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What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, stems, roots, and seeds. They capture the natural aromatic compounds that give plants their characteristic scents and flavors. Essential oils are often used for their therapeutic, aromatic, and flavor-enhancing properties. They have been employed for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and as ingredients in cosmetics and perfumes.

How do They Work?

Essential oils work through several mechanisms:

1. Inhalation: Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, and therefore the central nervous system.  As they are inhaled, they come in direct contact with the nasal passages, sinuses, trachea and lungs creating many benefits on the internal structures of the respiratory system. The respiratory system is often a "first avenue" of infection. Since essential oils can cross into the bloodstream from the lungs, inhalation is a quick way to deliver essential oils to the whole internal system of the body.

2.  Skin: Essential oils can penetrate the skin through a combination of processes, primarily driven by their chemical properties and the permeability of the skin's layers. Here's a breakdown of how this penetration occurs:

• Lipid Solubility: Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds, many of which are lipophilic (fat-loving). The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, is primarily composed of lipids (fats). Lipid-soluble compounds have an easier time diffusing through this lipid-rich barrier.

• Diffusion: Essential oil molecules are tiny and can move through the gaps between skin cells. They diffuse through the stratum corneum, which is not a solid barrier but rather a semi-permeable one. This process allows essential oil compounds to gradually penetrate deeper into the skin.

• Blood Circulation: Once essential oil molecules pass through the stratum corneum, they can enter the capillaries in the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the epidermis). From there, they can be transported via the bloodstream to various parts of the body.

• Carrier Oils: Often, essential oils are diluted with carrier oils before topical application. Carrier oils can help by spreading the essential oil evenly on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and providing a longer contact time, which may enhance absorption.

• Temperature and Massage: The application of essential oils in the form of a warm compress or as part of a massage can also facilitate their penetration. Increased skin temperature and mechanical pressure can enhance absorption.

• Chemical Properties: The specific chemical composition of essential oils can influence their ability to penetrate the skin. Some essential oil components may have better skin-penetrating properties than others.

3. Ingestion: Some essential oils are considered safe for internal use according to certain professionals, but this should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional. Ingested oils can affect the digestive and other systems. This method is outside my scope of practice and I do not recommend it at this time.

https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/

Are Essential Oils Safe?

The safety of essential oils depends on several factors:

1. Dilution: Most essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

2. Quality: Using high-quality, pure essential oils is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy. Poor-quality or adulterated oils may contain harmful substances.

3.  Allergies and Sensitivities: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain essential oils. Always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil topically.

4.  Age and Health: Certain essential oils are not safe for infants, young children, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with specific health conditions. It's essential to research and consult with a healthcare professional or aromatherapist before using essential oils in these cases.

5. Ingestion: Ingesting essential oils should be done cautiously, if at all, and only under the guidance of a qualified professional.

6. Storage: Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place, and out of reach of children and pets. EO's can oxidize with over-exposure to air and light, causing skin sensitivities and an ineffective product.

• Not all oils can be used for inhalation. For example, oils high in phenols, aldehydes (citral in particular) and some monoterpenes can be irritating. This depends on the individual and may require some experimenting.
• Some oils may be contraindicated with asthma and serious allergies.
• Be careful with the dosage, as too much oil inhaled can cause headaches, dizziness, and can irritate the membranes of the nose and lungs.

Resources:

1. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): [https://naha.org/](https://naha.org/)

2. Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA): [https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/](https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/)

3. American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) - Aromatherapy Safety Resources: [https://achs.edu/resources/aromatherapy-safety/] (https://achs.edu/resources/aromatherapy-safety/)

4. "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young - A comprehensive book on essential oil safety.

5. "The Complete Bood of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood.

6. https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/

Are your products all natural?
Yes. Our products are thoughtfully formulated with plant-based ingredients including botanical oils, butters, waxes, mineral salts, and pure essential oils. We do not use synthetic fragrance oils.

Do you use preservatives?
Any formulation containing water includes a broad-spectrum preservative to ensure safety and prevent microbial growth. Water-free (anhydrous) products do not require preservatives.

What is the shelf life?
Most products have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year, depending on storage conditions. To maintain freshness and potency, store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.

Are your essential oils therapeutic grade?
“Therapeutic grade” is a marketing term and is not regulated within the essential oil industry. We source high-quality essential oils from reputable suppliers who provide detailed batch-specific information such as botanical identity, country of origin, and GC/MS testing. Each formula is created using safe, evidence-informed aromatherapy guidelines and proper dermal dilution rates.

Due to the personal and sanitary nature of our handcrafted skincare and aromatherapy products, we do not accept returns or exchanges.

If your item arrives damaged or defective, please email us within 5 days of delivery. We will gladly replace the item or issue a refund.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you experience any problems with your order, please contact us — we are committed to making it right.