Essential oils are natural concentrated compounds of plants, flowers or fruits. These can be obtained through different processes of distillation or cold press extractions methods, capturing the aromatic “essence” and properties of these botanical compounds in a bottle. 

These oils have been used for centuries due to their natural healing and medicinal properties from an aromatherapy point of view and also due to their incredibly aromatic experience that can work with the human body, emotions and psique. 

These botanical derivations are quite concentrated and need to be used with care and understanding in order to get the most benefits out of them.

Essential oils have tiny molecules that can be easily absorbed into the body through topical absorption or inhalation, making it easier for the body to experience its benefit. Aromatherapy is used to help treat a wide range of common health concerns naturally such as stress and anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and several skin issues. They are also used for many of their antibacterial and antiviral properties, and of course, their good, fresh scents that can make anything smell delightful.

There are two main ways to use essential oils: Through inhalation or topical absorption. When used through inhalation, some of the best options are with an ultrasonic diffuser or an oil burner; each has their own charm, so the choice is yours. When using them topically, it’s important they are always diluted. Our recommended option will be using a carrier oil (ie. jojoba oil, coconut oil, camellia oil) to avoid skin irritation, sensitivities and burning.  

Warning: Ingesting essential oils is not a good option, unless you are following a direct treatment with a certified aromatherapist! This method can be dangerous if not done properly.

It is not recommended to ingest essential oils. Some essential oils can be quite toxic to the body, and can result in dangerous effects such as stomach irritation, severe allergic reactions, the development of ulcers and even seizures. 

It’s ensuring a safe use of essential oils. Diluting them with carrier oils will prevent you from getting severe irritated skin, redness, burns and dryness. Essential oils can also be diluted with water if used with a surfactant that can help emulsify, solubilise or disperse the oils - as water and oils don't mix. 

Warning: Always remember that where there is water, there is life. A preservative - natural or synthetic - will need to be used on any aqueous formulations in order to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and mould. When creating any DIY formulation using water at home it will be better to use immediately or within a short period of time. 

Like the name says itself, a carrier oil will help “carry” essential oils into the body. The molecules of these lipid or vegetable oils are bigger than the molecules of the essential oils, allowing them to trap in the smaller molecules and pass into the bloodstream easier. 

Carrier oils are mostly extracted through a cold press process from nuts and seeds, they’re also packed with wonderful fatty, vitamins and hydrating properties; the perfect skin-healing components.

To keep the high quality and durability of your essential oils, store them in dark glass bottles - like the ones ours already come in, we use Miron Violet glass which doesn’t allow UV rays to come through the bottle and helps preserve the inside content for longer - in a cool location. Make sure the caps are sealed tightly to prevent oxidation; as well as their aromas and benefits. 

Yes - if used safely and cautiously. For nausea, stretch marks and muscle soreness, essential oils can be quite useful during your pregnancy. Keep in mind that there are certain essential oils to avoid while pregnant which we go over in our blog

Warning: Not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. Make sure you avoid all spice category oils and research which ones are actually safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

It’s important to know that we should be very careful when using essential oils with infants and children. For children under 3 months, it’s important to keep the dilution to a maximum of 0.25% of essential oils, the safer essential oils to use could be just Sweet Orange and Lavender. 

For children from 3 months until 3 years the dilutions should preferably be kept within 0.5% of essential oils. There are certain essential oils that are not recommend to use for children, such as:

• Clove - For children under 4 years old
• Eucalyptus - For children under 1 years old
• Oregano - for children under 4 years old
• Peppermint - for children under 1 years old
• Cinnamon - for children under 4 years old
• Rosemary - for children under 6 years old
• Ginger - for children under 4 years old

For pets, we don’t recommend using them when they’re under 10 weeks old, and we advise only to use them when diffused (1% dilution max). Animals have much more developed senses of smell than humans so remember that if you can’t catch a whiff of the aroma, it’s likely that your pet has. 

Some oils to better avoid with pets:                                                                      

• Lemongrass
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang
• Eucalyptus
• Clove
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Lemon 
• Bergamot 
• Caper Rose Geranium 
• Grapefruit 
• Lime
• Blood Orange
• Sweet Orange
• Lemon Myrtle
• Honey Myrtle

The best way to use essential oils around cats and dogs is to use them in products that can be applied directly on you like Natural Perfumes, Aromatherapy roll-ons, Body Oils, amongst others, rather than diffusing them at home where the animal is also situated. If you are in a room where your pet doesn't have access to or is not there in presence then a diffuser or oil burner can be used for a period of time. 

Yes! As long as they've been diluted inside a carrier oil or a solubiliser. Using essential oils directly in the bath can cause skin irritation, and since oil and water don't mix, they simply won’t disperse. Make sure you blend your essential oils in a carrier oil, and pour that into the bath instead. 

Ultrasonic oil diffusers have a membrane that breaks the molecules of the oil and the water through a quick vibration to create a vapour that will disperse essential oils across the room in small particles. 

When on, the diffusers can run from 5 to 10 hours (depending on the size, model and brand) and only require an electric source to plug them into. These are safer to use as there is no heating process that will alter the temperature of the oils and change their chemical composition, making them the best choice for aromatherapy purposes. Normally once the water runs out they will automatically shut off, making them safe for the whole family. 

Oil burners are a more budget-friendly option, and last depending how quickly the candle melts completely or it makes the water above it evaporate. The do change the temperature of the oil by heating the oils and losing some of its aromatherapy properties. However, they’re equally effective in spreading the oils’ aroma anywhere they’re placed and can create an atmosphere of calmness with the warm candle-light.