As an aromatherapist, it is essential to have an awareness of the source of any essential oils which are purchased, and to be informed of the chemical composition so that there can be confidence in their therapeutic use. For example, the chemical composition of Lavandula angustifolia will vary according to where it has been grown and harvested from geographically. Crops which are grown at a high altitude are reputedly better quality. Battaglia suggests that this is because the distillation temperature used to produce the essential oil is lower, (92-93c instead of 100c ), which causes the essential oil produced to have a higher ester content. Its clinical effect will vary depending on the concentration of esters. The quality of the soil and the weather which the crop has been exposed to will also contribute to the quality and constituents of the oil.
Sustainability is becoming a bigger and bigger concern as the essential oil industry grows, there are species of plant that are now endangered and thus not available for purchase like they once were. An example is Rosewood which is now protected worldwide. At a summit of the international wildlife trade in South Africa, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) moved to protect the world's most trafficked wild product by placing all 300 species of the rosewood tree under trade restrictions. As a clinical aromatherapist I have a responsibility to treat nature in the most positive way I can as it supplies me with the beautiful oils I use.
Adulteration of an essential oil is common, so It is essential to know the chemical structure of essential oils purchased. Oils such as Lavandula angustifolia are frequently adulterated, even though it is a relatively cheap oil to produce. Sometimes lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is added or it is substituted by lavandin but sold to the public as lavender oil. Also, the essential oil is sometimes adulterated by synthetic linalool or linalyl acetate. The only way to verify the quality of the oil used to create the oil is to have certification from the official regulatory body, AOC (appellation d’Origine Controllé).
Costly oils such as rosa damascena (Rose otto) are more likely to be diluted by adding a synthetic alcohol, so confidence in the supplier and having a breakdown of the chemical composition is essential. The adulterants are often odourless and may be called extenders. If the price is too good to be true then it usually is! If an oil has been adulterated there will be an increased risk for the client to experience toxicity and there will be a reduction in it therapeutic effects.
Degradation will affect the quality of the essential oil. It will be dependent on what method of storage has been used and how long the bottle has been opened for, as degradation of the oil is likely to occur over time. To prevent this occurring, essential oils should be stored away from light and heat, and the oil should be stored in a glass bottle which is dark in colour, either amber, blue or black. When a bottle of essential oil is opened, air will fill the gap where the oil has been removed from and start the process of oxidation as the oxygen combines with free compounds.
I wholeheartedly recommend using quality and well sourced essential oils and suggest clients check with the aromatherapy trade council (https://www.a-t-c.org.uk/) for lists of genuine suppliers and also ask for GC-MS tests and sustainability practices when sourcing essential and carrier oils.
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