NOW Foods
Premium Quality Cold-Pressed Oils for Pure Health Benefits
NOW Foods has established itself as a reputable brand in the health and wellness industry, prioritizing the purity and quality of its products. The company offers a range of cold-pressed oils that cater to various consumer needs, from culinary uses to skincare and aromatherapy. Cold-pressed oils are known for their method of extraction, which doesn't involve heat. This preserves the natural nutrients and flavors of the oils, making them a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers.
Their selection includes oils like organic marula, extra virgin olive oil, and virgin coconut oil, each extracted through a cold pressing process to maintain the integrity of the essential nutrients. NOW Foods' commitment to natural, additive-free oils resonates with customers looking for minimally processed options. The brand also understands the importance of transparency in the health food market, which is why they ensure their product labels provide clear information on the extraction methods and purity levels.
Essential oils from NOW Foods, such as their 100% pure, cold-pressed grapefruit oil, have earned the trust of customers looking for vegan and purity-tested options. The company has tailored its products and practices to meet high standards, thereby solidifying its position as a trusted source in the industry. With NOW Foods, consumers have access to a variety of cold-pressed oils that are not just pure and of high quality but also sustainably sourced, aligning with the needs and values of today's informed shopper.
Understanding Essential Oils
Essential oils are concentrated natural extracts from plants, delivering the essence of their scent and therapeutic properties. They range in quality with offerings such as 100% pure, which signal a commitment to high-caliber, potent, and natural essential oils without additives.
Essentials of Essential Oils
Essential oils are obtained from various parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. 100% pure essential oils mean that they are free from any additives or synthetic ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and most potent natural effects. NOW Foods, for instance, ensures that their essential oils are pure, retaining the natural characteristics of the plant source.
The Cold Pressed Difference
Cold pressing is a method of oil extraction that involves physically pressing plant matter to extract essential oils without the use of heat. This process yields a pure and potent oil, preserving the natural benefits and aroma. Cold-pressed oils, as provided by NOW Foods, stand out due to their high concentration of volatile compounds, indicative of the highest quality and most natural essential oils available on the market.
Quality and Purity Standards
NOW Foods maintains rigorous quality and purity standards to ensure the integrity of their essential oils. These standards reflect a commitment to delivering pure, high-quality products.
Ensuring the Highest Quality
NOW Foods has implemented comprehensive quality control processes. They manage everything from raw material sourcing to the manufacturing of the final product. The company's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous selection of ingredients and strict manufacturing procedures.
Purity Testing: Identity and Potency
Identity and potency are critical facets of NOW Foods' purity testing. Every essential oil is subject to:
Steam Distillation or Cold Pressing: To ensure oils are extracted without solvents.
GC-FTIR: Gas chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determine the purity and composition of each oil.
The tests verify that the essential oils match their intended identity and are free from adulterants, confirming their purity.
Certifications for Trust
NOW Foods' essential oils are backed by various certifications, reaffirming their standards of purity and quality:
Certified Organic: Where applicable, oils meet strict USDA organic standards.
In-House Quality Testing: Ensures every product meets internal quality standards, which complement external guidelines.
Industry Recognized Certifications: Include GMP and other endorsements that speak to the quality and safety of the products they offer.
Sourcing and Production
NOW Foods prides itself on sourcing quality ingredients worldwide and ensuring that its production methods, particularly for cold-pressed oils, meet high standards of purity and efficacy for its consumers.
From Farm to Bottle
NOW Foods obtains their ingredients globally, strategically selecting the finest raw materials. They employ rigorous testing for all materials, which includes ensuring that NOW essential oils are authentic and potent, thereby providing reliable options for aromatherapy enthusiasts. The commitment to quality extends from the selection of farms that supply ingredients to the transportation and storage methods used to maintain integrity until production.
The Art of Cold Pressing
Cold pressing is a revered method that NOW Foods uses to extract oils, preserving the natural benefits and purity essential for aromatherapy. This technique ensures that the therapeutic qualities of NOW essential oils remain intact, making them a top choice in the USA and beyond for those seeking natural products for health and wellness. The process involves:
No Excessive Heat: Temperatures are kept low to maintain oil quality.
