the best manuka honey is often called “medical manuka honey.”

    Medical Manuka honey is useful for the treatment of burns, wounds, and infections. One property of this honey is that it seems to enhance immune activity at wound sites where it’s applied due to the arabinogalactan proteins it contains.

    Further studies show that the honey releases other anti-inflammatory proteins known as cytokines as well. (Source)

    Manuka honey also exhibits antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus Aureus (that resists many antibiotics) and Helicobacter Pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. In 2008, Thomas Henle, a professor at the University of Dresden, discovered that it was Methylglyoxal that gave Manuka honey its antimicrobial activity.

    Lab Equipment

    Therefore, research is promising in regards to Manuka honey being used as a functional food treatment for various kinds of wounds and ulcers (source).  With the ever growing body of science in regards to this special honey, more and more exciting beneficial properties are discovered one after another.

    How Has It Been Used in History?

    The first medicinal reference to honey we see in history was found in an ancient writing on a Sumerian tablet dating back to 2100-2000 BC. It mentions the use of honey as a kind of drug and also as a beneficial ointment.

    Even Aristotle (384-322 BC) described more pale variations of honey as being “good as a salve for sore eyes and wounds”. 

    For centuries, Manuka honey has been used as a natural wound dressing because it aids in the fast healing of wounds and prevents bacterial infections.

    Honey has been used medicinally for quite some time.

    Also, due to technological advances, this honey can now be more efficiently produced in a humane manner without harm to the bees.  

    Not only have we been able to enhance the production methods of Manuka honey, but we are also now able to study the chemical makeup of honey in general so that we can differentiate specific properties from one kind of honey to another.

    Tremendous Benefits for Healthier Skin

    Manuka honey is pretty amazing at improving skin health for a multitude of reasons. It generally makes skin youthful, clearer, and more hydrated because of its hygroscopic properties. Among its specific skin benefits, here are a few:

    Anti-Aging

    Collagen is an important part of skin cells. Healthy collagen makes for healthy and youthful-looking skin. Manuka honey is known to increase the cross-linking of collagen, thus improving its structural growth. It also contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of collagen.

    Skin Cleansing

    Have you tried many skincare products and treatments, none of which work to repair your blemished skin? If that’s the case, you probably also experienced your skin becoming worse due to certain products. How about trying Manuka honey instead?

    Since it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, Manuka honey soothes inflamed skin and heals blemishes. This sticky substance may not be your best option when it comes to texture and feel, but it’s one of the best all-natural remedies for keeping the pH level of your skin optimal, as well as for sloughing away dead skin cells.

    After using this honey consecutively as part of your healthy skin regimen, your skin will look clearer and brighter.

    Hydrates Skin

    Again, Manuka honey draws moisture into the skin because it’s naturally hygroscopic, meaning that it naturally absorbs and retains water from the air. Because of this hydration, it improves skin elasticity and cell regeneration. It also helps hasten the healing of any skin blemishes and irritations.

    How to Nourish the Skin with Manuka Honey

    There are many other ways you can use Manuka honey, depending on your purpose. However you use it, remember, it’s honey.  That means that it’s very sticky. So, try to keep it out of your hair. The following will guide you on how to use Manuka honey for a couple of specific uses:

    Manuka Face Mask

    Manuka honey as a face mask:

    1. Wash your face with your regular cleanser first in order to get the best results.
    2. After washing and drying your skin, wet or mist it a bit in order to make the application of the honey easier.
    3. Apply one tablespoon of the honey evenly over your entire face. Leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey takes place.
    4. Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.

    Overnight Scar Treatment

    If you’ve got a special occasion the next day and you have accidental or unwanted scars on your face, your best friend for the night is Manuka honey. It’s great for soothing redness and treating scars.

    Plus, it keeps skin moisturized. Nothing will instantly heal your skin, and as always, real results happen over time. 

    Be sure to make Manuka honey part of your regular beauty regimen because it quite effectively assists in skin healing.

    To use it overnight:

    1. Apply a thin layer of honey to the moistened face and gently massage it into the skin for further skin absorption.
    2. Now, I’m sure you don’t want to mess up your pillow or bedding, so just cover them with a towel or old cloth.
    3. When you wake up the next morning, wash your face and remove any remnant of honey.
    4. Once your face is clean, pat dry.

    Skin Cleanser

    Manuka honey makes a great natural skin cleanser since it helps to eliminate bacteria. If you don’t have the time to apply a face mask or let the honey remain on your skin overnight, you can use it as a quick facial cleanser as well.

