September 5, 2011

Sourcing Ethical Aromatherapy Ingredients

There has become an increasing interest in ethically sourced organic ingredients. Producers of cosmetic or aromatherapy goods and their consumers are stating a preference for pure, unadulterated oils made from organic plants.

What is ‘organic’?

Basically, organic plants are grown without using pesticides and are farmed and harvested sustainably. Organic farmers are generally of the school of thought that pesticides are harmful to the environment and unhealthy for human consumption. For a farm to be considered “certified-organic” it must be free of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and other types of other artificial substances. Organic certification offers a system of quality control with regular audits required to ensure farmers meet regulatory standards for organic certification.

With regards to aromatherapy, using oils that are produced organically is important. Many holistic practitioners of aromatherapy insist on using only organic oils as they believe that without the interference of an artificial chemical the pure chemicals of essential oils will have a more potent physical and mental impact on the user. In addition to personal benefits, using organic products will do a service to the environment.

Harmful alterations

If a plant is harvested inorganically, its uses may be compromised. Likewise, it is important that the plant is taken in its natural state, without the addition of synthetic or isolated chemicals. Many plants are ‘adjusted’ in order to meet high demands but these adulterations can result in notable differences in aroma, chemical composition and therapeutic activity.

Take Sandalwood: the extremely rare yet coveted oil cannot meet the demands of the cosmetic industry so many related species of plants are traded under the name “sandalwood”. However there is a reason for Sandalwood’s high demand; its unique fragrance, anti-inflammatory properties and soothing abilities make it a wood and oil that can deliver. The other ‘pseudo’ Sandalwood plants simply do not yield the same results.

These alterations can cause problems for perfumers or cosmeticians, but they spell particularly bad news for aromatherapists. Aromatherapy requires oils to be pure and unaltered from their natural state in order to provide the intended therapeutic benefits.

Environmental ethics

It is also important to consider the where the soil of the plant was grown in, the method in which the plant was cultivated and the post-harvest handling used in the process of extraction. As the demand for oils increases, attitudes in cosmetic markets need to incorporate respect and consistency for local environments and indigenous populations. A major ethical issue in sourcing oils is a lack of regard for the land. Often, companies will pursue active ingredients at the expense of local areas. In additional to ethical considerations, these factors are significant in determining the resulting fragrance and bioactivity of an essential oil.

Solutions

To overcome the ethical quandary it is important to find a source that is traceable, organic and sustainable.

Resources should be sustainably managed and companies should be engaged in ethical business that respects local and indigenous people. Processing should have as little environmental impact as possible.

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