You Get What You Pay For
Old sayings often ring true, and many of us have certainly proven this one to be correct. And didn’t we want to just kick ourselves, especially when we should have known better?
This definitely applies to a piece of furniture we purchased years ago, which seemed reasonably priced and certainly appealing to the eye. However it soon proved to be unsatisfactory for our needs and was found to consist of pressed wood and particle board. The quality and performance were simply not there.
Several have experienced similar frustrations and disappointments when purchasing “quick fixes.” Even my own medicine cabinet once held several trial and error products. This certainly holds true when purchasing essential oils for medicinal purposes and desiring effective and satisfactory results. The quality must be there!
As in producing the finest of wines, the most perfect growing regions throughout the world must first be located. As everyone knows, the quality of a fine wine is far superior to that of a mere cooking wine.
The lavender essential oil is a perfect example. It’s a beautiful plant, fragrant, and has a nice pale color when grown here in the United States. However, to be the most effective, the strongest, purest, and provide the highest medicinal benefits, lavender must be grown in France!
The perfect climate in France, along with the rich soil, abundant rainfall, and excellent growing season, all combine to produce an extremely rare and strong plant which cannot be produced or replicated in any other part of the world. Instead of having a pale lavender appearance, it matures with such dark color, that it appears to be almost black.
Weak, impure and diluted forms of lavender are often used in making scented soaps, lotions and candles. But, to obtain optimum health benefits from any essential oil purchased for medicinal purposes, it must be grown and processed in the purest of form. It must be tested and proven as therapeutic grade, and must not contain any chemical additives, if to be endorsed by family physicians and other medical facilities.
Remember, “you get what you pay for” and the quality must be there! NEXT, let’s focus on answering various questions from readers.
(Brenda is an active wellness advocate of natural, alternative healthcare solutions, speaking frequently to local groups and organizations. She owns her own business, is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Heber Springs. SUBMIT QUESTIONS to the “Q&A” at [email protected] or to PO Box 367, Quitman, AR 72131