When it comes to essential oils, are organic ones better? Some people believe that organic essential oils must be healthier. But is that really the case? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between organic and non organic oils to find out.
Essential oils are used for their therapeutic properties towards better health and well-being.
They are a concentrated liquid produced from plant materials such as leaves, bark, stems, flowers, or grasses.
It is not such a big surprise that essential oils also come in organic varieties. In fact, many products in the market place these days have an organic option. Consumer trends show a favor towards more natural and sustainable product choices.
With organic essential oils, this is a great direction to go because you’re after the oils’ therapeutic properties – which have a good chance to be better when produced from organic plant materials.
Almost all products that are organic tend to demand a bit of a higher price. You might wonder, “Is it really worth the extra expense?”. There are plenty of reasons why organic essentials are a very good choice.
In this article, I explore all of those questions and hope to help you make your own choice between organic vs non organic essential oils.
See also:
Organic vs Certified Organic
When it comes to organic products, labeling can be deceptive! In fact, anyone can print the words “organic” on a label.
Even when organic products claim to contain only all-natural ingredients, this is often not true.
Some companies just take advantage of the name association or “organic”. And I would agree, it provides perceived value to their products.
Knowing this labeling dilemma, there are official entities in the United States to step in. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the authority to confirm a product as Certified Organic.
The USDA provides educational materials, programs and services to help farmers and businesses achieve organic certification. Their handbook includes rules & regulations for producing, handling, processing and labeling products. Any product that’s labeled USDA Certified Organic has complied to these standards, including prohibited practices and following a list of allowed and prohibited substances.
Without the USDA stamp and just the name “organic” printed on a label, there’s a possibility that the essential oil has been produced sub-standard. It could be made from sprayed plants, have been distilled poorly, or not properly handled during and after distilling. Please only trust that your oil is organic when the bottle is stamped and approved with the USDA label.
Are Organic Essential Oils Truly Better?
The quality of essential oil you find in your bottle is a product of many factors! The most important piece is the plants & plant material handling processes. The seeds, growing, cutting, harvesting and distillation methods all matter.
As a consumer, please understand that once an essential oil claims that it’s organic or all-natural, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s better. The term ‘organic’ refers to agricultural processes and principles, and doesn’t guarantee that its end-quality is much better. Of course, chances are that it is, but this is a point that you should keep in mind when choosing between organic and conventional oils.
You can further base this comparison on foods that are organic and non-organic. I would argue that organic foods taste much better than non-organic ones. Harsh chemicals used in some farming practices can leave any plants depleted and harmed – whether that’s an apple you’ll eat or Lavender essential oil you’ll use.
I believe that organic essential oils contain a higher level of the therapeutic plant constituents, which is a super important piece to the healing art of aromatherapy. Organic essential oils are also safer to use because pesticides, chemical fertilizers and herbicides are eliminated from the equation right at production level. Further, organic farming fits more wholly into a well cared-for environment and mentality of sustainability. Organic farmers, agriculture and sustainable practices are still essential for our growing culture – only one of the reasons why a lot of people love to buy organic essential oils.
The main reason that speaks for organic essential oils is the fact that you are actually hoping to gain aromatherapy benefits from your essential oil use. Organic materials can benefit our body and our health much better when they’re grown as naturally as possible, rather than commercially with chemicals, pesticides, and so on. Remember, when it comes to the kind of essential oils you choose, research the company’s reputation and look for the USDA Certified Organic seal.
Aren’t All Essential Oils Organic?
One could argue that all essential oils come from natural sources, so they are by definition “organic”. It depends on how you classify “organic” in the realm of today’s essential oil market.
NO – not all essential oils are organic and this generalized understanding is not the approach we are taking.
We only count oils as organic if they are approved and stamped by the appropriate authorities. Some essential oil brands carry USDA certified organic essential oils, and those are definitely amazing and worth the investment. The rest of the oils are still made from natural sources – though not tested and proofed as certified organic.
Which Organic Essential Oils Companies are the Best?
Consumers these days basically demand having organic options available in their shopping.
As a response, essential oil companies are joining in the effort of providing certified organic products.
If you want to know which ones have a good reputation, here are some of the best essential oil companies that you should check out.
Rocky Mountain USDA Certified Organic Oils
Rocky Mountain Oils (RMO) is a reputable essential oils brand that carries a beautiful line of select USDA Certified Organic essential oils.
Their current offer includes 10 oils: Organic Tea Tree, Organic Peppermint, Organic Orange, Organic Lemon, Organic Lavender, Organic Frankincense, Organic Oregano, Organic Eucalyptus, Organic Grapefruit and Organic Turmeric. Kits of 4 or 6 oils are also available at a bundle price (shop the bundles here).
Especially when it comes to essential oils like Lemon, which is made through cold-pressing the lemon rind pieces, I absolutely favor Organic. The lemon rind that made my oil will have a lot less farming by-products than an oil produced from citrus fruit trees that have been sprayed during growth and harvest season.
Plant Therapy USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils
Plant Therapy is also a popular and well-established essential oil brand that offers USDA Certified Organic essential oils among their product offering.
Currently, their shop offers a whopping 55 Certified Organic essential oils (both singles and blends). You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in an organic variety at Plant Therapy.
From Bergamot to Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Helichrysum, Melissa or Petitgrain, the selection is insane (find the 55 oils here)!
REVIVE USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils
REVIVE‘s line-up of USDA Certified Organic essential oils includes a organic kit, as well as the following 10 single oils: Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Vetiver, Patchouli and Ylang-Ylang.
Yes, the line-up of organic oils is currently still limited to 10 oils. Still, REVIVE offers fair price for great quality oils.
Why Use Essential Oils and Aromatherapy?
Essential oils smell so good that they can easily change the feel, flair, and comfort level of the surrounding air in your room if used via an essential oil diffuser.
Essential oils can also be applied topically via essential oil massage or spot treatments for example for a headache or sore muscles. You can learn more on how to use essential oils, and which carrier oils to use for specific skin care requirements.
Sources
- USDA Organic Certification Info: https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic
Do you have your own thoughts or favorites to share? Leave us a note in the comment box below!
Brenda Barrs
Thank you so much for your great information about using essential oils. I really enjoy reading about them and am trying to learn how to use them properly. Keep your emails coming.
Sherri
I use Edens Gardens and love them.