Some of you have probably noticed the language that oils “support” various body systems and “aid” in overall health and wellness. What does that mean? And, why don’t we tell you about the abundance of research on individual essential oils and their constituents? Why can’t we, for example, tell you that Tea Tree is antimicrobial or that Lemongrass is analgesic and anti-inflammatory? Don’t we think you would want to know about that research?
Of course we do! But in the United States, that type of information is limited to things classified as drugs. That industry is heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And the FDA has actually worked quite diligently to keep essential oils out of their purview and, by doing so, limited the information we can share to supportive claims rather than specific information, even though the research is very clear about the effects of these oils.
In Canada, they’ve taken a different approach and classified many essential oils as drugs so that they can share the research. So why wouldn’t the FDA in the United States? Although I find it frustrating to not be able to share all of the amazing research, I can’t say that I blame them. If the FDA were to classify essential oils as drugs, they would have more regulation and oversight responsibilities. This wouldn’t be a problem for Young Living, but we’ve all seen the $5 bottles of essential oils in the grocery store that claim to be Rose or Frankincense or Jasmine. We know that can’t be. The FDA doesn’t want to enter this market, because they don’t have the manpower or funding to regulate the market. There are too many options. There are too many companies in this market that are not selling what they claim to be or are adulterating it in someway. They would be involved in so much oversight and regulation with this market that they would need an army of people to take on this task.
What does this all mean? Basically if we say that an oil supports some body system, know that there is research and a real effect with that oil. Because you are using Young Living, you are assured that you are getting pure, high quality essential oils and the research applies. (It likely wouldn’t apply to oils sold at the grocery store or through some less reputable companies). If you want, do your own research. But don’t just trust some picture you found on Pinterest or some blog you found on the internet. Be skeptical of sources. Or message me and I can help point you in the right direction. Through my Aromatherapy Certification, I have access to some wonderful resources and real research. And know that, if we could, we would definitely ‘say what we mean and mean what we say.’