| Organic has become a buzzword implying something | | | | standards, or do not have organic certification available |
| is both healthier, and better for the environment, than | | | | to them (even if they do practice organic farming). |
| non-organic. But when it comes to choosing essential | | | | Also, being certified organic is expensive, so many |
| oils, does it really matter? Is it worth paying a premium | | | | farmers don't apply for certification even though they |
| for organic oils? | | | | use organic methods. |
| Public perception is that organic anything is best. Food | | | | What that means for you is that oils not marked |
| is perhaps the biggest area for organic products, | | | | organic might actually be organic! Manufacturers can't |
| because of the notion that synthetic pesticides and | | | | put the organic label on a product unless it is certified. |
| other farming additives are harmful to the soil, and then | | | | The companies who can afford it do...but that leaves |
| to the health of the people and animals who eat the | | | | farmers and companies who can't afford it at a |
| food. There are plenty of farmers and scientists who | | | | disadvantage. |
| support this view. | | | | So far, there have not been any studies that |
| Then, there are farmers and scientists who do not | | | | demonstrate any difference in quality or benefit |
| agree. They make a case that not using pesticides | | | | between organic essential oil and non-organic. Organic |
| actually increases the natural pesticides and chemical | | | | oils have not been shown to be better for the skin, or |
| that plants produce, many of which have negative | | | | for the health of the user, than non-organic oils. |
| effects on consumers. Also, because organic farming | | | | So for now, your best bet is to select your oils from a |
| is costlier they argue that people in third world | | | | supplier you know to be reputable, and carrying good |
| countries can't support themselves with organic | | | | quality stock. Organic or non-organic, as far as |
| methods. | | | | essential oils go, should not be a deciding factor. It may |
| As far as essential oils go, the issue is tricky. Most of | | | | make you feel better emotionally, but that is about as |
| the plant matter that the oils are made from is grown | | | | far as the benefit of organic essential oils goes. |
| in countries that do not have any sort of organic | | | | |