I’ve been hearing so much about essential oils lately. Thanks for defining what they are all about. I know people are enjoying great results with them.
I think the lack of standardization is what hurts the EO industry, because the average consumer doesn’t understand the difference between the various oils/quality of them. Luckily, as a Young Living consultant, you can educate the consumer and help them get healthier & happier through less medicine & more EOs!!
Very valid point, Natalie. According to the University of Minnesota: “The chemistry of essential oils is influenced by the local geography and weather conditions, as well as the season and time of day when the plants are harvested, how they are processed, and how they are packaged and stored. Each plant is unique in its chemistry so essential oils are never exactly the same – this is different from pharmaceutical drugs that are synthetically reproduced to be identical every time.
Essential oils can be altered to achieve standardization (for example, a certain chemical that was found to be at a lower concentration in the whole oil in a particular year can be added to make it the same percentage as last year’s batch). The problem with standardized essential oils is that they are no longer natural, genuine, and authentic. This variability in essential oils by time, place and conditions is a big challenge to conducting valid research. Currently, the International Standards Organization sets standards for each essential oil that include a range of acceptable concentrations for its major chemical constituents.”
It would be great if doctors would consider suggesting alternative medicines like essential oils. I have found so many primary care physicians just want to prescribe medicine for any ailment. I once told my PCP I wasn’t sleeping well and she immediately wanted to prescribe a drug to help me sleep. And.. it was the first time I met this doctor. I’m not saying there isn’t a place for western medicine, but alternatives need to be explored first.
I never realized they were speaking of essential oils in the bible. What a wonderful testament to the historic use of alternative medicine! Because not everything can be (or should be) solved with a pill…
It’s amazing how essential oils has really come out of the wood works the last few years. I mean, sure, it was in the Bible but wasn’t so widely mentioned and now there are many companies selling it. Well done!
There is more and more information about the benefits of essential oils. Seems there is something for almost every ailment out there π Very interesting.
Very interesting info about essential oils. So great to have natural options for pain and discomfort instead of quickly popping pills into your body π
Beth says
Anyone who doesn’t believe in the power of essential oils clearly needs some essential oils! π
carundle says
I agree, Beth!
Roslyn Tanner Evans says
So much great information. I enjoyed the historical and Biblical references.
carundle says
Thanks, Roz.
Sherri Frost says
I’ve been hearing so much about essential oils lately. Thanks for defining what they are all about. I know people are enjoying great results with them.
carundle says
Most definitely, Sherri.
Coach Natalie Palombi says
I think the lack of standardization is what hurts the EO industry, because the average consumer doesn’t understand the difference between the various oils/quality of them. Luckily, as a Young Living consultant, you can educate the consumer and help them get healthier & happier through less medicine & more EOs!!
carundle says
Very valid point, Natalie. According to the University of Minnesota: “The chemistry of essential oils is influenced by the local geography and weather conditions, as well as the season and time of day when the plants are harvested, how they are processed, and how they are packaged and stored. Each plant is unique in its chemistry so essential oils are never exactly the same – this is different from pharmaceutical drugs that are synthetically reproduced to be identical every time.
Essential oils can be altered to achieve standardization (for example, a certain chemical that was found to be at a lower concentration in the whole oil in a particular year can be added to make it the same percentage as last year’s batch). The problem with standardized essential oils is that they are no longer natural, genuine, and authentic. This variability in essential oils by time, place and conditions is a big challenge to conducting valid research. Currently, the International Standards Organization sets standards for each essential oil that include a range of acceptable concentrations for its major chemical constituents.”
Liz daRosa says
I didn’t realize you could trace essential oils back to the Bible. Great information Carol!
carundle says
You’re welcome!
Lisa Swanson says
It would be great if doctors would consider suggesting alternative medicines like essential oils. I have found so many primary care physicians just want to prescribe medicine for any ailment. I once told my PCP I wasn’t sleeping well and she immediately wanted to prescribe a drug to help me sleep. And.. it was the first time I met this doctor. I’m not saying there isn’t a place for western medicine, but alternatives need to be explored first.
carundle says
I agree, Lisa.
Jo-Anne says
The world needs more essential oils! Great article. π
carundle says
Thanks!
Lisa Mason says
Very interesting. I admit I did not know this much about essential oils, despite having read about them quite a bit.
carundle says
Me, too. There’s a lot to learn and I’m loving it!
Holly Jean says
I never realized they were speaking of essential oils in the bible. What a wonderful testament to the historic use of alternative medicine! Because not everything can be (or should be) solved with a pill…
carundle says
Yes, Holly, I agree!
Kristen Wilson says
It’s amazing how essential oils has really come out of the wood works the last few years. I mean, sure, it was in the Bible but wasn’t so widely mentioned and now there are many companies selling it. Well done!
carundle says
Yes, and I think that it’s resurgence in popularity is only making it better!
Michael Kawula says
There is more and more information about the benefits of essential oils. Seems there is something for almost every ailment out there π Very interesting.
carundle says
Yes, isn’t it great?
Sonya says
I don’t know much about essential oils, have only mildly dabbled in them. But I DO know I love Peace and Calming, helps me sleep.
carundle says
I love Peace and Calming, too!
Beth Niebuhr says
There are so many alternatives and we have the choice to use them, including essential oils.
carundle says
Yes, it’s good that we have choices.
Delia @ Happy Blogger Plaza says
Very interesting info about essential oils. So great to have natural options for pain and discomfort instead of quickly popping pills into your body π
carundle says
Yes, Delia, it’s better to keep things natural.
Sue says
Lavender oil for a blissful sleep – beats medication!
Katarina says
Thanks for all the great info. Actually, I did not know most of it, so I learned a lot!
Jackie Harder says
Great information, Carol. Lots I didn’t know. Thanks!