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.

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’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. 

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.

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. 

• 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 i.e 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. 

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.