Information on Essential Oils

Information on Essential Oils

The use of essential oils must always be accompanied by guarantees of controlled quality: safety of use and expected results depend above all on the quality of the essential oil used. Our essential oils perfectly meet the criteria you must demand:

Origin

- Our supply is carried out in priority with our privileged partners , small growers and local distillers , when possible according to the geographical area of ​​cultivation of the plant.

- A majority of essential oils from productions that comply with the specifications of Organic Farming. Conventional essential oils come from wild plants or even from traditional crops that respect the environment (limitation of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers).

- The company MAISON LAGET (Compagnie des Arômes & Cosmétiques SAS) is committed to ECOCERT France, attesting to its commitment to respecting the organic production method defined by the standard.

Respect and knowledge of the nature of the essential oil

The organoleptic and therapeutic properties of an essential oil vary greatly depending on the nature of the plant used. Also to guarantee their quality and the nature of their action, the raw material must be precisely identified according to 3 fundamental criteria:

1/ The exact botanical species (Latin name),
2/ The producing organ (leaves, flowers, roots…),
3/ Biochemical specificity or chemotype (dominant molecules) variable according to the place and time of harvest.

These criteria determine the therapeutic properties of the essential oil - therefore the precise use that can be made of it - and make it possible to obtain the name HEBBD (Essential Oils Botanically and Biologically Defined).

For your safety and your complete information, know that all our Essential Oils benefit from the HEBBD quality.

1/ Exact botanical specification:
In order to avoid any confusion that could prove dangerous for the body, the distilled plants must be botanically certified, i.e. identified by their Latin name, made up of two parts: the genus and the species, or even the sub -species. The name or initials of the botanist describing the plant material (“who discovered” the plant) can be added (e.g. L. for Linnaeus). Indeed, very similar species (or subspecies) belonging to the same kind, can give EOs of different chemical composition:

Example genus: Lavandula (Lavenders).
Example of species: True lavender, relaxing and regenerating ( Lavandula angustifolia ) and Aspic lavender, specifically anti-toxic ( Lavandula latifolia ).
Example of a subspecies: Bergamot ( Citrus aurantium spp bergamia ) and Petit grain bigarade ( Citrus aurantium spp aurantium ).
2/ Defined producing organ:
For the same plant, each part can still provide an HE with different qualitative and quantitative properties: the HE extracted from the bark of Ceylon cinnamon ( Cinnamomun zeylanicum ) has more powerful anti-infectious properties than that extracted from the leaves.
3/ Chemotyped essential oils:
The same plant growing in different places can also secrete very different essences depending on the sunshine, the climate, the composition of the soil, the altitude... These variations in composition which make the biochemical specificity of a plant are called chemotypes (or chemotype), determined in the laboratory by gas chromatographic analysis.
Thus, rosemary officinal produces 3 HE depending on whether it is harvested: in Morocco (dominant eucalyptole: expectorant), in Provence (dominant camphor: muscle relaxant), in Corsica (dominant verbenone: hepatostimulant). Similarly, the aroma of an EO of thyme or lavender picked at altitude will be much finer and sweeter than in the plain.

chemical purity

A quality essential oil must also be guaranteed to be 100% pure and natural:

-It must come from the one and only variety corresponding to the botanical name of the plant mentioned on the label.
-It must not have undergone any transformation (coloration or discoloration, deterpenation), no denaturation, reconstitution or blending using other natural or synthetic substances, at the risk of altering its properties, but also of making it allergenic or even toxic to the body.

Only the control of essential oils in the laboratory, in particular by gas chromatographic analysis to determine its molecular content, ensures perfect visibility of its biochemical composition. Our essential oils are all guaranteed to be 100% pure and natural.

Method of obtaining

Our essential oils are all obtained by slow distillation by steam distillation at low pressure, or cold expression of the zest for citrus fruits according to a traditional process. Some exceptions sometimes, for example for obtaining the essential oil of cade, which is obtained by pyrogenation, an ancestral method consisting in heating the wood to 250°C in an airtight oven to obtain the tar. These traditional methods make it possible to obtain the most natural essential oils.

The 2 main processes to remember for obtaining an essential oil:


1 - Slow distillation by distillation with water vapor makes it possible to extract the active elements of the plants in a still. This traditional extraction process entrains the aromatic substances using water vapour, at controlled pressure, which bursts the secretory cells (“essence pockets”) of the plant containing the aromatic molecules.

