If I had a nickel for every time I have heard, "Well, I'm just diffusing the oils, so I can buy the cheaper brand" I would have at least a few dollars in my pocket.
I'm not sure where the notion came from that something in the air can not be harmful to you, or that somehow a lower quality product is acceptable because you are 'just' using it in the diffuser.
Let's kick that notion to the curb right now, and prove once and for all how entirely and completely it is wrong.
Be patient with me. I can't explain this in a super short post. There is SO much involved in this subject. I will try to make it as short as possible.
Without getting too brainy on you, I am going to dissect the power of smell.
When a fragrance is inhaled, the airborne odor molecules go to the olfactory part of the brain. This sets off a complicated process that then sends signals to other areas of the brain that control emotions, memories, etc. including the limbic system.
There is literally a receptor specifically designed for every scent we may encounter. Some studying it refer to it as a lock and key system.
Because the limbic system is intricately involved with processes that control heart rate, hormone balance, stress, breathing, etc. inhaling essential oils have a profound physiological and psychological effects on the human body.
The sense of smell is the only of the five senses that is directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain.
Essential oils, through their fragrance and unique molecular structure can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus, which is responsive to smell stimuli.
The moral of the story? Don't trust your nose!
While an inferior oil could smell similar, it all comes down to molecular structure. As hard as they try, scientists can not create a molecular identical oil, and therefore, the effect of that oil on the human body simply will not have the same impact as the real deal. The key is close, but no fit.
How do you know other oils aren't pure?
Statistics. Pure and simple. It has been estimated that for every kilogram of pure essential oil produced, there are between 10 and 100 kilograms of synthetic oils created.
There are entire research labs dedicated to creating these synthetic versions on the East coast of the US.
In France, production of actual lavender (lavenhdula anguvstifolia) dropped from 87 tons in 1967 to only 12 tons in 1998. The global demand for essential oils rocketed during this time, and the market grew by 100%. So, where did the essential oil marketers get enough supply for the demand? There was probably a combination of synthetic and adulterated oils.
Why does this matter?
When you are the best, people will imitate you. Opposite of the old adage, its not always flattering. When companies try to make a profit by marketing their synthetic or adulterated product as 100% pure, and target the people who don't know better, or don't feel they can afford the real thing, people can get hurt.
Lavender, even PURE lavender comes in many different varieties. It has to be distilled slowly and not heated, in order to extract the exact compound that we know as pure lavender oil.
Pure lavender (lavenhdula anguvstifolia) is known for it's soothing properties and is very good for skin in general. However, most of the lavender sold in America today is a hybrid called Lavindin. This is often heated to evaporate the camphor, mixed with synthetic oil to improve the smell, and sold as lavender oil. Most people would never know the difference and will buy this cheaper version of lavender, thinking they are just getting a great deal.
This misleading labeling can present dangers for customers. They purchase an oil, with a certain usage in mind. This oil either does not perform as expected, or actually ends up hurting the person. For example, one tries to use the above-mentioned 'lavender' to soothe a burn, and instead, intensifies the pain and discomfort. This is because lavindin is biologically different than lavender. It will not perform the same.
Adulterated oils, mixed with synthetic extenders (additives such as propylene glycol - and others) can be harmful, causing burns, rashes and irritation. These oils can cause issues such as allergic reactions, not to mention they have zero therapeutic value.
Yes, even diffusing these inferior oils can cause damage.
When there is a product that is getting as much attention and being sold as widely as essential oils, there will be regulation. It would be irresponsible to not regulate such an industry.
In the past, oils have been considered to be relatively safe, with few exceptions, but with new technological advances in the manufacture of synthetic compounds, there is an increasing danger of toxicity.
New legislation has become reality for essential oils. Warning consumers of the dangers of essential oils on bottle labels, as well as the labels of oil-containing products is fast-approaching. The reality is that the future could see essential oils being regulated to the point that only pharmacists and medically qualified personal will be the only ones able to distribute them.
When the bad apples of an industry spoil the batch, everyone suffers. Instead of having access to quality oils at an affordable price, the continued production and use of fake oils will take that option away from the general public.
Why Diffuse?
Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors (instead of making them). They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions and release natural ozone.
Inhalation is the quickest way to get essential oils to your brain, and get those great benefits. A cold-air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of essential oils into the air, where they can remain suspended for several hours.
With the use of the inhalation method, and PURE essential oils, you can achieve cleaner air inside your home than is outside. (Add in a few house plants, and your lungs will thank you)
sources:
Essential Oils Desk Reference
The Essential oils Integrative Medical Guide
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