The Truth about Essential Oils No One Wants to Tell You

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

4.  Pure Essential Oils Should Last Forever. If Not, They had Synthetics Added

Well, this isn’t true either. This is probably just a misunderstanding or lack of knowledge about chemistry. Virtually nothing lasts “forever” — except perhaps honey and diamonds. Although it is true that pure essential oils might “exist” for some time, it simply isn’t accurate to think that they will not change or alter in any way. Eventually, oils will oxidize, which will alter their chemical makeup (unless you can find a way to seal them in an oxygen-free atmosphere, such as outer space). Most oils degrade over time. There are a few oils, such as patchouli and sandalwood, which get better over time, but only to a certain extent. We will never know what would happen to bottle of sandalwood after 5,000 years, but you can bet it would change — even if it only solidifies.

Citrus oils and colored oils (especially blue oils) degrade quite quickly. Blue oils should be refrigerated to prevent them from turning green and spoiling. Citrus oils should be used within one year, and the majority of other oils should be used within two years.

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