    Even though you may not have as much time to let the honey remain on your skin, you can increase the amount of time by simply spreading the honey on your skin before you floss, brush your teeth, or do anything else that’s part of your morning routine.

    That way, the honey will nourish your skin the entire time as you get ready to jump in the shower.

    Use it as a skin cleanser:

    1. Apply honey to moistened skin before getting a shower
    2. Thoroughly massage honey into the skin.  If the honey is too thick, add more water.
    3. Jump into the shower and rinse.

    Acne and Pimple Treatment

    As you may know, other anti-acne facial cleansers have ingredients that can worsen your skin’s condition. On the other hand, Manuka honey is a natural and easy remedy for reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing of acne and pimples. It can even be combined with aloe and other natural ingredients known to help with acne.

    To Treat Acne:

    1. Apply a thin amount of the honey to the affected area. For single pimples or blemishes, apply the honey to a small band-aid.
    2. Cover it with a band-aid to restrain the spread of the honey while keeping it in contact with the affected area.
    3. Leave it on overnight for faster healing. You can also leave it on for at least 30 minutes if you don’t want to do the overnight solution.
    4. Remove the band-aid with warm water and rinse off.
    5. Repeat this application until your acne blemishes and pimples fade away.

    *Note: In order to keep your skin moisturized after cleansing with any of the above methods we mentioned, just add a bit of this honey into your favorite all-natural moisturizer.

    How to Buy Manuka Honey

    When purchasing a bottle of Manuka honey, it is important to read and understand its bioactivity or “strength,” as indicated by numbers ranging from 5 to 25 (NPA/UMF) or MGO (Methylglyoxal). Let us take a look at these two classifications below.

    UMF

    Usually, Manuka honey bottles have measurements of their bioactivity notated as “UMF” (Unique Manuka Factor). UMF is a grading system that measures and identifies whether the honey is unadulterated by testing for “non-peroxide activity” (NPA).

    MGO

    The MGO notation refers to the actual amount of methylglyoxal contained in the honey (parts per million/ppm). There is a relationship between non-peroxide activity and Methylglyoxal (MG). As noted earlier, methylglyoxal is the antibacterial compound that gives this honey its uniquely beneficial properties.

    *To see how UMF relates to MGO quantitatively, click here.

    Decoding Manuka Honey Product Labels

    Honey Jar
    Choose UMF 16+ / MGO 500+ Manuka Honey

    As usual, these ratings can be quite confusing!  If you’re searching for the best Manuka honey to buy and are presented with either of the above rating methods, you can check out this handy UMF/MGO calculator here in order to see the equivalent value in the opposite rating method.

    In any case, the research is solid. Manuka honey is indeed packed full of benefits! Therefore, be sure to include Manuka honey as part of your beauty regimen to experience healthier skin.

    *Note: Choose UMF 16+ or MGO 500+ Grades of Manuka Honey For the Best Results

    Manuka Honey FAQs

    What makes Manuka honey beneficial for the skin?


    Manuka honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are what make it particularly beneficial for skin health, helping to soothe irritation and potentially reduce the occurrence of acne.

    How can Manuka honey improve skin health?


    Its hydration properties and ability to promote wound healing can lead to clearer, more moisturized skin.

    Can Manuka honey be used on sensitive skin?


    Sensitive skin can often tolerate Manuka honey, but it’s always best to perform a patch test before applying it more broadly.

    How do you use Manuka honey on your face?


    Manuka honey can be used as a face mask by applying a thin layer, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinsing with warm water.

    Is Manuka honey good for acne-prone skin?


    The antibacterial nature of Manuka honey makes it suitable for acne-prone skin, helping to cleanse pores and reduce bacteria.

    What skin types can benefit from Manuka honey?


    Oily, dry, and combination skin types can all enjoy the moisturizing and soothing effects of Manuka honey.

    Can Manuka honey help with skin aging?


    The antioxidants in Manuka honey may help protect against oxidative stress, which is beneficial in managing the visible signs of skin aging.

    How often should you use Manuka honey on your skin?


    While it can be used daily for general skincare, more intensive treatments like masks are recommended 2-3 times a week.

    What should you look for when buying Manuka honey for skincare?


    A high Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating is key as it indicates the level of beneficial active compounds.

    Can Manuka honey be mixed with other ingredients for skincare?


    Yes, it pairs well with other natural ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera to enhance its skincare benefits.

  • Healing Naturally: Lavender Oil for Scars, Sunburn, and Burns

    Healing Naturally: Lavender Oil for Scars, Sunburn, and Burns

    Healing Naturally: Lavender Oil for Scars, Sunburn, and Burns

    This delicate little flower, with its refreshingly aromatic scent, has a lot more to offer than a pleasant olfactory experience.  Lavender has been widely used in ancient civilizations and cultural contexts for perfumery as well as other medicinal uses.  