No Solvents: The process avoids the use of chemical solvents, ensuring a pure product.
Retention of Properties: Beneficial properties are preserved through this gentle extraction method.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a practice that enhances well-being through the use of essential oils that are known for their therapeutic properties. The aromas can inspire a sense of peace and can energize and soothe the mind and body.
Aromatherapy and Well-Being
Aromatherapy is well-regarded for its ability to affect a person's well-being. Inhalation of essential oil vapors can lead to uplifted spirits and a brighter mood. Historically, these natural extracts have been utilized for nearly 6,000 years, with a goal to promote health and tranquility. The connection between scent and emotion is significant—aromas can trigger memories and influence one's emotional state. Conversely, care should be taken when selecting oils, as each individual may react differently to specific scents.
Specific Oils for Specific Needs
Each essential oil offers unique benefits. For uplifting the mood, citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit can be especially effective. They are typically obtained through cold pressing, ensuring the purest essence is captured. These zesty aromas are known for their ability to energize and refresh. For calming and care for the mind, oils like lavender are widely used for their soothing properties. Here is a brief overview:
Oil Benefit Method of Extraction Lemon Energizing, uplifting Cold Pressed Grapefruit Uplifting, refreshing Cold Pressed Lavender Soothing, relaxing Steam Distillation
Each oil addresses different needs and care should be taken to choose the right one for the desired effect. It is important to consider the source and purity of the oils, as this can greatly affect their efficacy.
Safely Using Essential Oils
When incorporating essential oils into one's routine, it is crucial to use them safely to avoid skin irritations and other health concerns. The two key aspects of safe usage involve diluting essential oils correctly and understanding the safe practices for different life stages, such as during pregnancy or for children.
Diluting Essential Oils Properly
Proper Dilution Ratios: Essential oils should typically be diluted with a carrier oil to minimize skin irritation and systemic toxicity, especially if they are to be applied topically. For adults, a safe dilution ratio is generally 1-2% of essential oil, which equates to about 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Types of Carrier Oils: Common carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. Each carrier oil has its own beneficial properties and can be selected based on the desired effect of the essential oil application.
Safe Practices for Different Life Stages
For Pregnant and Nursing Women: Pregnant and nursing women should use essential oils with caution. Certain essential oils may be contraindicated in pregnancy and could affect the mother or child. Consulting with a healthcare professional before use is recommended. When approved, oils should be used in lower concentrations, such as 0.5-1%.
For Children: Children's skin is more sensitive than adult skin, necessitating even greater dilution. Recommendations often suggest a dilution rate of 0.25-0.5% for topical applications. Essential oils should also be kept out of reach of children to prevent ingestion or contact with the eyes.
Carrier Oils and Dilution
Choosing the most suitable carrier oil and understanding dilution practices are vital for safe and effective application of essential oils.
Choosing the Right Carrier Oil
In selecting a carrier oil, one needs to consider the oil's absorbency, aroma, and shelf life. Jojoba oil, for instance, is highly valued for its long-lasting nature and close resemblance to the skin's sebum, making it suitable for a variety of skin types. Grapeseed oil is a lightweight option that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, ideal for massage oils.
Olive oil, a staple in many homes, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants; it is heavier and possesses a stronger scent, which may be noticeable when mixed with essential oils. Almond oil is another popular choice, known for its softening and nourishing properties, though it’s slightly oilier and ideal for dry skin.
Dilution Guidelines
Understandably, proper dilution ensures the safe topical application of essential oils.
Dilution Percentage Essential Oil Quantity Carrier Oil Quantity 1% 3 drops 2 teaspoons (10 mL) 2% 6 drops 2 teaspoons (10 mL) 3% 9 drops 2 teaspoons (10 mL)
For facial applications, such as masks or serums, a dilution of 1% or less is often suggested to prevent skin sensitization. Massages and body products may benefit from a 2% dilution, balancing efficacy with skin tolerance. For temporary use in bath products that rinse off, a 3% dilution could be appropriate. The guidelines mentioned cater to the needs of an average adult; however, adjustments should be made for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin.
