The secrets of aromatherapy can seem daunting to explore at first. But as you venture deeper into the realm of essential oils and their innumerable healing properties, you’ll find that storing them can pose unique challenges given how temperamental they can prove to be. For those of us that regularly invest in these holistic remedies, it’s important to know just how to take care of your precious cargo!
Picking out a container:
Given that essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants and trees, they tend to be sensitive to light. It’s important to store these in dark or tinted glass bottles to preserve them from the damaging effects of heat as well as eating into plastic bottles if left undiluted
The where and how
Apart from light, temperature plays a vital role in determining the longevity of your essential oils. Storing them in a cool dark place, preferably the refrigerator can ensure they stay in a regulated environment and retain their original chemical composition and potency. (PS: However, it is important to remember that essential oils can congeal upon refrigeration, and it is not advisable to heat them up. Just set your oil out in a cool dark place and allow it to warm up to room temperature naturally before use so as to retain its original composition)
Shelf Life
While some oils can oxidise owing to improper storage, others when stored well can last for years. It’s important to choose a brand you trust and to ensure you check your oils before using them at regular intervals to ensure they haven’t changed too drastically in colour due to oxidation. A few other indicators of the same can be a change in smell or cloudiness.
Cases People!
If you’re on the go or if the refrigerator is not a viable option for storing your oils, it could be helpful to get a wooden or plastic case to shield your bottles from any direct sunlight. These cases can make it easier and safer to travel with your oils as well as add an aesthetic appeal.
Exposure to Air
While we encourage mindfulness through the application of our wide range of oils, it’s important to remember oxidation is one of the primary culprits when it comes to ruining your essential oils. Ensure the lid goes on firmly as soon as you’re done using a particular oil to limit exposure to oxygen and to prevent your oil from going rancid.
Finally, it’s important to ensure the oils you’re using are safe for topical use or consumption with some of the simple indicators we mentioned earlier. If stored properly, essential oils can not only add value to your daily lives for a long time to come but certain oils can also gain potency with the passage of time when treated with respect!