    Table Of Contents
    1. Lavender Oil for Scars
    2. Lavender Oil for Sunburn
    3. Lavender Oil for Burns
    4. FAQs about using Lavender Oil for Scars, Sunburn, and Burns 

    With over 2,500 years of use, lavender remains one of the most versatile and useful of all essential oils.

    Lavender Oil for Scars

    Scarring is a common problem for us all.  I’m not going to suggest that using lavender oil on your scars will instantly remove them because, as we all know, results can be different from person to person.  It’s suggested that lavender oil may actually help to fade scars by rejuvenating your skin cells.  

    One great thing about lavender oil is that it’s generally believed to be quite gentle, even if applied directly. That being said, I’d still recommend mixing it with coconut oil (or another carrier oil), especially if you have sensitive skin.  Generally, it’s not best practice to apply essential oils directly to the skin due to their potency.  

    There have also been studies done that link photosensitivity to lavender use on the skin, so it’s not recommended for use before going into the sun and should be used sparingly.

    Simple Lavender Scar Recipe:

    Coconut

    What You Need:

    • 15 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
    • 1/4 Cup Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil
    • Small Saucepan
    • Small 2oz Glass Jar

    Instructions:

    1. Heat water on the stovetop in your saucepan.
    2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and place the small jar containing coconut oil in the water.  Do not allow water to get into the jar.
    3. Allow the coconut oil in the glass jar to melt to a liquefied state
    4. Once the coconut oil has melted, mix in 15 drops of Lavender essential oil
    5. Allow the mixture to cool and harden.  Cover with a lid.

    Note: The reason why I suggest placing the glass jar of coconut oil in hot water instead of melting the oil in the pan directly is so that you won’t get any contaminants from your pan into the oil mixture.  This will also allow the oil to melt more gently since it won’t be exposed to any extreme temperatures.

    The above recipe will only take you a few minutes to make, and it will smell absolutely amazing.  Not only that, but you can also double the recipe if you find that you use it up quickly, which is very easy to do.  This mixture may not remove your scars completely, but if you don’t notice drastic improvement, this mixture is quite nourishing and smells wonderful.

    Another great thing about this recipe is that coconut oil also has healing properties for healthy skin and is said to help with stretch marks as well.  So, feel free to try this on your scars daily and see if they begin to fade.  Be sure to let us know if it worked for you!

    Lavender Oil for Sunburn

    Spending time at the beach is wonderful until you realize you forgot to protect your skin.  It’s never a good feeling when you realize your skin got damaged by the sun, especially once the pain begins to set in.  There’s a multitude of natural remedies for sunburn, but some may prefer the smell of lavender over ingredients in other mixtures.

    Simple Sunburn Spray/Gel Recipe

    Aloe Vera

    What You Need:

    • 1/2 Cup Aloe Vera Gel or Pure Aloe Juice
    • 12 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
    • Spray Bottle (Optional)

    Just mix the above ingredients and apply them to your burns.  As you probably already realized, you can use the aloe juice in order to make a spray-on mixture, or you can make a gelled version using aloe gel.  Either way, you will enjoy amazing benefits with either of these mixtures.  

    The powerful healing benefits of aloe, along with the relaxation benefits of lavender, are the perfect combination for sunburn.

    Application Suggestions:

    • I’d suggest using the spray for immediate sunburn relief since it won’t require you to rub anything onto your already sensitive skin.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like rubbing anything on my skin when I have sunburn unless it’s an absolute necessity!
    • The gel is very soothing since it’s heavier in consistency.  Therefore, I’d suggest applying the gel right before going to bed because the lavender scent will encourage tranquility and help you drift into sleep, feeling much more relaxed.  Also, by the time you’re ready for bed, your sunburn will be a bit less “touchy”.

    While sunburn usually isn’t very serious, WebMD suggests you should seek medical assistance if you experience any of the symptoms below:

    • A sunburn that forms blisters, covers a large area, or is very painful
    • Facial swelling
    • Fever and chills
    • Upset stomach
    • Headache, confusion, or faintness
    • Signs of dehydration

    Lavender Oil for Burns

    Well, we’ve already gone through some great uses for this fragrant oil, and now we’ll take a look at using it for the occasional burn as well.  It’s widely known that lavender does have antimicrobial properties, and there are many that take advantage of its healing benefits for burns specifically.  

    Also, in my research, I came across an article that mentioned how over 100 studies have been conducted establishing lavender’s antimicrobial properties.