This vapor loaded with aromatic principles passes through a serpentine which bathes in a tank of cold water and becomes liquid again (this is the “distillate”, commonly called “floral water”). Arrived in the essence, the essential oil separates from the aqueous phase by simple difference in density, the essential oil being generally lighter than water. However, the aqueous phase remains charged with a tiny part of essential oil solubilized in water, a concentration which varies according to the species of plants from a few traces (ex: lime tree which contains almost no essential oil) up to 2, or even more rarely 3 grams per litre. The aqueous phase recovered is the hydrosol, more commonly called "floral water".

Slow distillation at low pressure (which is done to the detriment of speed...therefore volume...and profitability) ensures you of the best quality: the water vapor passing more slowly through the heart of the plant intimately charges all the aromatic molecules of the plant and restores them to the essential oil to give it an exceptional richness and aromatic roundness...

2 - The expression (or scarification of the zest) reserved for the peels of citrus fruits (orange, lemon, mandarin etc.) is a method consisting in mechanically breaking the secretory cells to recover the precious liquids. This process carried out at room temperature consists of shredding (making multiple small cuts) the zest (pericarp) of the fruit. The contents of the secretory pockets are broken then recovered by exerting under a current of water an abrasive action on the entire surface of the fruit. Once the solid waste has been removed, the essential oil (or essence) is separated from the aqueous phase in a centrifuge and then filtered.

To obtain the essential oils of cade or birch, the method used to extract the resins and tars which will constitute the essential oil is called pyrogenation . This ancestral method consists of heating the trunk and roots to 250°C - without however burning them - in large hermetic ovens (today, in closed vats). The heat exudes this very black oil which will ooze on the walls of the oven and then be collected in a container. Cade oil in France traditionally comes from Hérault, where it has been harvested and distilled since the 18th century and probably earlier. This practice was widespread throughout the Mediterranean basin, to obtain this cade oil with incomparable healing properties, then appreciated by goat and sheep breeders.

Did you know ?

Many factors influence the chemical composition of a plant but also the quantity of essence produced (terroir, climate, season, etc.). The HE extraction yields vary greatly from one species to another , thus causing its price to vary.

Thus, to obtain 1 kg of HE, it is necessary:
- 5 to 10 tons of lemon balm
- 150 kg of real lavender
- 7 kg of cloves

Traceability and DLUO:

It is with the greatest rigor that we carry out a systematic check of each batch entering our workshop so as to be able to precisely list the origin and characteristics of each material and each packaging (bottle, cap, etc.). This total traceability is transcribed by a batch number affixed to each product and allows a perfect identification of each of the components of the product . Thanks to this batch number, we are able to "trace up" to our various suppliers who will be able to do the same in their own manufacturing circuit.

On each product, an Optimal Use By Date (DLUO) informs you of the recommended duration of use.

How to use essential oils in detail:

We invite you to consult these instructions specific to each use before using them. Find below, general indications that will allow you to have a more global approach to the use of essential oils in aromatherapy.

Without forgetting that health depends above all on respecting the laws of nature in all areas, essential oils can be used in all circumstances of life to promote the harmonious functioning of your body and stimulate each function. They are not addictive but because of their extreme concentration, they must be used with the utmost caution and at low doses. Essential oils are not medicines and should in no way be considered as such.

Dermal

It is the local application in friction or massage of one or more HE, directly on the skin, pure or diluted in a vegetable oil (a few drops to mix in the palm of the hand at the time of application). Our Pure Complexes can also be used in massages, mixed with a few drops of vegetable oils.

Some essential oils can be dermocaustic *. To avoid any risk of irritation or even burns, these essential oils must be diluted in vegetable oil before application to the skin. We generally use sweet almond oil for its neutrality, but any vegetable oil can be used. In some cases, the vegetable oil used as a support will complement and even reinforce the action of the essential oil (eg the oily macerate of Italian helichrysum in addition to essential oils for circulatory or painkillers purposes).

Which HE to dilute?

Low dermocausticity:
Bergamot – Rosewood – Cade – Noble chamomile – Caraway - Cistus ladaniferous – Cypress – Eucalyptus globulus – Eucalyptus radiata – Wintergreen – Juniper – Geranium rosat – Italian helichrysum – Aspic lavender – True lavender – Lavandin – Lemongrass – Mint peppery – Myrtle – Palmarosa – Ravintsara – Rosemary with camphor, cineole or verbenone – Saro (or Mandravasarotra) – Tea tree – Ylang-Ylang.

