0--Not All Plant Oils Are Created Equally!
Did You Know?
Many different compounds are present within each plant. Try as they may, manufacturers of synthetic oils cannot duplicate the complete spectrum and properties of pure plant derived oils. Environmental factors such as soil properties, temperatures, region, and cultivation practices all have significance on how effective the oil will become.
Let’s consider Lavender Angustifolia, which is native to the Mediterranean. This plant is used extensively throughout Europe to promote the healing of:
acute burns
bites
chronic wounds
resistant infections (particularly Staphylococcus strains)
This plant’s oil provides an effective, natural intervention with little to no clinical side effects.
Other oils such as Carrot Seed, a rich source off Beta Carotene – the natural version of Vitamin A, grows well in soil native to Denmark. While Rose Damascus and Rose Otto posses skin softening qualities with both varieties hosted well in Turkish Soil.
As you can see, where the plant grows has major impacts on its effectivity. An identical species grown under similar temperature conditions in a different part of the world will yield a vastly different result, leading many to believe soil properties as the one of the most important contributors.
Just Like A Fine Wine
The species of plant, soil, temperature, and where it was grown all play a big role in how the final product will turn out, just like a fine wine.
Consider the following three lavender species. L. anguvstifolia (found in England), L. latifolia (found in Mediterranean area), and L. stoechas (found in France and Spain) have a similar chemical make-up as well as the traditional mild floral scent. L. luisieri (found in Seville, Spain) on the other hand, not only has a different chemical composition, but also possesses a strong honey-like aroma.
Who knew that the scent of a plant would be so telling as to the exact fingerprint of where a plant was grown?
Not All Essential Oils Are Equal
One environmental factor to recognize is GMO (Genetic Modification of an Organism), which was concluded as dangerous after studies identified carcinogenic effects. This has led to limited use of pesticides and fertilization throughout Europe.
Unfortunately, essential oil producing plants and regular plants grown in the US are subject to these harmful chemicals and GMO modifications. When we ingest plants and products that contain these chemicals into our body, instead of breaking down the compounds and excreting them from our bodies like we would with nature compounds, the synthetic plant prevents these man-made compounds from escaping making them get stored in our tissues, damaging our cells. This leads to cancer.
While organic varieties of plants would be best, it is always best to look for those indigenous to their area. This assures that you are getting the best possible product that will have the maximum effect towards your health.
Remember to Read Your Labels
There are many companies that feature organic and natural ingredients derived from plant material. However, as we have learned, not all oils are created equally and many of these products contain preservatives, colorants, and a variety of additional chemicals to stabilize, emulsify or accelerate dermal absorption. Find out more about these additives and the effects of pesticides such as endocrine disruptors by visiting National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Watch The Packaging
The natural chemical components of some oils are sensitive to being broken down by light, heat, or storage in inappropriate containers (i.e. plastics or metals such as aluminum). Unadulterated, pure medical grade essential oils and pure plant/vegetable based ingredients are best kept in amber or cobalt blue glass jars, or phthalate free plastic containers to protect the contents from plastic/metallic residue that leek into the plant materials.
Do Your Research
Who are the product developers for the company?
What is the concentration of the pure plant materials in the product?
Where are the key ingredients from?
For example, pure essential medical grade oils are certified through spectroscopy/GC to validate the purity of the distilled plant materials. Most companies are happy to tell you their story for you to learn about their unique offerings.
Check Us Out
Gifts of Nature Organics & A Healing Touch at IPT evolved from a need to provide organic and natural products and services for individuals receiving medical treatment for autoimmune disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. Our founder is a medically trained clinical aromatherapist who received hospital training through Jane Buckle’s nursing certificate program. There are plenty of products on the market that are labeled natural or organic that are either lacking the synergistic blending, the knowledge of how to properly and safely compound quality plant materials.
Gifts of Nature Organics products are made in small batches, and packaged in phthalate free plastics, and cobalt-amber glass to protect our precious content. All carrier oils are organic and our essential oils come from around the world to possess the unique chemistry that soil property dictates. While the oils are not labeled organic, they are cultivated without GMO or harmful pesticides/fertilizers due to Europe’s strict purity act laws.