    A Story

    Those of you more familiar with essential oil history may know the story of René-Maurice Gattefossé and how he used “lavender essence” after a laboratory explosion.  Now, if you are familiar with this story, you should know that it’s often been quite exaggerated, especially on the internet.  So, read his own account of the event in his own words below.

    He writes:

    “The external application of small quantities of essences rapidly stops the spread of gangrenous sores. In my personal experience, after a laboratory explosion covered me with burning substances, which I extinguished by rolling on a grassy lawn, both my hands were covered with a rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped “the gasification of the tissue.” This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day (July 1910).” – Gattefossé R-M, Tisserand RB (ed.) 1993 Gattefossé’s aromatherapy: the first book on aromatherapy. CW Daniel, Saffron Walden, p 87

    While most of us probably wouldn’t ever end up in a lab explosion (I hope), the story is quite intriguing.  

    • Lavender is used by many people for burns because it has a calming quality to the skin.
    • However, I would not recommend using lavender oil to treat second or third-degree burns. In those cases, you’ll want to seek medical assistance immediately.  However, for less serious and simple burns, lavender oil can be very useful.
    • For simple burns, use the aloe vera gel or spray recipe we mentioned above.  For smaller qualities, you can just halve the recipe for the same results.

    As an alternative to the aloe recipe, you can mix your lavender essential oil with honey instead (manuka is best).  For a small batch of ointment for spot treatments on your burns, I’d recommend eight drops of lavender oil for every two tablespoons of honey.  For a larger batch of this mixture, just double it accordingly.

    Before you put anything on your burn, run cold water over it for 10 minutes to prevent the heat from penetrating deeper into the skin tissue.

    Essential oils, like lavender oil, are natural and potent tools for your skincare regimen. Remember to make informed decisions and do your research when it comes to choosing and using these products. Enjoy the wonderful benefits of lavender oil on your journey toward a more natural lifestyle.

    FAQs about using Lavender Oil for Scars, Sunburn, and Burns 

    Natural lifestyle enthusiasts often turn to essential oils for their many various healing benefits. In this section, we’ll be answering some frequently asked questions about using lavender oil for these conditions.

    As time goes on, we’ll likely add other commonly asked questions to this list.  

    1.) Is lavender oil effective for treating scars?

    Yes, lavender oil is effective for treating scars. It has regenerative properties that aid in skin repair and helps reduce the appearance of scar tissue. However, for deep scars, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional.

    2.) Can I apply lavender oil directly to a sunburn?

    Yes, you can apply diluted lavender oil directly to a sunburn. Lavender oil has natural anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, making it beneficial for soothing sunburned skin. However, avoid applying essential oils to severely burned or blistered skin as it might worsen the condition. Any carrier oil agreeable to your skin type will work fine for the dilution.

    3.) How should I apply lavender oil to burns?

    Lavender oil should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or almond before being applied to a burn. This helps lessen the potency of the oil while still providing its healing properties. Apply it gently to the affected area using a cotton swab, avoiding any broken skin or open wounds.

    4.) What precautions should I take when using lavender oil for these conditions?

    Always do a patch test first to check for any allergic reaction. Dilute the lavender oil with a carrier oil before use, especially on sensitive areas. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Consult with a professional if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious health condition before beginning any new treatment.

  • Where to Buy Essential Oils – Important Facts You Need to Know

    Where to Buy Essential Oils – Important Facts You Need to Know

    Where to Buy Essential Oils:

    This question is commonly asked by people just getting into oils, as well as those who happen to be a bit more experienced in the field.  Whether you’re brand new to essential oils or have been using them for quite some time, we can all agree that there’s an abundance of information related to the topic.

    Table Of Contents
    1. Are You New to Buying Essential Oils?
    2. Are You a More Seasoned Buyer?
    3. 4 Common Misconceptions Among Essential Oil Users
    4. Keep a Clear and Open Mind
    5. A Beginners Checklist: Choosing Quality Essential Oil
    6. The Research Begins
    7. Bringing it All Together
    8. Quality Essential Oils: FAQs

    Furthermore, there’s a lot of great information, as well as a lot of not-so-great information all over the place.

    Therefore, when you’re weighing and researching where you should purchase essential oils or which brands are the higher quality brands vs. the lower quality brands, accurate and objective research will save you quite a bit of time.

    With all the amazing health benefits of oils, as well as their common use in aromatherapy, it’s great that you’re asking yourself this question because you realize quality matters.

    Are You New to Buying Essential Oils?

