Exploring the True Value of Organic Aromatherapy Products

Aromatherapy utilizes the healing properties of essential oils extracted from plants’ leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and bark. The benefits of aromatherapy are to a large degree determined by the quality of the essential oils used in its practice. For some practitioners, high quality 100% pure, natural essential oils provide acceptable treatments for mental and physical stresses and ailments. Others recommend and use only organic aromatherapy products as part of their therapeutic practice.

What are Organic Aromatherapy Products?

Like organic foods and beverages, organic aromatherapy products are derived from plants grown according to highly controlled, completely natural agricultural methods. The source plants are never exposed to pesticides or chemicals, nor are the seeds or soil used to grow them. The resultant organic aromatherapy products extracted from organic farming methods can thus be considered truly pure and natural.

Organic aromatherapy soaps, candles and other items are likewise derived from organic ingredients. No substance used in their production is not organically produced.
Some believe they offer even more benefits when used therapeutically than other, non-organically produced essential oil products.

Why all the Fuss?

The essential oils extracted from plant materials are highly concentrated substances produced by distillation. Advocates of organic aromatherapy products point out that “highly concentrated” refers to more than the scents and properties of essential oils in non-organically produced plants. Could chemicals and pesticides, too, be present in “highly concentrated” doses? The idea of even miniscule amounts of toxic or unnatural substances contaminating therapeutic essential oils is disturbing to many. Organic aromatherapy products completely eradicate such concerns.

In addition to producing environmentally friendly crops, organic farmers also work to benefit and enhance the soil used to grow them. Organic operations are typically more labor-intensive than large-scale, automated farms. Like other organic items, organic aromatherapy products may cost slightly more. But many feel the environmental and societal benefits as well as the superiority of organically produced items justifies their higher cost.

The Decision to Go Organic

Are organic aromatherapy products worth paying more for? This is truly a personal decision you should consider carefully before making. On the one hand, such small amounts of essential oils are generally utilized in aromatherapy, perhaps the small amount of chemicals or pesticides you are exposed to is of little concern. On the other hand, since so little is used, paying a dollar more for a bottle of essential oil is perhaps less costly than it seems. If the properties of the oils truly are superior, it’s possible less will be needed to produce the same therapeutic effects making organic the more economical choice.

Some argue the processes of distilling remove all traces of chemicals from plant materials regardless of their production method. There seems to be little scientific evidence for this assertion, just as there is little proof organic products are superior in any way. Ultimately, your own experience may help you decide what you choose to believe regarding organic aromatherapy products. Perhaps the simplest way to decide is to try one or two organic products. It’s a practical way to judge for yourself if organic is worthwhile to you.