Dermocausticity possible: dilute up to 20% maximum in vegetable oil:
Dill - Exotic basil - Lemon - Lemongrass - Tarragon - Ginger - Green mandarin - Sweet orange - Marjoram - Niaouli - Siberian pine - Sandalwood - Linalool or thujanol thyme.

Strong dermocausticity: dilute between 5 and 20% max in a vegetable oil:
Cinnamon – Clove – Oregano – Savory – Thyme thymol.

In inhalation and diffusion

By inhaling the vapors of 2 to 3 drops of HE or Pure Complex dispersed on the surface of a bowl of boiling water or placed on a handkerchief. Our electric cold diffusers keep intact all the therapeutic virtues of essential oils.

Orally

The EO (1 to 2 drops) is traditionally mixed with honey, sugar, or vegetable oil and taken 2 to 3 times a day. This depends on the essential oils used (toxicity and significant dermocausticity of certain essential oils). This delicate mode of use must be done over short periods and requires the prescription of a specialist therapist.

In the bath

Relaxing, calming or purifying essential oils, just like Pure Complexes can be used pleasantly in the bath, respecting a basic rule: always use a dispersant!
Indeed, essential oils do not mix with water, but float on its surface at the risk of generating strong irritations in contact with the skin or mucous membranes!

To take advantage of their virtues without risk, pour the HE on a little shower gel, liquid soap, or even possibly coarse salt, before running the water. In general, count 4 times more dispersant than essential oil by not exceeding 10 drops of EO per 100 liters of water for an adult.

but also…

In cosmetics (1 to 2 drops in a care cream), sauna, cooking, deodorization, cleaning, the fight against insects...

Precautions for use of essential oils:

Because of their concentration, the use of EOs requires compliance with certain basic rules if one wants to benefit from their effectiveness and avoid the inconveniences due to misuse.

Although the majority of Essential Oils are food grade, we do not recommend their ingestion without prior consultation and prescription from a therapist.

1. We recommend that you first carry out a tolerance test by applying pure or mixed essential oil to the inside of the wrist or elbow. In the event of a skin reaction (redness, irritation, etc.), proscribe this use.

2. EOs do not mix with water (baths), but float on its surface at the risk of generating severe irritation on contact with the skin or mucous membranes: pour the EOs on a dispersant (a little shower gel , liquid soap, or possibly coarse salt), before running the water. In general, count 4 times more dispersant than essential oil by not exceeding 10 drops of EO per 100 liters of water for an adult.

3. Essential oils should never be applied to the mucous membranes, the eyes or their contours, the auditory canals and the nose. In case of contact, the first reflex is to rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. Then, clean using a cotton soaked in vegetable oil and consult a therapist.

4. Some essential oils are dermocaustic (irritating to the skin): their use requires them to be systematically diluted in vegetable oil.

5. Avoid the use of photo-sensitizing essential oils before any exposure to light (sun, UV).

6. For example, peppermint EO ( Mentha piperita ) cannot be applied over a large surface (icy reaction). It will in no case be used in pregnant women, babies or very young children (risk of pharyngeal spasms), because of its hypertensive properties. More generally, certain essential oils may have precautions for use to be carefully considered before use.

7. Except on the advice of your therapist, do not use EO in young children under 3 years old and generally with the greatest caution in children under 12 years old. Their use is strongly discouraged in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in people with serious health problems.

8. Keep bottles out of reach of children.

9. Do not combine essential oils and drug treatments. Essential oils are not medicines and should in no way be considered as such.

10. It is necessary to seek advice from a therapist in case of doubt or question for the use and indications of an essential oil.

Disclaimer: The information on essential oils available here and in our general documentation is made available to you for informational purposes and cannot claim to be exhaustive. They do not in any way replace the essential medical opinion in establishing a diagnosis and in assessing the seriousness of a pathology. This information, resulting from research carried out by health professionals, is the synthesis of our readings on aromatherapy, in particular the reference works of Pierre Franchomme and Dr Daniel Pénoël: "Aromatherapy exactly" Roger Jollois Publisher, aromathologist pharmacist Dominique Baudoux: “Aromatherapy, healing with essential oils” Éditions Amyris, by Dr. Zhiri and Dominique Baudoux: “Scientific aromatherapy – Chemotyped essential oils and their synergies” Editions Inspir, by Dr. Jean Valnet: “The Aromatherapy» Pocket Book, by Danielle Festy, Pharmacist: "My bible of essential oils". They cannot constitute medical indications, nor even engage our responsibility in the event of an accident, injury or damage suffered.