When you buy essential oils, you want to make sure that you are getting a good quality oil that will last. Essential oils are not cheap, with some costing upwards of $40 for a very small bottle. While not all essential oils are this expensive, you still want to get your money’s worth. You can do this by knowing how to store essential oils properly
Essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are undiluted oils that are derived from plants, flowers, trees, bark, seeds and grass. The oils are pure and while they do not tend to turn rancid or sour, they can deteriorate over time. When you properly store you essential oils, you can be certain that you are doing all you can to extend the life of them.
Bottles
When you buy any type of essential oils, they most likely come in very small bottles, usually holding 5 mL, 10 mL and 15 ml. Most of the time, the bottle that your oil came in will also be suitable for keeping it in. However, if it comes in a plastic bottle or a clear glass bottle, you will want to transfer your oil into a dark glass bottle. Aromatherapy experts recommend that you store essential oils in a dark amber glass bottle or a cobalt bottle. This helps keep the sun and light out, which over time can deteriorate your essential oils. In fact, if you see oils that are stored in plastic bottles, you should probably not purchase these bottles at all. It is acceptable to purchase oils that come in lined aluminum bottles. In addition, remember that all essential oils are extremely flammable, so it is best to keep your bottles away from candles and other heat sources.
Bottle Stoppers
When you store your essential oils, you also want to look at the type of cap that seals the bottle. Believe it or not, this can make a big difference in the quality of the oil inside. It is recommended that essential oils have caps that are termed an “orifice reducer”. It is a small clear cap that has a very tiny opening for the oil to drip out at one drop at a time. This is acceptable but bottles that have rubber droppers inside the oil are not acceptable. This is because the oils are so highly concentrated that it can turn the rubber into a gummy like substance. Make sure you keep those bottles away from children or at least fitted with a child lock cap. Because these oils are highly concentrated, they can be dangerous if ingested.
Temperature
After you buy your essential oils, you will need to not only store the oils in an acceptable dark glass bottle, but you will also want to store the bottle in a cool, dark place that is not susceptible to humidity. Instead, find a place, such as a closet, where you can keep your oils. If you have several bottles of essential oils, consider a wooden holder or box that you can store all of your oils together in one place. Remember that high temperatures can ruin your essential oils very quickly. You can also store essential oils in places that drop to low temperatures. Some essential oils, such as vanilla, may solidify at low temperatures, but this does not ruin the effectiveness of the oil. When the oil reaches room temperature, it will be ready for use again.
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