We are proud to sell Plant Therapy Essential Oils at Quincy Pharmacy! We have a huge selection of essential oils with over 100 different oils to choose from. We also carry most of Plant Therapy’s line–from household cleaning products to bath bombs. We love and trust Plant Therapy, and are excited to share their products with Plumas County!
JoAnn Sheridan is our full time Aromatherapist, and has 4 years of experience consulting customers with all of their essential oil questions. JoAnn wrote our Aromatherapy 101 Guide and Top 7 Essential Oils below to help our customers get started in their aromatherapy journey!
If you have any questions please stop by the pharmacy anytime and ask for JoAnn, or contact her below.
(530) 283-4545 or joann@quincypharmacy.com
Aromatherapy 101
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for the mind, body and spirit.
Essential oil: fluid extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Oils are effective because of our olfactory nerves’ connection to our lymbic system
Mind: when stimulated, the lymbic system releases chemicals that affect the central nervous system
Body: Oils are quickly absorbed through the skin, into individual cells, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and our skin’s natural emollients
Spirit: Scent is our strongest sense and can engage emotional memory
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Always dilute essential oils (Tea Tree and Lavender are the exception and may be applied undiluted). Do not use essential oils on mucous membranes such as in the mouth, nose, or other tender absorbent areas.
For kids, the elderly, and pregnant women, dilute essential oils at least 50% more than recommended for adults.
Test essential oils on a small area of skin for irritation, sensitivity, and photosensitivity before applying large amount of unfamiliar oil.
If irritation occurs in eyes, mouth, or sensitive area, rinse with full fat milk or pure vegetable oil. Not water. For hand or general body irritations use gentle soap and water.
How to Store Essential Oils
Only use dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt) and store in a cool, dry place. Essential oils will lose potency if exposed to UV rays and will break down plastic.
How to Test Essential Oil Purity and Quality
Test 1
Place a drop of essential oil in a cup of water. If the oil dissolves, turns clear, or turns milky, it contains emulsifiers (moisturizers/oils) for cosmetic purposes.
Test 2
Place a drop of oil on a piece of paper and let it evaporate completely. This will take a few hours. If it leaves a residue, it has been extended with something. Note that some essential oils will stain the paper but residue will feel greasy, goopy, runny, or grainy.
As you get familiar with essential oils you will be able to smell the difference between pure and adulterated oils. Your nose is your greatest asset!
How to Buy Quality Essential Oils
Do not purchase essential oils in clear glass or plastic and be wary of aluminum bottles (they should be lined). Pure, authentic essential oils are expensive; fakes are cheap. Fake oil is flat and very sweet; real oil is crisp and clean. If it is greasy to the touch, it was extended with vegetable oil.
Stay away from labels with words like “fragrance oil”, “potpourri oil”, or “perfume oil.” The Latin name of the plant from which the essential oil is extracted should be present on the label.