Discovering the Difference in Essential Oil Brands

Note by the author ~  I found this old blog I wrote and shared years ago while I was enrolled in the Master's of Aromatherapy Program.  I loved reading it again and thought you would enjoy it too!  Be sure to check out my updated notes after the blog! ~ Jamie

I am often asked at what moment I first realized there was a difference in different brands of essential oils.  There was a time when I started using lavender essential oil to try to help with a restful nights sleep.  For years however, I couldn’t bring myself to use it because I truly did not care for the smell of lavender.  This was when I still used air fresheners, body sprays, and household cleaning products and sprays that contained tons of chemicals.  If you are into aromatherapy and have converted some of your products to a safer alternative, then I think you can relate to the how I did not like the smell of lavender.  My sense of smell was used to much different fragrances.

When my first blessing was born and wasn’t sleeping well at night, the use of lavender came to mind.  I added a few drops of lavender to a spray bottle with some water and would spray the room in the evening.  I still didn’t care for the smell, but it was actually seeming to help.  My first “WOW” in the aromatherapy world that seemed to have proven itself to me.  I continued to use my lavender spray (which was not very concentrated or strong at all to be baby safe, and for my own self not adoring the lavender scent) and my sweet little baby seemed to sleep for a few more hours at a time.

A few months later I had run out of lavender.  The bottle I was using was from a company referred to myself by a Nurse Practitioner I had once worked with.  Bless her heart, she is the reason I am as far into the Aromatherapy world as I am!  I must make note and take a moment to say that I will always be thankful to her for everything she has taught me and for always believing in me.  With that said, she gave me a book and ordered me some essential oils.  I remembered her saying to always use the book as a resource and only order from this company or a company that is well known for their "true" products.

I had gone and bought a brand of lavender that I had seen sold in many stores.  It also seemed like the company had been around for a very long time, so this brand must be good…. right?  Wrong, the fragrance was very strong and even after major dilution this brand was not working to help ease my little one to a better nights sleep, nor did it even smell good.
At this point I went down to the store again and gave my experience to the worker who then had suggested I try another brand that was well known and had a better reputation than the previous brand.  I bought that brand and tried it with nothing but the same results as the first.

It was at this time that I brought out my book and computer and started to research the companies further and then also researched the original company referred by the NP.  I cannot express enough to any of you reading this blog and using aromatherapy products how important it is for you to understand what you are using, how it works, and the safe ways to use the product as well as the true and solid company background.

​I had always knew I wanted to take a course in Aromatherapy.  I had known this for at least 10 years before I actually took any courses, but it was this experience above that led me to where I am today.  The world of aromatherapy, nature’s natural properties and what they can do and provide is so abundant and profound that I found myself taking one course just to expand my nursing knowledge for patients that presented to the office and used aromatherapy products.  I wanted to know why people were using these interesting products and if any, what side effects could be alleviated or exasperated.  My one course led me to the whole Master’s Program and Teachers Training, with more courses to be taken and much research to be done.

Note by the author ~ See these great take away tips:

• Always be grateful and your days will be sunnier.
• Note that there are several different types of lavender.  Always check the botanical names.
• Use my rule of three and instead of checking one resource, always check three.
• Essential oils and water do not mix.  The e.o.'s float on the top which can break down the plastic spray bottle tubing.  It is best if you add your essential oils to glycerin first when making a spray, and then add distilled water.  Shake well before spraying.
• Always check precautions of all products before using them near those sweet babies and kiddos!

Since I wrote this blog, I have also completed multiple herbal and natural health related courses, helped motivate and teach many Mom's, Dad's, teacher's and caregivers to better care for themselves, their families, and the kiddos they care for.  

I am grateful for you and for the power of nature that prevents illness, boosts immunity, and heals. ~ Jamie

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