    Over the past decade and onwards, the popularity of essential oils has been intensifying exponentially and has cooled down a bit in recent years.  After marketing experts realized just how much money could be made, essential oil companies started popping up all over the place.

    • While more competition in the essential oil industry is probably a good thing, it can make your decisions more difficult when it comes to purchasing the “right” brand of oils.
    • As in any industry, especially the health and beauty industry, more competition means more manipulative marketing strategies, endless purchasing options, confusion among potential buyers, and varying product quality.  

    Not only do we see those differences, but we also tend to see a wide and varying range of prices from one brand to another.

    You’ve made the right decision in researching how to use essential oils, so don’t let all the confusion surrounding the market as a whole cause you to become a victim of “analysis paralysis.”

    Don’t become a victim of analysis paralysis.  We’re here to help you navigate the waters.

    With all of these endless variables in the essential oil industry, you just want to know which essential oil is the best option for you to purchase at a reasonable price.  

    By the end of this guide, you will be prepared to know which brands of oils are “top-notch”.  I recommend that you start your oil collection with high-quality oils that you won’t feel disappointed you bought down the road.

    In the oil industry, you can get good quality for a good price, period.  I like to think of it the same way I would if I were buying my child their very first instrument: It’s best to start with quality.

    So, The journey to a healthier and more relaxed you don’t need to be overly complicated!

    Are You a More Seasoned Buyer?

    Do you remember those blissful days when you first got into oils?  Do you remember that very first diffuser you ever purchased?  How about the excitement and anticipation you experienced the moment you smelled the aromatic scents of your oils for the first time?

    Those days were lovely, weren’t they?  Even though essential oils have been on the market for many years now, many of us still enjoy them and use them in our laundry, in skincare routines, and much more.

    As you well know, the more you learn about oils and their amazing uses concerning your lifestyle, the more exciting they are to use.  That being said, you’ve probably heard all kinds of “buzz” about MLM oil companies (we’ll get there later), conflicting results about certifications, and differing opinions about the “good” brands.  

    Whatever the case, you know just how important the benefits of essential oils are for your health because you’ve experienced those benefits firsthand.

    So, how have you been accessing which oils you should buy over the years?

    4 Common Misconceptions Among Essential Oil Users

    There are a lot of misconceptions among those who regularly use and purchase essential oils.  While some of them may happen to be true from time to time, remember what you learned in science class: Correlation doesn’t equal causation.

    #1 – “Higher priced oils are better quality.”

    FALSE

    As with almost anything else, just because the price of any particular essential oil may be higher than others does not mean that the quality is superior in any way.  Higher-priced oils may or may not be better than their competitors.  So, price alone cannot be relied on as a way to verify quality.  

    • In some cases, more expensive oils may actually be of inferior quality without their customers ever knowing that they’re getting less than they’re paying for.  
    • As you shop for various scents and kinds of oils for your own personal use, do not assume that higher-priced oils equal higher quality.

    Along these same lines, it goes without mentioning that if you see particular brands consistently priced far below other brands, expect quality to be lacking. The idea here is that you need to do your due diligence when you consider purchasing oils from any company.  Do some research and find out about how they define their quality-related claims.

    #2 – “As Long as my oil is “Therapeutic Grade” or “Food Grade” it’s of superior quality.”

    FALSE

    Therapeutic Grade

    There’s actually no such certification as “therapeutic grade,” and there’s also no reputable governing body that has implemented any kind of certification process whatsoever.  

    • This “quality seal” is purely a deceptive marketing ploy that holds no significance in regard to the quality of the essential oil in question.  
    • Any company that does claim to be therapeutic grade may be referring to their own internal quality guidelines and assessments, but bear in mind that these claims by name are not regulated or verified by any governing body.  
    • “Therapeutic grade” may also refer to general specification guidelines set forth by AFNOR (Association Francaise de Normalization).  The key here is that AFNOR doesn’t regulate any company making this claim; they just set forth specifications for companies to follow as a guide.

    Before you jump to buy that “therapeutic grade” essential oil, there are other things you should consider as well, which we’ll address later.  The Phrase “therapeutic grade” is absolutely not any sort of “silver bullet” when it comes to the quality of your essential oil buying choices because it can mean whatever the seller wants it to mean.

    It’s really about how each company, in particular, defines their use of the phrase and whether or not you’ll trust their adherence to those claims.  

    You may also see other grading systems like “A”, “B”, or “C”,  “C” being the worst.  Those designations also don’t have any concrete significance and aren’t regulated for quality either.

