Purity Test For Essential Oils

[Dria El]

PURITY TEST FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils, used for everything from insect repellents to aromatherapy and fragrance, are very strong and need to be used with care, but they can cause environmental health problems if the brand doesn't provide pure oils. Some oils have petroleum-based solvents added, which can be very toxic. Petroleum-based solvents are often long-lasting in the environment, are stored in our fat, and are a source of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that negatively affect indoor air quality.

Do an easy blotting paper test to see if your oils are pure. Put a few sample drops of your oils on a blotting paper. Pure essential oils will not leave any residue once they have evaporated, whereas petroleum solvents will.

[evilslinkycat]

Thanks! I didn't know that but it makes sense....:D

[WynterSpirit]

VERY good info. :)

[Eldawen]

I had never thought of that! :lol: Makes sense. Great info, thankies :D

[Enozgirl]

Thanks for the tip!

*goes off to test some of her oils :)*

[banondraig]

now i just need to find some blotting paper . . . what exactly is that? would it be the kind for oily skin, or the old-fashioned stuff you use with fountain pens, or would either work?

[CaitrionaMorgaine]

Excellent post--thanks for sharing this information!

Avalon's Blessings, ~Rhiannon

[Paije]

I read that you can create your own essentials by putting the herbs in a dark glass container,filling it half way with herbs, then pour everclear enough to cover the herb. Let sit for 5 days shaking vigoursly once a day. On the fifth day, pour the contents into a shatter prouf container and freeze. Everclear doesn't freeze so you would then drain off the alcohol and wala, you have an essential oil.

Any know if this is true. In the process of trying it with Lavendar. only into the 2nd day :)

[banondraig]

I read that you can create your own essentials by putting the herbs in a dark glass container,filling it half way with herbs, then pour everclear enough to cover the herb. Let sit for 5 days shaking vigoursly once a day. On the fifth day, pour the contents into a shatter prouf container and freeze. Everclear doesn't freeze so you would then drain off the alcohol and wala, you have an essential oil.

Any know if this is true. In the process of trying it with Lavendar. only into the 2nd day :)

wow, isn't that expensive?

let us know how it works. :)

[Paije]

I drink wine occasionally, rinse out the wine bottle, save the cork. put the herbs (out of my garden) into bottle, cover with everclear. 20.00 a bottle. So I used only enough to cover the herb. Will have enough to do several bottles, but the problem I am running into is the freezing part. I put it in last night....nothing. changed to a metal pan today, will see what the outcom is tomorrow. :ugh:

[Paije]

So I guess I am stuck on how to make your own essential oils in your own kitchen..does anyone know how? I looked at the oils class info but I don't know what "a cold wash" means. :sadeyes:

Help?

Paije

[-Ember]

There are a lot of ways to do low concentration versions and which work best will vary from herb to herb. The only way to get the really potent ones is a distilling process that is more complicated than most kitchens can support.

On the freezing: it takes a LONG time. Alcholol doesn't freeze easily, which is part of why it works so well for this.