FAQ - Essential Oils

FAQ About Jodi Baglien's - Quella Essential Oils

Q:  Are your oils therapeutic grade?

We source our essential oils from time tested, respected farms, distillers, and suppliers that grow and produce essentials oils specifically for use in aromatherapy. Our oils are 100% pure, and tested for additives, adulterants or diluted. My reputation as a business owner, and a holistic practitioner over the last 20 years, is built on the oils I select, and I take that very seriously.

Up to 90% of essential oils are grown for mass production of commercial goods. The difference in the oils we use in aromatherapy is in the growing practices, the use of chemicals and pesticides, careful and intelligent extraction of the oils from the plant, storage practices and sustainability are key to producing essential oils that offer the most therapeutic benefits.

Since there are many misleading marketing terms used when it comes to essential oils, such as "therapeutic grade", and “CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®.” The consumer is often unaware this terminology is simply a marketing term created and trademarked by the company itself, not from a world wide authority who designates, grades or certifies the quality of the oil and this term.

Rather, quality oils are defined  their growing practices, by independent testing, aroma, and in the end - their effectiveness. We also strive to source oils that are grown responsibly and sustainably. The suppliers we use have excellent relationships with the farms and distilleries around the globe, and provide testing for quality assurance.

For an more in depth and authoritative answer I suggest you read this   Article by Jade Shutes, called "The Quality of Essential Oils".

Q: Are all of your oils certified organic, or organic?

Yes, for as many as possible. Just like food, we want the plants that we utilize for their precious essential oils to be grown without destroying the vibrant energy, aroma and healing potential of the oils. Pesticides weaken the plant. 

Organic standards for oils in many ways are similar to that of food and it is our commitment to choose essential oils from wild-crafted or organically farmed plants whenever possible. But the consumer needs to understand the complexity of organic standards and certification. Not all oils can meet "certified" organic status, due to a variety of reasons, but can still be using organic practices. Consider that some most desirable, yet smaller artisan distillers, can not afford the time or money to go through the certification process.

 Read the individual profile for the oil you are interested in (see single oils) to see the cultivation method for each plant/ oil.

Q:  Why buy from an Aromatherapist?

A trusted source for high quality essential oils is critical to the success and results of aromatherapy. This essential oil line is the result of my education for my Certificate in Clinical Aromatherapy, continued education from conferences, self learning, discussions with some of the best and brightest experts in aromatherapy, and from about 20 years of hands on experience in my healing work and custom blending for my clients.  (for more information visit "About Jodi")

There is a lot of marketing hype in the essential oil / aromatherapy business...  and to that all I can say is do what I did and educate yourself: Seek out the experts in the field who have taken the time to educate themselves  and take their classes,  read research and scientific aspects, stay current in new information, and respect the plant kingdom for the great healing gift that they offer us.  

Compare it to this - If you want to start taking herbal supplements, would you rather seek help from:

  • the clerk at the store selling the herbs?
  • someone who is a distributor for a multi level marketing type company with limited or company driven information?
  • a trained Master Herbalist?  

Same thing in Aromatherapy. For the beginner, my best advice is to take my beginner prep class, or Level One Foundations Certificate.  Also get a good resource book, and develop your own “nose”, then watch for your own results. 

Q: Can I ingest essential oils?

Why do you want to ingest is my first question!

Inhalation and topical methods are effective for most situations that oils are helpful for.  At times, ingesting essential oils (EO) can be very helpful for some systemic internal conditions. But this is done using protocols and methods specifically designed for the person and situation and should be done with a trained and experienced aromatherapist or medically trained practitioner who has also studied clinical aromatherapy.

Daily use of oils dropped in water, for no particular reason, or as a dietary supplement is not recommended by any reputable aromatherapist.  Top reason to not ingest - Oil and water do not mix. You are ingesting highly concentrated, sometimes very irritating compounds that can damage your tender esophagus and stomach linings. Worst case is over time, you can severely damage these tissues or become sensitized to essential oils. 

Please seek a professional aromatherapy consultation with Jodi for detailed information.

Q: Can I use Essential oils undiluted on my skin?

Usually not. General rule of thumb in aromatherapy is to dilute, dilute, dilute, when applying essential oils to the skin! Essential oils are VERY effective - even at low dilutions. For inhalation use, as in diffusers or inhalers, you can use the oils straight or undiluted.  If you are new to aromatherapy - seek a trained aromatherapist online or in your area, or see the recommended books and resources for where to go for reference and advice.  Special caution is advised for infants, children, elderly, sensitive skin, damaged skin, and  people with serious medical conditions or on many prescription drugs.

 

Q: Do I need to dilute the oils if I am inhaling them?

No, dilution is recommended for topical use.

 

Q: What is a Carrier oil?

Often called carrier oils, base oils, or fixed oils - carrier oils are one way essential oils can be blended to achieve a lower concentration for topical use on the skin.  Their role is to help “carry” the essential oil onto the skin, at a more tolerable and safer concentration for use on the skin. Carrier oils are usually derived from fruits and nuts, butters, or vegetable sources. They differ from EO’s in that they contain fatty solids, emollients, and other nutritive properties. It is the carrier oil that delivers the "oily" feel, not the essential oils. (Shop for carrier oils)

Quality carrier oils for the skin will be manufactured by cold pressed processes. Compared to heat extracted, cold pressed oils often contain Vitamin E and natural antioxidants helping to prevent spoilage of the carrier. Cold pressed oils can be stored in the refrigerator to help extend their shelf life, and will soften or become liquid again at room temperature – do not microwave, this can destroy active ingredients!

Many lotions, creams, body oils, lip balms and other moisturizing products made from natural and organic ingredients, are available at most markets today can also be used as carriers. Avoid using any petroleum based oils such as mineral oil with EO’s.

Q: How should I Store Essential oils?

Essential oils are precious, concentrated and costly to manufacture. In some cases enormous amounts of botanical material are used to produce small amounts of essential oils. Storing your oils correctly will help you maintain their maximum therapeutic strength. Factors that cause spoilage are: exposure to air, heat, moisture, light. How quickly an essential oil deteriorates and evaporates depends on each oils unique chemical components, called constituents. Oxidation being the surest way to quickly deteriorate the oil.

Storage Suggestions:

  • Keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place.
  • Replace caps ASAP and make sure they are on tightly.
  • Refrigeration is not necessary and could add unwanted moisture to the essential oil. Some sources do recommend refrigeration for citrus and conifer oils.
  • The exception to this may be Rose Otto. Rose can evaporate easily. Some people have found their highly prized Rose oil empty – with evaporation the culprit. Some Refrigerate their Rose oil, some combine Rose oil with Golden Jojoba oil in a 10-20% dilution. This saves you money, and may keep  the Rose from evaporating

Q: What essential oils and supplies do I need to get started?

Consider the following:

  • Ask yourself – what conditions might I be working with? What is typical for myself? My family?
  • What therapeutic qualities do these conditions require?
  • What aromas do I love?
  • Additional ideas: Choose oils from chemical groups – you will round out your therapeutic actions from selecting oils using this method.
  • Select purely by your aroma preference – great for massage uses, baths, personal fragrance and home diffusing.
  • Select one or two oils from each of the plant parts – flowers, fruits, woods, resins, leaves, needles, berries, roots and rhizomes.

Supplies – Have on hand the tools you need to create!