The following should be included on the label of an essential oil:
(Note: This is not an exhaustive list, yet it's a good place to start. Be aware of what is written on the label of your essential oils! If this information is missing, it may be a negative sign about the quality of the oil/supplier. In some cases this information will be listed in the product catalog or website).
- The common name: Lavender, Neroli, Geranium, etc.
- The Latin binomial: This is the botanical name of the plant. It includes genus and species. An example: Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender). This is extremely important! Think about it: There are over 250 species of the eucalyptus genus. Which one are you using? Each one has its own unique chemistry and therapeutic applications.
- The country of origin of the plant material: France, USA, Italy, etc. This can affect the aroma and the chemical composition of the oil.
- Part of plant used: Bark, leaves, fruit, seeds, flowering tops, etc.
- How the plant is grown: Organic, Wild-crafted, etc.
- Method of Extraction: Steam distilled or expressed.
- Standard Safety Warning: Usually something along the lines of: "Not for internal use. Keep away from children." When a label says the oil is not for internal use, this does NOT mean anything about the quality! This is a legal decision that companies make to protect from lawsuits.
~ Size of bottle/essential oil content: Most companies use the metric system. 5, 10, or 15 milliliters is a common size.
- Chemotype: Should be listed when relevant. (I will write more about this in a future post).
- A batch number: This is used to identify a specific batch of essential oil, from a specific supplier, during a specific year. Batches vary based on a number of factors that change.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.
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