    When it comes to essential oils, the quality of any given oil is also not merely based upon certain lab testing methods (MS/GC specifically) that some companies perform.  Moreover, quality is determined by cultivation processes, harvesting, distillation, extraction, packaging, and other factors.  That being said, companies that provide you with the MS/GC reports are taking an extra step to back up their quality claims, and that’s a plus.

    All of this being true, that doesn’t mean that every single company using the phrase “therapeutic grade” is intentionally trying to deceive you.  I would, however, like to see more transparency in this area in general.

    Food Grade

    The term “Food Grade“ basically means that the oil is “generally recognized as safe” for their intended food additive use (in small quantities).

    You can view a list of “Food Grade”/”generally safe” additives here: FDA – Food for Human Consumption – Part 182: Substances Generally Recognized as Safe.

    There are no regulated quality standards, only guidelines. Now, interpreting what exactly this means when it comes to choosing one particular brand over another is a different story.  Remember, there is no grading or quality system in the essential oil industry.  Thus, in the case of “food grade”, that simply means the oil has been redistilled to make it more suitable and “safe for human consumption”.  

    For example, peppermint oil with a “Food Grade” designation may have a sweeter candy taste than wholly distilled peppermint essential oil because the redistilled “Food Grade” oil has been distilled again to separate out more specific qualities preferable for food additive use.

    Therefore, food-grade oils are actually less pure than essential oils that do not have this designation because they’ve been redistilled and even blended or diluted.  For example, “100% Pure Food Grade” may simply mean that 5% of the blend is redistilled essential oil, whilst the other 95% is regular everyday vegetable oil.  It gets a lot more complicated than that, but this is a simple way to comprehend it.

    • Some companies and sales consultants may casually recommend that oils be consumed for all manner of uses.  
    • Not only are those claims not regulated, but it’s downright irresponsible for anyone untrained to encourage someone to ingest essential oils, especially when that person has just been introduced to them.  
    • While some may ingest specific essential oils for various reasons, seek professional advice from a healthcare provider before doing the same.

    There can be serious health risks from ingesting oils incorrectly or irresponsibly. Again, please seek advice from a trained and certified expert in the field before ingesting any kind of essential oil in its pure form.

    #3 – “100% all-natural essential oils are the best.”

    FALSE

    Grape Jam

    I have an assignment for you.  Whenever you’re watching TV, going grocery shopping, or gathering new coupons for yourself, be on the lookout for this deceptive “all natural” phrase.  Oftentimes, when it comes to purchasing groceries, people tend to equate “all-natural” with organic, healthy, or high-quality.

    In the food industry, all-natural doesn’t really mean anything special; it’s just another marketing ploy.  Have you ever read an orange juice, butter, or egg label that says “all-natural”?  

    Of course, orange juice, butter, and eggs should be all-natural. Or at least they better be!  

    Claiming that something already natural is actually natural isn’t saying much at all.

    We’re so bombarded with advertising and marketing that we don’t even realize it when companies are merely stating the obvious to us, and we don’t oftentimes wonder why they’re doing it.

    • In the same way, in the essential oil industry, “100% all-natural” may not be that significant of a claim at all.  
    • For example, suppose you purchase an oil blend that’s not nearly as potent because it’s been diluted with weaker carrier oils. In that case, it can still claim to be “100% natural,” even though it falls reprehensively short of a pure essential oil.  

    As companies in this industry figure out how to gain an edge over their competitors, it’s sad to see how questionable marketing tactics are oftentimes utilized to gain extra profit.  It’s also sad that these companies expect the customer to not know any better and, therefore, proceed with their deceptive strategies.

    You can read two warning letters from the FDA sent to two very well-known essential oil companies here:

    You will see that the warnings in the above letters are in reference to claims made by consultants and not claims made by the companies themselves.  

    These letters from the FDA are somewhat reassuring because while advertising is quite convoluted in this industry, there are still many claims that are illegal to propagate.  Specifically, these consultants made claims about their oils curing ailments, which is prohibited for any essential oil company marketing health products.  

    No bias is intended here regarding these companies themselves; it’s just another example of confusion in this industry, and it’s one worth reading about.

    #4 – “As long as it’s all-natural, I can use it safely for whatever use I desire.”

    FALSE

    Most people familiar with essential oils who also choose to ingest them would agree the above phrase is blatantly wrong.  However, while they’d say they disagree with the idea that “anything natural is always safe,” they use their oils with the very same presupposition every time they ingest them.

    I am not saying that anyone who ingests EOs is doing so irresponsibly.  But what I am saying is that caution should be followed when doing so, especially for pregnant women or anyone with medical conditions. Absolutely do not ingest essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider or reputable medical professional.

