Home > Learning Center How to Read Label
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How to Read the Label
A supplier of good-quality essential oils will include information about the source of the oil on the essential oil label.
Latin Binomial
To avoid confusion, the label should contain the two-word Latin botanical name (Latin binomial) for the plant from which the oil was derived. For example, all Eucalyptus oils are not alike. Eucalyptus globulus is a great decongestant and antibacterial oil, but it is too strong to use in a baby's room. Eucalyptus radiata is wonderful and safe for keeping your baby's nasal passages clear so you both can have a good night's sleep. Eucalyptus citriodora is a good insect repellent. Moreover, Thyme, Pine, and Chamomile are several commonly used oils that have different subspecies.
How It Was Grown
Certified organic oils are distilled from plants grown without the use of pesticides. An organic certifier gives organic certification to the farms that follow strict guidelines (in the U.S. these guidelines are set forth by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP).
Wild-crafted oils are made from plants collected in the wild. Many people consider these oils to be the most potent.
Select-farmed oils come from farms that are working toward organic certification or that take particular care in the growing process.
Toxic Oils
A few oils can be very toxic. These oils should have a caution on the label and should only be used by trained aromatherapists. White Birch, Sassafras, Thymus zygis, Hyssop and Camphor are a few of these.
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