Module 2: Quality Matters!

The given statement is false. Species selection is actually very important when it comes to essential oils. Different varieties of plants can produce different qualities and quantities of essential oils. The specific species of plant used can greatly impact the aroma, therapeutic properties, and overall quality of the essential oil produced. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate species of plant to obtain the desired qualities in the essential oil.

The three factors to consider during distillation are the pressure during distillation, the length of time taken for distillation, and the chemical composition of the cooking pots. These factors can affect the efficiency and quality of the distillation process. The pressure can impact the boiling point of the liquid being distilled, the time taken can affect the separation of different components, and the chemical composition of the pots can interact with the substances being distilled. The farmer's name is not relevant to the distillation process and therefore not one of the factors to consider.

The statement is true because blending, adding individual constituents, adding synthetics to improve the aroma, and adding vegetable (carrier) oils are all common methods used to adulterate essential oils. Adulteration refers to the act of diluting or contaminating a pure essential oil with other substances, which can reduce its quality and therapeutic benefits. These adulterants are often added to increase the quantity of the oil or to enhance its fragrance, but they can also diminish its potency and purity. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the essential oil you are purchasing is pure and not adulterated.

CPTG stands for Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. This certification ensures that the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the highest standards of purity and quality. It guarantees that the product is free from any contaminants or impurities and is safe for therapeutic use. This certification is commonly used in the essential oil industry to indicate that the oil is of the highest quality and can be used for therapeutic purposes.

During the harvest, several factors need to be considered. Weather conditions play a crucial role as they can affect the quality and yield of the harvest. Storage before distillation is important to ensure that the plant material remains fresh and retains its properties. Additionally, the part of the plant used is also a factor to consider as different parts may contain varying concentrations of desired compounds. Therefore, all of the mentioned factors need to be taken into consideration during the harvest.

For many years, the highest quality grade of essential oils was considered to be therapeutic. This grade indicates that the oils are pure and have been carefully distilled to retain their natural therapeutic properties. It ensures that the oils are free from any synthetic additives or contaminants, making them suitable for various therapeutic uses such as aromatherapy and natural remedies.

The correct answer is that doTERRA's Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are indigenously grown and tested in independent labs. This means that the oils are sourced from their native regions and are subjected to rigorous testing in third-party laboratories to ensure their purity and quality. This ensures that the oils are free from any contaminants, pesticides, fillers, or other foreign substances, making them safe and effective for use.

Essential oils are known for their chemical complexity, which allows them to interact with the body in a way that doesn't disrupt its natural balance or homeostasis. This means that if one component of an essential oil has a strong effect in one direction, another component can counteract or block it, ensuring that the overall impact on the body remains balanced. Therefore, the statement that essential oils don't disturb the body's natural balance or homeostasis is true.

The five methods of extraction of essential oils are steam distillation, cold pressing, enfleurage, maceration, and solvent extraction. Steam distillation involves using steam to separate the essential oil from the plant material. Cold pressing is a method where mechanical pressure is applied to the plant material to extract the oil. Enfleurage is a process where the plant material is placed in a fat or oil to absorb the essential oil. Maceration involves soaking the plant material in a solvent to extract the oil. Solvent extraction is a method where a solvent is used to dissolve the essential oil from the plant material.

The FDA does not regulate the quality of essential oils. Essential oil quality is typically regulated by industry standards, independent organizations, and individual companies that produce and sell essential oils. The FDA's role is primarily to regulate the safety and labeling of essential oils, rather than their quality.