    Also, any kind of long-term treatment with essential oils should be done in partnership with a healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist.  So, just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it isn’t toxic or will not eventually lead to toxicity over time.

    You can read about more about injury reports and analysis by clicking on the links below:

    1. Top 10 Essential Oil Injuries Reported 2014
    2. Essential Oil Safety: Analysis of 2015 Injury Report

    After reading the above reports, you will see how acute reactions with improper essential oil use aren’t actually rare at all.  

    • Those who desire to learn more about essential oils do so because they want to improve their health.
    • Therefore, do not use oils haphazardly because serious complications can and do occur.
    • While the essential oil journey is enjoyable and intriguing, remember that you’re dealing with highly concentrated plant compounds.

    There is a right way and a wrong way to use essential oils. The best road to take on your essential oil journey is the one that’s paved with caution and filled with curiosity, not to mention a lot of fun as well.

    Keep a Clear and Open Mind

    It’s OK if you feel a bit overwhelmed. I hope that after reading through the last four common misconceptions regarding essential oils, you’re not too overwhelmed.  

    There are, of course, other ways people may confuse their decisions when it comes to essential oils in general, but the four ways we addressed are quite common.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s OK.  If you’re not feeling at all overwhelmed, that’s great.

    When it comes to buying essential oils, it’s crucial to simply remain objective. 

    People who tend to be more objective don’t immediately oppose any one thing.  Rather, they’ll consider the options carefully and in their own time, knowing that there’s no reason to have to make a decision immediately without gathering more facts first.  So, that’s exactly what you need to do when weighing one essential oil brand with another.  

    Gather facts from each company you’re considering and see how they all stack up against each other.  In your journey to find the best oils, also know that more research is a step in the right direction.  But as we mentioned earlier, don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis!  

    The chances are that as you grow your essential oil collection, you will, from time to time, need to purchase specific oils from different companies.  That means you will increase the likelihood of running across companies that don’t meet your own personal standards and preferences.  

    As you expand your collection, I can almost guarantee you’ll face some disappointment at times, perhaps even from a company you’ve been impressed with!  The reason for this is because there really are so many variables that come into play in regards to quality.  If you do, it’s not the end of the world.

    As You Use and Buy Oils, You Will Begin to See Differences in Quality

    Have you ever tried taking music or language lessons before?  I remember the first time I played the piano and how exciting it was.  I actually thought I played a few really great-sounding pieces and was surprised by how “good” I was.  

    However, after I progressed through lesson upon lesson, what I once thought was “good” was far inferior to the new proficiencies I achieved over time.  Now, there’s no reason why the entire journey can’t be enjoyable, and it should be!  

    As you begin your journey with oils, just know that years from now, you may look back and think to yourself, “I can’t believe I purchased oils from that company!” or “Why didn’t I notice the terrible and inferior smell of this oil?”.

    The most important part of your journey at this stage is that you enjoy it.  

    You should always enjoy any journey that begins with a desire to take a proactive step in the right direction in regard to your health and wellness. You will make mistakes, you will need help, you will have questions, and you will not always have the results you’d hoped for.  

    As you gain more and more experience and become more adept at buying and using oils, your senses will be better equipped to detect bad quality.  So, just be patient in your learning journey, don’t do anything too rashly, and have fun.

    A Beginners Checklist: Choosing Quality Essential Oil

    As we’ve already addressed in many more ways than one, claims made by essential oil companies are not verified for quality in any way that’s standardized across the entire industry as a whole.  Therefore, we can only differentiate between companies by “being on the lookout” for specific factors in the cycle of any company’s product as well as quality guidelines and practices.

    Essential Oil Buyer’s Cheat Sheet:

    You should consider purchasing from any essential oil supplier that meets a majority of the standards below:

    • Dedicated to supplying oils to aromatherapy practitioners and those in the public who are more educated in the field
    • Owned or operated by trained essential oil specialists and aromatherapy practitioners
    • Maintain close relationships with their own distillers whenever possible
    • Provide GC/MS spec reports for each oil they sell, specific for each batch
    • Willingly provide MSDS sheets (material safety data sheets) when requested
    • Companies that are known to be ethical and reputable
    • Companies with a long track record and reputation among authorities in the field (aromatherapists, medical practitioners, educators, etc.)
    • Wildcrafted, unsprayed, and certified organic products.

    You can find a similar list at The East-West School for Herbal & Aromatic Studies.  I modified their original list and created a few additions.

    Now again, the above list is only a guide.  Furthermore, if you really want to get down to exactly what quality standards any particular supplier follows, you’ll likely have to contact them because oftentimes, the general information on their respective websites is somewhat vague.  

