Keeping Pure Essential Oils / Carrier Oils “Pure”

Having pure essential oils and carrier oils on hand is something a lot of people do if they appreciate the wonders of aromatherapy. However, how you store those oils is going to dictate how long those oils last while remaining pure and good.

Yes, pure essential oils and carrier oils CAN go bad. They will have a rancid odor that not only smells horrible but also the feel will be less than pleasant. In addition, rancid oil tends to have a lot of the nutrients dissolved or no longer present.

A recent study showed that many people are using rancid cooking oil simply because they do not know the difference. While it is not deadly, in most cases, to consume, it is not going to be healthy. When it comes to the pure essential oils and carrier oils we all use for aromatherapy, you will not be achieving the same positive effects from your choice of substances. Plus, it just smells gross!

So the question becomes, “How do we keep our pure essential oils and carrier oils ‘pure’”?

The first step is to insure the essential oils and carrier oils you purchase are not rancid to start with. Purchasing this oil can often be a hit and miss proposition, but there are ways to insure what you purchase is good from the start. One good indication is that you should not purchase oils that have a think layer of dust on them. This is a surefire sign that the oil has been on the shelf for too long.

When storing your pure essential oils or carrier oils, store in the refrigerator until needed. Yes, the oil may thicken, but you can warm slightly by allowing it to sit on a dark shelf away from the sun. Then when finished, replace in the refrigerator again for storage.