FAQ : Aromatherapy Direct

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	Q - What is the difference between the four lavenders?
A - Lavender B.P. is British Pharmaceutical Standard Lavender, and has a minimum linalyl acetate (ester) content of 39%. Lavender 40/42% has a higher specification of between 40 & 42%. This is a therapy grade. Finally the High Alps Lavender is the most prized for it's absolute purity, and the Bulgarian for it's extremely fine fragrance. Although the ester level is not specified in either of these two products, it is unlikely to be significantly lower than the other two Lavenders.


	Q - What is the difference between the two Chamomiles?
A - Two completely different plant species. The true Chamomile is the Roman Chamomile, which is also the most expensive. If you see Chamomile mentioned in an aromatherapy book, it is almost certainly this one. The cheaper Moroccan variety has some therapeutic merits, but is seldom used in therapy. It does however smell very similar for fragrancing.


	Q - What is the difference between the two Sandalwoods?
A - Sandalwood Mysore is the only one used in therapy. The West Indian Sandalwood (Amyris) is from a different plant species, and imparts a very similar fragrance at a much cheaper price.

Q - What is the difference between the ordinary Bergamot, and the Bergaptene Free variety?

A - Ordinary Bergamot is not skin safe as it causes photo-sensitivity, which could lead to skin cancer. Do not go out in sunlight within 4 hours of use. The Bergaptene Free variety has the destructive element removed and is skin safe. As a cheaper and effective alternative why not try May Chang.

Q - I can't get anything out of the bottle!

A - You have probably purchased either Benzoin or one of the Sandalwoods. This is not a fault, they are very thick oils, but we still ship them with the droppers, for safe transit.