When it comes to anything more than recreational fragrancing, it pays to obtain the best oils possible. If you choose cheaper oils, your results are likely to be very disappointing, at best.

However, using quality essential oils provides you with several benefits:

1. Essential oils have a small enough molecular size to quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin.
2. Essential oils are lipid-soluble, capable of penetrating cell membranes — even if the membranes have hardened due to oxygen deficiency. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes, and are then metabolized like other nutrients.
3. According to researchers at the University of Vienna, essential oils stimulate blood flow, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery.
4. Essential oils are some of the most powerful antioxidants known, as determined by the ORAC test, developed by Tufts University. They may prevent mutations, fungus and oxidation in cells, and work as free-radical scavengers.
5. Essential oils repel bacteria, fungi, infections and viruses, and are antiseptic. Some essential oils have been shown to destroy all tested bacteria and viruses.
6. Essential oils may detoxify cells and blood.
7. Essential oils containing sesquiterpenes — such as frankincense, myrrh, lavender and many others — have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier. This has been cited as a major hurdle in developing effective treatments for neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s Disease.
8. Essential oils are aromatic and, when diffused, may provide air purification by:
* Increasing ozone and negative ions in the area;
* Eliminating odors from cooking, bacteria, mold, animals and other sources;
* Filling the air with a fresh, aromatic scent.
9. Essential oils promote emotional, physical and spiritual well being.
10. Essential oils are made up of three of the same elements as the human body — hydrogen, oxygen and carbon — making them very compatible with the body and giving them a balancing effect.

Don’t just fragrance your environment, insist on therapeutic-grade essential oils for all the benefits aromatherapy has to offer.