Storage and Care of Essential Oils
Storing essential oils properly ensures they maintain their purity and therapeutic value. The key to preserving the integrity of essential oils lies in understanding the factors that can lead to their degradation.
Maximizing Oil Longevity
To extend the shelf life of essential oils, one should always keep them in their original bottle. These bottles are designed to protect the oil from light and air. Heat can accelerate the deterioration of essential oils, so storing them at room temperature or slightly cooler is ideal. It is advisable to avoid places like cabinets above stovetops or in bathrooms, where heat and excessive humidity can be an issue. Instead, a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sunlight provides a more suitable environment.
Preventing Oxidation and Degradation
Preventing oxidation is crucial for maintaining the quality of essential oils. Once the original bottle is opened, essential oils are exposed to air, which can start the oxidation process. To minimize this, one should ensure the cap is sealed tightly after each use. If refrigeration is necessary, placing the oils in an airtight container prevents them from imparting their aroma to food items. Additionally, avoiding storage areas with fluctuating temperatures can help in preventing the degradation of these oils.
By adhering to these storage guidelines, the therapeutic properties of essential oils from NOW Foods can be sustained, ensuring their effectiveness for both aromatherapy and other applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, readers will find answers to common inquiries and insights gleaned from the essential oil community regarding NOW Foods' cold-pressed oils.
Addressing Common Concerns
Consumers often seek clarity on the purity and testing of essential oils. NOW Foods assures that for oils like citrus which are cold-pressed, heavy metal testing is a routine procedure to ensure safety and quality. They emphasize the expense of genuinely pure natural oils, such as jasmine oil, which leads to higher costs due to the sourcing and production methods required.
Learning from the Community
The dialogue within the essential oil community helps in understanding how cold-pressed oils are used and valued. NOW Foods contributes to this conversation with resources, such as an essential oil FAQ, where enthusiasts and novices alike can expand their knowledge. This FAQ is a dynamic resource meant to support individuals looking to integrate these oils into their lifestyles responsibly.
For those looking to deepen their understanding, NOW Foods offers literature like an essential oil book, covering a spectrum of topics from benefits to safe usage, enhancing consumers' knowledge about these potent natural extracts.
Product Range and Selection
NOW Foods offers a diverse selection of cold-pressed essential oils known for their purity and natural composition. Their product line provides a variety of choices to cater to different preferences and uses.
Exploring NOW Foods Essential Oils
NOW Foods' cold-pressed oils include an extensive range of essential oils that are extracted to preserve the natural qualities. They prioritize high standards in the sourcing and processing of their products to ensure that customers receive the purest oils possible. They feature a lineup that caters to a wide audience, with options suitable for those following vegan lifestyles.
Vegan-Friendly: All of NOW Foods' essential oils are vegan, making them an ideal choice for consumers seeking animal-free products.
Extensive Variety: Customers can choose from a full spectrum of essential oils, ranging from common to exotic.
Focus on Featured Oils: Orange and Lemon
Orange Oil:
Scent: Refreshing, sweet
Uses: Often used for its uplifting and invigorating properties.
Lemon Oil:
Scent: Refreshing, clean
Uses: Known for its purifying and refreshing qualities, adding a bright note to any blend.
Both orange and lemon oils are celebrated for their refreshing scents and versatility. They can be incorporated into numerous applications, from aromatherapy to natural cleaning solutions, providing a clean and invigorating aroma that is highly sought after by consumers looking for naturally derived scents.
Application and Techniques
Cold-pressed oils from NOW Foods are highly concentrated and carry the essence of their source ingredients. Proper application and techniques ensure their benefits are realized effectively and safely.
