"Snake Oil ...It's been around for a long, long time"

"Now I've been travelin' all around 
I heard trouble's come to your town
Well I've got a little somethin'
Guaranteed to ease your mind
It's call Snake Oil y'all
It's been around for a long, long time"

~ Steve Earle ~ Snake Oil ~

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Essential Oils and Aromatherapy go hand and hand.  Most of us have been exposed to them either for refreshing our homes or supporting our well-beings or both.  Essential oils are distilled, pure essence extracted from the fruit, peel, twigs, leaves or flowers of a plant. Yet we need to be cautious when purchasing them since you don't always get what you pay for ... Essential Oil or Snake Oil??  

Cheaper oils created in a lab can be highly toxic when applied to the skin.  As well, not all products labelled with "aromatherapy" are considered pure or natural.  When reviewing the label, check to see the therapeutic grade of the oil - anything labelled "perfume oil", "fragrance oil" or "nature identical oil" is a red flag.  Labels should state 100% essential oil and the botanic name of the plant should be included under its common name.  Another consideration is the price - it can be a guide as essential oils are not cheap.  The more difficult it is to extract the oil, the more the essential oil will cost. 

Also, always buy from a reputable dealer only and check the expiration date to avoid the oil becoming rancid.  Like perfume, it can be confusing to smell different samples at once, especially since the strong scent of essential oil can be overpowering, so take a break and return to the store later.  

Currently my favourite is "Cedarwood".  The effects of this type of oil is soothing and strengthening.  The scent is woody as expected and really my desire for this smell was triggered by the raised beds project for organic gardening in our backyard.  For me, the beautiful smell of cedar is comforting.  After approval for 100% essential oils from the Gerson doctors, I started to research more on this type of oil and found Cedarwood has the following properties: Antifungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant, Sedative.  It is used for Arthritis, Bronchitis, Cellulite, Cystitis, Dandruff and various Skin Conditions.  More information can be found at Natures Aromatherapy.  

Essential oils are considered nature's effective tools for stimulating and storing positive energy, and supporting our quest for a balanced, healthy and harmonious life.  Have fun exploring as one or more will resonate with YOU.