Essential oils are extracted from diverse sources of the plant. This may include roots, barks, and even flowers of the plant. That is why these essential oils are organic and exhibit minimal side effects. They may even come with many benefits that might render you a positive mind, body, and spirit. Sore throat pain can also be relieved with this oil. So, you can try it out now to fathom its results on your overall health and well-being.
Essential oils are generally extracted using a process of steam or water distillation. But they may also be extracted using cold pressing. Although these essential oils may be quite useful and render potential benefits for your safety, it is prudent to know how to store them correctly. This helps make sure that their longevity stays intact and that they can serve your health for longer. This helps you to use the best essential oils to ease a sore throat, according to experts, without any worries.
Why Is It Important To Store Essential Oils Carefully?
The storage of essential oils is responsible for several factors. How long the essential oil can last fresh, how useful its benefits can be, and the safety of its use depend on the storage. Did you also know that if you store and care for an essential oil properly, it has the potential to last for ten years or even longer?
This reduces the need to spend a fortune on them time and again. That is why it is important to opt for essential oils that come in dark glass containers. They are said to last longer than those in clear plastic jars. Since the latter is more susceptible to break when exposed to sunlight, it is not recommended as a permanent solution to store essential oils. So, focus on that.
How To Detect That Essential Oil Has Deteriorated In Quality?
Yes, essential oils can deteriorate in quality if they are not stored properly. But generally, there are four ways to spot this.
- The essential oil has now become thick in consistency. This is not generally how they are in quality when you purchase them fresh.
- The essential oil has started to look foggy.
- The color of the essential oil begins to change all of a sudden. The oil becomes either darker or lighter in color. Sometimes, it may even start looking colorless. Although the symptoms differ according to the oil you are using, you need to be vigilant about these signs.
- The aroma of your essential oil has become stronger than usual. It might either smell unpleasant or very weak. So, in this case, you should be cautious and stop using the product at the earliest.
What To Do If You Do Not Use Your Essential Oil Frequently?
In most cases, essential oils should be used frequently to extract the best benefits from them. However, if you do not end up using them regularly, it is best to store them carefully so that they do not expire. One way to do this is to refrigerate them. Yes, you can store your essential oils in a refrigerator. But this should only be done if you are extremely infrequent in using these oils, for example, once a year.
However, in some cases, when you refrigerate the essential oils for too long, they might become foggy. In such cases, put them outside and let them come to room temperature before you use them again. It might take some time to thaw, depending on the oil you have been using. So, give it some time. Generally, the time might differ from minutes to hours. Remember that you do not keep the lid loose whatever method you use to store essential oils properly. This should be done to keep the quality intact.
Where Should You Not Store Essential Oils?
Essential oils should never be stored in humid regions of the home. Keep in mind that you also abstain from keeping the essential oils in a hot or bright area. This can take a toll on its quality. You must also avoid storing essential oils near window sills, bathrooms, or a stove. Oxygen and moisture may also affect how you store your essential oils. So, be careful about that. Do not keep it anywhere that might be exposed to constantly shifting temperatures. This may make the essential oil deteriorate rapidly.
How To Improve Essential Oil Shelf Life?
- Keep them in a cool, dry region.
- Essential oils should never be kept with their lids loose. Always make sure that they are closed tightly.
- Do not store essential oils without diluting them in a carrier oil in any type of dropper bottle. This can make the Rubber gummy and damage the oil quality.
- Make sure you know exactly when you had to purchase the essential oil. This helps make sure you know when it might expire and safely discard it to avoid any health complications.
- Every essential oil firm provides a set of SSD documents. Make sure you follow it stringently to understand the specific product’s storage condition.
- Please avoid inserting any type of object directly inside the bottle of these essential oils. It is best to first dilute the oil before using it.
- It is always best to keep essential oils as full as possible.
Ending Note
There can be several factors that influence the shelf life of an essential oil. Heat, light, Oxygen, and even moisture are the most important factors for this purpose. That is why pay attention to each one of them so that you can store your essential oil without any worries. This also helps you ensure your essential oil remains in its quality without facing any hindrance in the long run. However, if you think your essential oil features an unpleasant smell or seems foggy, please discard it immediately. We also advise you to follow the label of each essential oil to customize their storage condition. It is bound to help you deal with them the right way.
