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6 Tips for Selecting Essential Oils for Clinical Use

Just like wine, a number of factors affect the quality of an essential oil, including:
- Where the plant was grown.
- What part of the plant was used.
- How it was grown.
- What the climate was like.
- How it was harvested.
- When it was harvested.
- How it was produced.
- How it was stored following production.
1. Know your supplier. Start by developing a relationship with a supplier you can trust. Try to deal with suppliers either who distill their own material or who deal directly with reputable distillers. Suppliers usually will provide a small sample of the oil for you to check before purchasing larger quantities.
2. Use the Latin names. Order by the Latin name, and always check labels for the correct botanical name.
3. Perform your own tests. Make sure the oil is pure and not extended or diluted by using the organoleptic testing techniques we have learned so far. Educate your olfactory senses: Smell, taste, feel, and look at oils from many different samples and sources to gain experience.
4. Do not rely on price as an indicator of quality. Be aware that a higher price does not necessarily mean a higher quality. It is important to check all oils thoroughly regardless of the price. Note that a price that is very low comparatively may indicate that an oil is not as labeled, is diluted in a base oil, or is otherwise adulterated. Many expensive oils, such as rose and neroli, are sold diluted in a base oil such as sweet almond.
5. Gas chromatographs. Gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), and similar additive-revealing techniques can analyze oils. This can be particularly helpful when purchasing large quantities. However, chemical analysis does not always reveal the presence of adulterants and an experienced technician must carry out the analysis of the MS. In addition, a GC must be conducted for each batch, so the cost can be very prohibitive for small distillers. A GC is not always a guarantee of quality. One test does not replace another. It is best to use all available tests in combination.
6. Organoleptic testing is still the ultimate test. Build your experience. The very best way to gain experience and familiarity with pure essential oils is to sample as many pure oils and synthetic oils as possible and document the differences.
February is American Heart Month: Make Prevention a Priority
** Note, new 2011 heart disease guidelines for women have been released since this blog posted. The new guidelines include:- Keeping cholesterol level at 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less
- Keeping blood pressure at 120/80 mm Hg
- Having a fasting blood glucose under 100 mg/dL
- Recognition that diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis increase heart disease risk in women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2009 alone, about 785,000 Americans had a coronary attack. But--there is good news. We can reduce the chance of developing coronary heart disease by making prevention a priority. It’s time!
February is American Heart Month, a national campaign to share information about heart disease and to raise awareness. Do you know the signs? A heart attack may feel sharp and sudden, but many start slowly. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute posted their “Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs” video to help you identify the warning signs.
Whether or not you or a loved one have suffered with heart disease, prevention is a year-round campaign. Download your free ACHS Wellness Guide for more heart health and how-to information!
Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata has traditionally been used to support healthy cardiovascular function. Studies show hawthorn acts on the myocardium. It increases the force of contraction and lengthens the refractory period, increasing coronary blood flow and cardiac output, and reducing oxygen consumption.[1] For more information about the active constituents and medicinal uses of hawthorn, download our hawthorn monograph HERE.
References
1. Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, Chow MS. (2002) Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol, 42:605-12.
2. Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. (2003). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med, 114:665-74.
3. Schwinger RH, Pietsch M, Frank K, Brixius K. (2000). Crataegus special extract WS 1442 increases force of contraction in human myocardium cAMPindependently. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol, 35:700-7.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, naturopathic doctor, or Registered Herbalist before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
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Essential Oils for Winter
As winter unfolds its many surprises--cold temperatures and short, gray days among them--it's a great time to enjoy adding warming and uplifting essential oils into your seasonal blends. Warming essential oils like cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum and ginger Zingiber officinale have fresh, spicy aromas that blend well with citrus oils like grapefruit. Citrus oils are pleasant to use during the winter season because their fresh, uplifting scents can help support healthy emotional well-being.Air Purification Formula with Cinnamon Essential Oil
- Clove Syzygium aromaticum oil: 3-drops
- Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil: 3-drops
- Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 3-drops
- Peppermint Mentha piperita oil: 3-drops
- Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3-drops
- Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis oil: 3-drops
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris oil: 3-drops
- Water (distilled): ½-oz
- Alcohol: ½-oz
More information about cinnamon, ginger, and grapefruit essential oils to come!
*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, heal, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, a naturopathic doctor, or a Registered Aromatherapist before making any significant changes in your health and wellness routine.
Study Abroad with ACHS: Mediterranean Herbs and Essential oils in Greece June 4-9, 2011
This program is held on the beautiful island of Syros, Greece, in the heart of the Cyclades, amongst wild thyme and other aromatic Mediterranean botanicals. Enjoy the relaxing, healthy lifestyle of a Greek island amidst a wide variety of Mediterranean plants and herbs. Greece is the birthplace of the “father of medicine” Hippocrates, who believed the body should be treated as a whole and that food should be our medicine. This program is an opportunity to immerse yourself in this ancient land. Syros is close to Mykonos and Santorini and not too far from the island of Cos where Hippocrates founded a medical school and began teaching his ideas. Syros is an enchanting location for this residential session.
For more information about travel and lodging, course curriculum, and how to get started, view complete information on the ACHS website here: http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=208&id=61
For more information about Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold and Chios, Greece Summer Session in Greece, CLICK HERE.


