‘Organic’ is a term now frequently used across the UK and the rest of the world, particularly when it comes to fresh produce such as food and essential oils. But what does Organic mean?
In a recent study by the Soil Association, half the participants said that Covid-19 made them more likely to buy organic beauty and wellbeing products. Perhaps this is because many consumers consider organic products to be better for the planet, or perhaps better for themselves, but either way more people are buying organic than ever before.
Our essential oils
At Tisserand Aromatherapy we supply organic, wild crafted and ethically sourced essential oils. All are carefully procured and we only use ethical suppliers and sources we can trust. Our commitment to bringing you the best essential oils is a constant and important task.
Why are some essential oils organic and others not?
To receive an organic certification, the farmer must meet strict criteria that can take up to two years to achieve.
This includes avoiding the use of artificial pesticides, practicing good husbandry by crop rotation to maintain soil health, controlling weeds and other pests by naturally approved methods. Only then can a ‘crop’ be deemed organic. It’s an expensive and lengthy process.
Essential oils are grown and sourced from across the globe, some in developing countries where even though a farmer may be following ‘organic’ methods they don’t have the resources and finances to meet the strict criteria. In some cases, an organic form of an essential oil might not even exist at all.
When we hear the word ‘organic’ we tend to associate this as being ‘the best’ quality, but the truth is, all our oils – whether organic or not – are of the highest quality. Organic options may not always be available and in some cases, this can be due to the essential oils not being available in an organic form due to a particularly remote farm.
What is the difference between ethically harvested and wild crafted?
An Ethically Harvested essential oil is where a plant is consciously cultivated in its natural environment to ensure the species grows in abundance and is not depleted.
Wild Crafted plants are not cultivated but gathered from their wild habitat in conditions favourable to the health of the plant.
At Tisserand Aromatherapy we are proud to support our Ethically Harvested and Wild Crafted farmers and suppliers, while also offering you as many of our oils in an organic form as possible.
What’s on the inside?
We will always use 100% natural pure essential oils for the aromatic component of any product, stating this on our labels and declaring organic essential oils when used. It is sometimes not possible for some products to be 100% organic, despite containing many organic ingredients, for example most wash products contain water (aqua) and that is something that can’t reach an organic standard.
Unfortunately, a lot of companies and brands use the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on their labels when their products don’t reflect this on the inside. Current legislation states that total ingredients need only be 95% organic for the finished product to receive an organic status; which can mislead consumers! We only claim organic soil associated when our product is 100% organic!
For us it’s all about ‘what’s inside’ and at Tisserand Aromatherapy we take that very seriously. We will continue to bring you the best quality ingredients whether organic or not.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
