Choosing an essential oil shouldn't feel like guesswork. This evidence-informed guide explores the journey from plant to bottle, helping you understand what quality really means and the questions worth asking before you buy.

If you've ever wondered why one bottle of lavender essential oil costs £2 while another costs £30, you're not alone. Most people assume that if an oil smells like lavender, it must be lavender. But as a doctor and aromatherapist, I've learned that scent alone tells us very little about what's actually in the bottle. In this article, I explore adulteration, authenticity, sourcing and testing - and why quality matters if you're using essential oils for more than just their arom