Essential oils are amazing evolutionary biproducts of the plants around us. They are made up of volatile molecules that contribute to fragrance and taste. These oils are housed in small sacks on the plants themselves and can be used to attract insects for pollination, ward against micro-organisms and even allow plants to “talk” to each other and say that predators are coming. In order for an oil to be called an “essential oil” it has to have been separated via steam distillation or expression, unadulterated, and genuine.

Organic essential oils and essential oils have the exact same chemistry. In fact, there is really no difference between the two except the marketing and cost. The “Organic” label only speaks to the conditions the plant was grown in and transportation packaging of the material, it does not speak to the oil itself following steam distillation. Because we do not spend the money of organic certification we are able to pass off these savings to you and keep our prices as low as we can.

Enfleurage:

One of the oldest extraction methods. It is rarely used today because of it is costly and time consuming. This method utilizes fatty acids and alcohol to “extract” the oil from the plant. The end product is called an “Enfleurage”.

Steam Distillation:

The most common and widely used process of separating out an essential oil. Steam is passed through tightly packed plant material, causing the plants “oil sacs” to burst, which releases its contents as a vapor. This vapor is cooled, and as it condenses, the essential oil and water separate. The oil and water separated and are filtered. The end product is called an “Essential oil”.

Hydro-distillation:

This is very similar to Steam distillation with the only real difference being that the plant material is boiled in water. This is the method that works best for some plants such as roses.

Expression or Cold Pressed:

Used primarily for citrus fruits where the essential oil is obtained in tiny pockets in the peel or rind. Oils extracted by cold pressing are mostly made up of monoterpenes and can evaporate quickly when exposed to air. The end product is called an “Essential oil”.

CO2 Extraction:

Called CO2s for short, these extracts are produced by using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction methods. Carbon Dioxide can be pressurized to become a liquid. This liquid then acts as a solvent and dissolves the natural components present in the plant material. After this is completed CO2 returns to its gaseous state leaving behind the oil. The advantage of CO2’s is that heat is not used and therefore can’t damage any of the constituents. The two main types of Co2’s are CO2 Selects (lower pressure) and CO2 Totals (high pressure). The end product is called a “CO2”.

Absolutes:

These oils are extracted from plant material using chemical solvents such as hexane. The solvents are later removed with only traces remaining. Absolutes give the advantage of being able to carry over some compounds that are too heavy in steam distillation. Absolutes tend to be more potent than steam distilled essential oils. The end product is called an “Absolute”.

Essential oils are use predominantly in the flavor and fragrance industry ranging from products like Crest Toothpaste to Coca cola. Essential oils are also used heavily in the aromatherapy and massage industries.

Please keep in mind that there are no essential oils that have received approval by the FDA for internal use.

Essential oils are highly concentrated chemical solvents. We do not recommend ever using essential oils internally, just like we would never recommend anyone drink fingernail polish remover.

The only appropriate time to consider internal use of essential oils would be under direct recommendation by a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate clinical level. An appropriate level of training must include chemistry, anatomy, diagnostics, physiology, formulation guidelines and safety issues regarding each specific internal route (oral, vaginal or rectal). | The Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) |

Majestic Pure does not recommend ever using essential oils during pregnancy. While there have been no recorded cases of miscarriage or birth defects resulting from aromatherapy massage using therapeutic applications of any essential oil (Kurt Schnaubelt, Ron Guba, Chrissie Wildwood). There is a lack of clear information regarding toxicity of essential oil during and directly after pregnancy. We recommend avoiding wormwood, rue, oak moss, Lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seed, sage, and hyssop, Aniseed, Basil ct. estragole, Birch, Camphor, Hyssop, Mugwort, Parsley seed or leaf, Pennyroyal, Sage, Tansy, Tarragon, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood throughout your Pregnancy, Labor, and while Breastfeeding. The above statement is supported by the NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy).

We believe that it is important to keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated volatile compounds, which means they can be potentially toxic to pets at certain concentrations. Cats can be especially sensitive to essential oils. What is safe for you to use may not necessarily be safe to use on or near your pet as your pet can inadvertently inhale, lick or ingest these essential oils. Your pet can react differently to these substances than you do, so it is important that you talk to your veterinarian before using them around your pets.

When storing your oils, the most important things to thing about are heat and light. The cooler you keep your oils and the less they are in the light the longer they will last. Some people even use their refrigerators! Always make sure to tightly seal your oils to avoid oxidation as this can fundamentally change your oil.