Unfortunately, not all essential oils are created equal. Many, if not all, of the oils on the market are called “perfume quality” or “4th & 5th quality oils. These are over-processed, chemical-laden, highly adulterated and denatured products that, in reality, are little more than cheap perfume made from various odorous plants. This includes oils found in health food stores. Many people think that when they buy an oil labeled “100% pure,” they get high-quality oil. This is far from true.
Pure, unadulterated essential oil is tough to come by and can be very expensive. One reason is that it can take 500 to 2,000 pounds or more of raw plant material to produce just a pound of pure essential oil.
To maintain all of its therapeutic qualities, it must be extracted by steam distillation at extremely low pressure and low heat, so as not to compromise the oil’s quality.
There are four grades of essential oils:
PURE—This means the oil was not diluted with a lesser-quality essential oil. For example, lavender oil is often cut with lavender, which has very little therapeutic quality. “Pure” does not mean it has no chemicals added. It could be 75% vegetable oil and 25% essential oil and still be labeled “100% Pure.”
NATURAL – The oil was not adulterated with vegetable oils, propylene glycol, SD Alcohol 40, or other chemicals.
COMPLETE – When an essential oil is distilled at low heat and low pressure, its natural aromatic compounds are generally better preserved. This does not guarantee superior therapeutic effects, but it does help maintain the integrity of the fragrance profile. Some essential oils are fractionally distilled or redistilled, not to “stretch” the oil, but to refine its aroma, remove certain constituents, or meet specific industry standards. Redistillation can change the scent and chemical balance of an oil, making it less complex than a first distillation, though it is not accurate to say that all therapeutic value is lost. Lavender and Melissa are good examples of oils with complex supply chains. Lavender production varies by region and year, and Melissa is notoriously low-yielding, which makes it one of the most expensive essential oils. Because Melissa requires a large amount of plant material to produce a small amount of oil, adulteration is common in the marketplace, which is why testing and verification are so necessary.
Anywhere from 200 to 800 chemical constituents make up a single essential oil. When the oil is not distilled properly, you will be left with as few as 10. Some of the most powerful healing constituents are at the end of the process.
GENUINE or GRADE A—These are the cream of the crop. Great care is taken at every step of the process. Seeds are not from hybrids, and the soil is organic, never treated with chemicals. Chemicals are never used on the plants in the field.
Distillation by steam at low pressure & low temperature in upright containers, & no chemicals are ever used in the process. It must have clear definitions (one plant could have 200 species). The time in the distiller is also essential- cypress oil must be distilled for 24 hours. Many companies will distill at higher temperatures for a shorter time. This will destroy the quality of the oil. The distiller must be no more than 50 miles away from the site where the plants were harvested and must have Gas Chromatograph readings with an embossed seal that does not come from their lab. Then & only then can they have the words “Grade A” on the label.
Young Living’s oils are GRADE A oils. It is one of the few companies in the world that grows plants from seed, distills, and bottles their essential oils. Young Living is the world’s largest grower of essential oil plants.
Banishing oil
To banish unwanted negative energies, ill wishes, or baneful habits
3 drops Cypress
2 drops Clove
2 drops Cedarwood
Optional: Roll the candle in one or more of the following:
Rose, Fern, Elder, or Cinquefoil.
All Purpose Oil
These blended oils are potent. You can use this oil when you are unsure which oil best suits your intent. However, if you use it in this manner, you need to focus on a specific purpose. Use it as a scent on a light ring or for candle anointing. It gives a room a pleasant feeling. It is suitable for consecrating ritual tools, candles, altars, and workrooms.
2 1/2 oz clear base
1oz Palma Christi (castor oil)
1dr. Heliotrope
1dr. Lotus
1dr. Honeysuckle
1dr. Vetivert, white musk, or Oak moss