What Are USP Oils?

When it comes to your health, you want the best for your body, especially if you are sick or seeking treatment for an ailment. Taking in a low quality medicine or using a low end oil product may not produce desired results. USP, the United States Pharmacopeia, sets high standards for several different medicinal items. If you purchase an item that has been approved by the USP, you can expect a quality product.

Definition

USP is the medical acronym for United States Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit organization. USP oils are oils that have been tested, examined and approved by the organization. If a product holds the USP label, it means that it has met or exceeded its standards. If you see the acronym USP NF, it stands for United States Pharmacopeia National Formulary. This is the printed book that clearly defines its standards on each product.

Purpose

USP determines and upholds specific safety standards for medical drugs, devices, dosage forms, dietary supplements and diagnostics. By purchasing oil with the USP stamp, you know that it is an item of high quality.

Types

There are two main types of oils that are tested for medical purposes. There are carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are oils you can dilute and mix with essential oils or use by themselves. Common carrier oils are cottonseed oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, peanut oil, sesame oil and soybean oil. There are numerous essential oils that can hold the USP label. Some of the most common essential oils are lavender essential oil, tea tree oil, lemon essential oil and rosemary essential oil.

Uses

USP carrier oils can be used for several different medicinal reasons. USP castor oil, for example, is used as a laxative. USP sweet almond oil is often used as the base of massage oils and essential oils are added depending on the medicinal intent. USP tea tree oil, for example, is often used as an antibacterial agent and for numerous skin issues. By mixing an essential oil with carrier oil, it dilutes the concentrated dosage, reduces the risk of skin irritation and makes the oils easier to massage into the skin to deliver the medicine.