Essential Oils- What does it mean when I see 100% Pure, Organic, Wild, Unsprayed, Fair Trade, Conventional, Natural, Therapeutic Grade, and what is the difference between them?

100% Pure- This labeling is required by law and is used to define a product that does not have any other additives, and is not blended. (e.g. 100% Pure Rosemary Oil, would have only Rosemary essential oil and nothing else)

Organic: Anything grown in organic, pesticide, and herbicide free soil. Farmers may use natural remedies to ward off pests, and must refrain from using pesticides or herbicides on their plants. (Must be 100% organic)

Wild: Anything grown and propagated by itself without being cultivated by farmers. No herbicides or pesticides are used.

Unsprayed: The soil is not organic(may have chemicals), but no pesticides/herbicides are used in the growing process.

Fair Trade/Ethically grown: it is grown according to laws and regulations that will benefit workers and plants. Certified by FTF(U.S) or WFTO.

Conventional: Anything grown with the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. May also contain fungus and heavy metals.

Natural: This term means that the essential oils are derived from plants and not produced in laboratories. It must be derived using a purely physical process. (i.e. steam distillation) This term does not make a product organic! It may still contain heavy metals, pesticides and other unwanted chemicals.

Therapeutic Grade: This term can be confusing as some companies use it to try and differentiate their product as being more “medicinal.” However any essential oil that is used for a specific purpose, such as using tea-tree essential oil as an antiseptic, is “therapeutic,” but it can still be conventional and have chemical compounds, heavy metals, and pesticides in it.

**Disclaimer: The information on our web site is for educational purposes only and may not be complete or may not be accurate, it is provided as a courtesy only. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated these statements and/or information. These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to prescribe, treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. Stop using if any discomfort/ irritation/ sensitization ensues. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.