    Don’t be shy at the beginning of your search for quality essential oils; send an email or call the companies you’re considering.  

    Any company that’s worth its salt will be thrilled that you called and even impressed that you have such a desire for real quality.  If you can find essential oil suppliers that meet most of the qualifications on the list, you can feel good about your decision to purchase their oils.  

    However, not any single factor that made it into the above list is reason enough to purchase the essential oil in question. Rather, think of the above list as a checklist of sorts; the more items that are true of an essential oil brand you’re considering, the better.

    Here’s what I mean: let’s take a look at “organic,” for example.  The government actually restricts and regulates how this word is used.  Whether a product is “100% organic, “organic,” “made with organic,” or contains organic ingredients, there are specific requirements for each designation.  

    In this specific case, “100% organic” has the strictest standards.  So again, there is no silver bullet.

    Reach out to essential oil suppliers that look promising and get more details.

    The Research Begins

    By this point, you should have a far more comprehensive understanding of how to select higher-quality essential oils.  

    You also know that nothing should keep you from using essential oils in the near future along this exciting learning journey.  Marketing tactics aside, you can now more fully scrutinize the various claims made by essential oil companies.  Therefore, I’ll leave you with a list of several companies you should investigate further.  

    As time goes on, I may make changes to this list, individually review companies on the list, or add more details for each company appearing on the list.

    My main purpose in listing these companies for you is to give you a few places to begin your search for quality essential oils.  My purpose in this post is not, however, to recommend any one company over the rest because I really want you to make that determination for yourself.  If I see certain companies that are really doing a great job with quality, I will likely recommend them in other future posts or pages. So, stay tuned. We’re in this journey together.

    Remember, I want you to remain objective, learn how to research, and make solid decisions for yourself. It isn’t my place to make these decisions for you because I know how valuable the learning process will be on your journey. That includes the content we write here at Enticingly Simple as well. Test what we say and make informed decisions.

    Essential Oil Companies to Consider

    • Women and fieldMountain Rose Essential Oils
    • Rocky Mountain Oils
    • Snow Lotus
    • Healing Naturals Oils
    • Aromandina
    • Starwest Botanicals
    • Aromatics International
    • Aura Cacia
    • Now Foods
    • Lunaroma
    • Stillpoint Aromatics
    • Floracopeia
    • Aromatics International
    • Plant Therapy

    *The above list is in no specific order.

    Bringing it All Together

    You now have what you need to make the best buying decisions when it comes to purchasing high-quality essential oils. Take what you’ve learned here and put it to good use!  If you’ve made it through to the end of this post, you’ve demonstrated that you really do care about what products you use in your home.

    You also have a helpful checklist of factors to consider when you purchase your oils, you’re better prepared to wade through deceptive marketing tactics, and you have a beginner’s list of great companies to consider researching for your purchases.

    Quality Essential Oils: FAQs

    Do you still have some questions lingering in your mind about buying essential oils? Here are the most frequently asked questions we’ve come across, along with their answers, to help you become an informed buyer. 

    1. Why is the quality of essential oils crucial? 

    Quality is of utmost importance when it comes to essential oils because the effectiveness of the oil is deeply linked to its purity. A good quality essential oil should be 100% pure without any additives or synthetic chemicals. 

    2. Can I buy essential oils from any store? 

    While you can find essential oils in many stores, it’s essential to purchase them from a reputable source to ensure the oil’s quality and purity. 

    3. How can I verify the quality of an essential oil before purchasing? 

    Key indicators of quality to look for might include: 

    • Certified organic or wildcrafted labels
    • The scientific name of the plant on the label
    • Purity statement

    4. Why do the prices of essential oils vary widely? 

    The prices of essential oils can vary due to factors such as the plant’s rarity, the country of origin, and the difficulty of extraction. 

    5. Can I consume essential oils internally? 

    Most essential oils are unsafe for internal consumption without proper guidance from a healthcare practitioner due to their high potency. 

    6. Are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy? 

    Some essential oils are not recommended for use during pregnancy. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using. 

    7. How should I store my essential oils? 

    The ideal storage conditions for essential oils are in a cool, dark place. Sunlight and heat can alter their properties. 

    8. Are essential oils safe for pets? 

    Some essential oils can be harmful to pets. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a vet before using essential oils around your pets.

    9. How long do essential oils last? 

    Typically, essential oils will last for 2-3 years if properly stored. 

    10. How do I choose a carrier oil to mix with an essential oil? 

    The choice of a carrier oil depends on your skin type, the therapeutic effect you’re after, and personal preference. Fractionated coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil are great options.