Why Some Essential Oils Are Highly Priced
There are a number of variables that go into the pricing of essential oils but one of the reasons some essential oils are highly priced is simply because the essential oil is very difficult to extract from the plant. It can take a lot of plant material to extract the smallest amount of essential oil, meaning that production costs are high and lengthy. This is also the reason why many of the most expensively priced essential oils are open to adulteration
Rose Essential Oil
I have discussed rose (Rosa damascena) essential oil on several occasions but mention it again because it is one of the most expensive essential oils in aromatherapy practice. However, if you can afford to invest in a bottle of true rose essential oil, rose oil has many therapeutic benefits. It is used a lot in skincare and with women’s complaints. It is also a suitable essential oil to use with babies and young children due to its gentle chemical make-up. Rose essential oil is extracted from the petals of the rose flower
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum(Helichrysum angustifolium) is extracted from the very fragrant daisy-like flowers of the helichrysum herb. Helichrysum is a useful essential oil to have around and is perhaps worth the investment of money. It is used in aromatherapy practice for muscular pain, wounds, inflammation, scars and respiratory conditions
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) essential oil is not really an essential oil at all; it is a concrete produced by solvent extraction or an “essential oil” produced from the absolute. However, apart from its popularity as a perfume additive, it is used for skincare, insomnia, headaches and depression. It is another favorite essential oil of women
Other Expensive Essential Oils
Other popular essential oils in aromatherapy practice which are expensive include sandalwood(Santalum album), melissa (Melissa officinalis), neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Study Aromatherapy to Learn More
To learn more about essential oils in aromatherapy practice, study a course such as the Sedona Aromatherapie Foundation Course in Aromatherapy. This course introduces you to the basics of essential oils and making aromatherapy products and is a great place to start if you are new to aromatherapy!
References:
- Lawless, Julia, 1995, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorson
- Author is a certified clinical aromatherapist
