Essential oils are everywhere. And if you use them, using them safely, effectively and responsibly is important.
Here are 3 reasons to always use the botanical names when referring to and shopping for essential oils:
1. To Avoid Confusion
Every essential oil has a Botanical name and a common name and most people will refer to the common name. This becomes a problem when different plants share the same common name. For example, Lavender. There are many types of Lavender essential oil and each have a different chemistry, aroma and therapeutic profile. Add to that – different safety considerations. Using the botanical name, aka latin name, will give you the exact plant and name of the essential oil in your bottle.
2. For Safety & Therapeutic Reasons
Let’s stick with Lavender. Did you know there are over 70 species of Lavender? Let’s looks at two, (True) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia). There are significant chemical differences between these two Lavenders. Both contain linalool, a chemical constituent that provides the calming and sedating feeling we know lavender to have but it’s the chemical differences that are interesting.
Lavandula angustifolia contains a significant percentage of ester and linalyl acetate and is great for the nervous system, has amazing skin healing properties and can be helpful to relieve muscular aches and pains.
Lavandula latifolia contains a much higher amount of camphor and 1,8 cineole and is my go-to essential oil when I’m blending to clear up respiratory issues such as congestion and coughs or when I want a stronger blend for muscular aches and inflammation.
Both are Lavender, both have excellent therapeutic properties, but I would use these essential oils at very different times.
3. For Conservation
Sadly, some essential oil bearing plants and trees are already endangered or are close. As the use of essential oils increases it is our responsibility to be aware and understand what we are supporting and consuming. Essential oils are precious!
Some of the more known essential oil bearing plants that are endangered or almost endangered include:
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri syn. sacra) - Near threatened on a global scale
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi or syn. N. grandiflora) - Critically endangered on a global scale
Sandalwood (East Indian) (Santalum album) - Vulnerable on a global scale
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) - Endangered on a global scale
Resource: Airmid Institute Biannual List of Threatened, Near Threatened, and CITESProtected Plants, Mammals, Fungi, and Seaweed Species Used in Aromatherapy, Perfumery, and Aromatic Herbalism (January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024)
I’m constantly learning and striving to give the best service. If you need help choosing the right essential oils for you or are looking to learn more please let me know. I provide full-service aromatherapy consultations and hold beginner aromatherapy workshops to full certification courses. I’m here to help!
Maria is a Reflexologist, Clinical Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, Culinary Nutrition Expert and Founder of Helianthus Holistic Arts, a multi-disciplinary holistic school.
When not working with clients, you can find Maria creating custom aromatherapy face and body products, hosting health and wellness workshops and teaching aromatherapy certification courses. Visit her website for appointments, upcoming workshops and courses www.mariafiordalisi.ca and follow on FB https://www.facebook.com/maria_helianthus and IG https://www.instagram.com/maria_helianthus/
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