At one time, I thought I could only buy my essential oils from one of two companies.
Now I know better. There are two very prominent essential oil companies. They are fierce competitors, selling their products through multi-level marketing sales reps. Each firm claims their label of oil is superior.
Where Can I Buy Pure Essential Oils?
(This post contains affiliate links, and if you purchase anything I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
I’ve since discovered a number of non-MLM players. These include Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia and Edens Garden. All of them make excellent oils.
There are other good sources as well. Some of these labels are becoming better well known, as people search for options outside the MLM networks.
When people first learn about essential oils, their knowledge is often shaped by MLM distributors. These salespeople are highly engaged in social media.
Beginners are led to believe that the only good oils are sold by one company. (Or, by the other.) But this isn’t true. In fact, I’ve learned that some aromatherapists shy away from MLM oils. That’s because they know high-quality products exist elsewhere, as well.
Best Brands of Essential Oils
I’ve purchased frankincense from one MLM source, and I’ll continue to buy more. There is lot of publicity surrounding this particular brand of Omani frankincense. That’s because it’s been found to obliterate cancer in the lab, without harming healthy cells.
Other brands of frankincense haven’t shown the same results. This might have something to do with the type of frankincense used, as well as the quality. There are many grades of this precious resin, and one type, known as Boswellia sacra, seems to be the one that’s effective against malignancy, according to various published reports.
Please understand, though, that this isn’t proof that it will do the same in a human. As far as I know, this resin is not being tested in clinical trials. So we’re a long way from being able to say it can help people with cancer.
Still, if I’m shopping for a high grade of frankincense, I know I can buy one that’s backed by research. Also, from what I understand, frankincense and sandlewood oils are delicate and difficult to process. But, for me, as far as I’m concerned, other than that, I choose not to go the MLM route.
How to Buy Pure Essential Oil
There’s no doubt that essential oil fraud is an issue. If an unfamiliar brand of oil is priced unusually low, I get suspicious. However, even some of the best-known brands are able to sell certain oils in a way that makes it easy for everyone to own them, because they’re derived from readily abundant plants.
For instance, a number of aromatics, such as citrus, lemongrass and peppermint essential oil, are not considered precious, since they’re derived from widely available plant sources.
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Where to Buy Good Essential Oils
My first experiment with a non-MLM brand (Plant Therapy peppermint essential oil) was extremely positive. In fact, I was so happy with the quality that I began to doubt all the hype. I’ve since spent a fair amount of time researching why it’s almost always not necessary to buy MLM.
What you’re looking for is 100 percent pure essential oil. This means that it’s taken from plants grown without chemicals or pesticides. You’ll also want to make sure no chemicals or fillers are added during processing. Most of the time, your oils are made by steam distilling the plants they come from. Aromatic oils may also be cold pressed or the essential compounds can be extracted with carbon dioxide.
I’m not terribly concerned if the company oversees the entire growth cycle of the plants, as long as they’re getting them from a trusted source. Plants tend to be healthier when raised in their natural environments. So an essential oil maker might need to order from all over the world.
Test Quality Essential Oils
A responsible company will test their oils for purity and potency. Each batch of Plant Therapy essential oil is double tested, once in house and again by an independent chemist.
In the end, a lot of it comes down to trust. You’ll want to find a brand you’re happy with, which assures customers that its oils are 100 percent pure. Read what others have to say about the oil before you buy, or get a word-of-mouth recommendation. If an oil says “therapeutic grade,” it means that it’s safe for massage or inhalation. But you still want to get it from a trusted company.
I think the most important thing is developing a relationship with an essential oil supplier. You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to them with any questions. All of the good companies will work with trained aromatherapists. Use their experience. Think of them as natural pharmacists. If you want to see visible proof of purity, ask to see the test results of a particular essential oil. They should be happy to furnish it.
Finding Quality Essential Oils
You also don’t want to ever take an oil internally, unless you’re working with a skilled aromatherapist. This is true regardless of whether or not an oil is pure.
For some people, their favorite brand will be an MLM oil. My mother’s first experience with oils was through an independent distributor, whom also happens to be her friend. She’s sold on the label, so I don’t think she’ll switch.
If you’re shopping for purity, you will want to avoid cheap “fragrance oils.” These may have little or no plant-based aromatics. The fragrance comes primarily, or entirely, from chemicals.
The truth of the matter is that there are many good essential oil companies. Not all of them are multilevel marketing networks. You can find excellent products that aren’t MLM brands. I think this information is really important. Because you can save a lot of money by going outside these networks. Here’s another post I did on non MLM essential oil brand comparisons.
I use the following brands myself: Plant Therapy, Aura Cacia, Edens Garden and Natures Fusions. I also buy Now Foods essential oils for cleaning, and have used it for personal care as well.
Essential Oils for Better Health
Essential oils have played a big role in my journey back to health. I use them to help me sleep, and for natural stress control. Nearly every major essential oil company sells special stress relief blends.
About 10 years ago, I was stricken with mysterious MS-like symptoms. These came on suddenly and progressed rapidly. Natural remedies, along with a lot of prayer, have helped my body heal. I’m passionate about these oils and I believe everyone should be able to own them.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
