What Are Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils?

Essential oils of therapeutic quality are concentrated plant essences won by steam distillation according to the old Egyptian technique used by Isis priestesses as well as in case of some oils, being cold pressed. The complete spectrum of the plant’s effects is preserved in this way, and depending on plant species, the concentration of the oil is 100 to 2000 times as strong as naturally in the plant. Thus, therapeutic grade essential oils can have a strong effect on the physical, emotional and spiritual level. There are three grades of quality, which is not always well defined:

(1) fragrance oils (perfume oils)
(2) commercial essential oils
(3) therapeutic grade essential oils

Perfume  Oils  (Fragrance Oils)

You can often find a bottle of oil for as little as $1. These oils are synthetic (either petrochemical or silicon-based) and useless from a therapeutic perspective; in fact, they are potentially dangerous when inhaled, ingested or applied topically (especially if the chemical substances are being heat evaporated, chemical compounds are released and can be harmful for the human body potentially causing cancer).

Commercial Oils

Commercial essential oils can be used for aromatherapy at home – these oils are of average to good quality, however they are occasionally diluted and not 100% pure. Reason for this is not lack of knowledge from the manufacturer, but unfortunately greed of gain and for business management reasons; reducing costs and maximizing profit. With this attitude, business is made at the expense of trustful people but nature’s forces and health sustainability are not accommodated for. Some well-know brands fall in this category.

Essential Oils As Medicine: Essential Oils Guide – By Dr. Axe

Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from plants with tremendous healing properties. Using essential oils for healing purposes is often called aromatherapy.

For over 5,000 years, many different cultures have used these healing plant oils for a variety of health conditions. They are often used for relaxation, beauty care, home cleaning and most often used as natural medicine.

In this video, Jordan Rubin and Dr. Axe discuss several different essential oils — including frankincense, turmeric, lavender, oregano, clove, tea tree, ylang ylang and so many more — and how to use each one to help combat common illnesses. Watch to learn the power of essential oils as medicine.

Note: This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Josh Axe, and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.