Buying Essential Oils

Essential oils are often sold within bottles of a very small size Most sizes of these bottles range from 5 milliliters to 15 milliliters

Essential oils are often sold within bottles of a very small size. Most sizes of these bottles range from 5 milliliters to 15 milliliters. The most expensive essential oils can be purchased in 2 milliliter bottles or dram size. Each essential oils should always be stored properly as these oils are easily damaged by direct sunlight and can lose their quality quickly over time. Oxidation of citrus oils causes this oil to lose it''s small and physical properties quicker than many other essential oils.

Essential oils should come in an amber bottles. If your oils comes in a blue bottle, be sure to store this bottle in a dark storage area. Cobalt or amber bottles are effective at keeping sunlight out. Never purchase any essential oil if it bottled in a clear type of bottle containing a rubber dropper. Plastic bottles containing essential oils are a huge risk. You may see some essential oils being sole in all aluminum bottles. This is okay as long as the bottle is lined inside. Each bottle you buy should always be stored in a dark, cool place. If your essential oils are exposed to heated environments, they will evaporate very quickly. Your bottles should come with an orifice reducer. An orifice reducer is a clear and small insert which you will find within the bottle. This is used as a dropper for the oil. Always make sure you put the cap back on the oil as soon as you are finished so your oil does not evaporate. It''s also important to make sure the top is on very tight.

Each essential oil you purchase should last you for 3 years from manufacture date. If you store your oil in a cautious and wise manner, it can last for up to 5 years. When you dilute this oil with a carrier oil, the product life of the oil is greatly decreased. When your oil is blended, it will only last for 3 to 6 months at the most. Definitely keep the mixed oil in a cool storage place. If you add wheat germ to your oil, the oil can last for about 6 to 9 months. Always throw any unused oil away should the smell change or become rotten. Rancid vegetable oil will have a distinct, bad smell. If you ever smell bad vegetable oil, throw the product away as soon as possible.

Here are a few helpful hints in regards to the use and storage of essential oils:

Always buy essential oil bottles which are amber in color. Never buy plastic bottled oil.

Make sure you check the date of manufacture before buying. Shelf life is short enough, so you don''t want essential oil which expires soon.

Never store the oil in direct sun light.

If all essential oils are exactly the same price, steer clear. For example, Rose oil will always be more expensive than Lavender or Rosemary.

If your oil is already diluted, make sure to find out what carrier it has in it.

Sara Ryan writes regularly for TIR Massage Stone, they carry such Pure Essential Oils as Lavender Oil, among many others.