-Every bottle of essential oil should have the common name for example, Lavender; the botanical name, Lavandula angustifolia; and the country of origin, France. There are numerous varieties of Lavender, so it is important to know which one you want and what you are getting, the botanical name lets you know you are getting an oil with the benefits you are seeking. The country of origin is important because the location where a plant grows can alter the chemical make-up and the scent quality.
– Essential oils are sensitive to light and should be bottled in amber (brown), cobalt blue, violet (almost black) or green bottles to protect them. Never buy oils sold in clear bottles. – Each bottle (from 2ml through 30ml) of essential oil should have an orifice reducer, a small plastic disk that limits the amount of oil dripped out of the bottle. This has a two fold purpose: in case of an accident it limits the amount of oils emitted and it also allows you to count the number of drops when creating a formula. Never buy essential oils in bottles with a rubber squeeze top (like an eye dropper). Many essential oils cause this rubbery top to disintegrate and contaminate the essential oil.
– Buy your oils from a reputable dealer with whom you can build a relationship. -Whether using essential oils for the scent alone or for their healing potential, it is important to employ the highest therapeutic quality oils.
-Therapeutic quality means the essential oil’s chemical constituents fall within certain percentages and will therefore be effective in addressing specific needs. It is also indicates there are no artificial substances or additives in the product.
-Since there is no formal regulation (in the US), anyone can make these claims, so what is a person to do?
I encourage you to communicate with the provider, ask questions and get a feel for their knowledge. You have a right to get what you are seeking.