Methods of Application
The cold-pressed oils are intended for a variety of uses, however, it's imperative to consider the dilution ratios when applying directly to the skin. The concentrated nature of these oils means they can cause irritation if used in their undiluted form. For topical application, NOW Foods recommends diluting essential oils with a carrier oil such as marula oil. This minimizes the risk of skin reactions and helps in uniformly spreading the oil over the skin.
Skin Application Dilution Ratio Sensitive Skin 1% (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil) Normal Skin 2% (2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil)
Blending and Creating Personal Scents
NOW Foods essential oils can be blended to create personalized scents. The oils are naturally occurring and provide the characteristic aroma of the plant from which it was derived. To craft a unique scent, start by selecting oils that blend well together, such as bergamot oil mixed with cedarwood or tangerine oil. The process involves experimenting with different combinations to find a balance that is pleasing and therapeutic.
Uplifting Blend: Citrus oils with peppermint
Calming Blend: Lavender with chamomile
Each blend can be adjusted according to personal preference and intended use, always considering the potency and possible skin sensitivity to the essential oils used.
Protecting Against Adulteration
In the realm of pure, cold-pressed oils, adulteration is a pressing issue that strikes at the heart of product integrity and consumer trust. NOW Foods has implemented rigorous measures to ensure the authenticity and purity of their products.
Industry Challenges
The challenge of adulteration in the edible oil industry often involves the mixing of inferior or different oils and the use of additives to misrepresent the product quality. Specific gravity and refractive index tests are commonly employed to detect such irregularities, as they can reveal inconsistencies indicative of adulteration. This deceptive practice not only compromises consumer health but also undercuts the value of genuine pure, cold-pressed oils.
Detection Methods:
Specific Gravity: Compares the density of the oil to the density of water.
Refractive Index: Measures the extent to which light changes direction when passing through the oil.
NOW Foods Measures for Authenticity
To combat these challenges, NOW Foods has instituted stringent quality control procedures to affirm the authenticity of its cold-pressed oils.
Authenticity Testing:
NOW Foods employs both specific gravity and refractive index tests to authenticate their oils.
Testing is conducted by their in-house laboratories, ensuring that the results are accurate and reliable.
Periodic third-party verification is used to bolster internal testing and provide an extra layer of assurance.
By taking these proactive steps, NOW Foods positions itself as a resilient force against adulteration, dedicated to delivering pure and authentic products.
Phototoxicity and Sun Exposure
Phototoxic reactions can occur when certain cold-pressed oils are applied to the skin prior to UV exposure. Understanding ultraviolet sensitivity and adopting best practices for outdoor use are crucial in mitigating adverse skin reactions.
Understanding Ultraviolet Sensitivity
When individuals apply oils that are phototoxic and then expose their skin to UV light, they risk heightened sensitivity, leading to reactions similar to severe sunburn. These reactions are due to certain components in highly concentrated essential oils, such as furanocoumarins, which react under ultraviolet light from sources like sunlight.
Sunlight: A natural source of a spectrum of UV light.
Ultraviolet Light: Part of sunlight, responsible for phototoxic reactions.
Highly Concentrated: Refers to the pure, potent nature of essential oils.
Humidity: Can intensify the skin's sensitivity to UV light.
In these oils, it is the furanocoumarins that become reactive under the UV rays, whether from direct sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds.
Best Practices for Outdoor Use
To safely enjoy the benefits of pure, cold-pressed oils such as those offered by NOW Foods while outdoors, the following guidelines will ensure skin protection:
Timing: Apply oils during times of limited sun exposure or wait at least 24 hours before UV exposure.
Dilution: To reduce concentration, dilute essential oils with a carrier oil according to recommended safety guidelines.
Coverage: Protect skin by covering areas where phototoxic oils have been applied.
Alternatives: Opt for steam-distilled versions of citrus oils, which generally contain fewer phototoxic compounds.
It is also advisable to check the specific essential oil's properties as some may not cause phototoxicity and can be safe for use before sun exposure. As always, testing on a small skin area before full application is recommended.
