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What is an essential oil?

Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic oils obtained from plant matter, by steam distillation or cold pressing. The FDA states that an essential oil needs to only contain 10% actual essential oil to be labeled as essential oil. Obviously, the purer the oil, the better the result.

Can I use my oils on my children?

Essential oils are safe for use on children, however, they do require dilution. Babies and children love a good foot massage when you put the oils on the bottoms of their feet!

Are there any oils to avoid when pregnant?

Basil
Cassia
Cinnamon bark
Clary Sage
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Thyme
Vetiver
Wintergreen
White Fir

Which oils are safe to use when breastfeeding?

Bergamot
Clary Sage
Grapefruit
Geranium
Lavender
Lemon
Melaleuca
Patchouli
Roman Chamomile
Sandalwood
Wild Orange
Ylang Ylang

*Peppermint can decrease milk supply. It can be used sparingly.

How do I use essential oils?

You can use oils topically by applying them directly to the skin.

Aromatically, by using a diffuser, or simply sniffing the bottle.

Internally, depending on the purity of the oils. Do not, of course, ingest oils that are labeled “Not safe for internal use” or “Do not ingest”.

Where do I apply my essential oils?

The standard answer would be “wherever they are needed!”, but ultimately, when you put an essential oil on your skin, it is in your bloodstream within 20 seconds, and it’s traveling to wherever it’s needed.

Put your oils as close as you can to where you need them. For instance, when experiencing digestive problems, apply around the navel. If you have a sore neck, apply directly to the neck. If you have a toothache, apply to the tooth that hurts.

You can also use reflexology charts to apply oil to the corresponding reflexology point on the feet, hands or ears.

Is there anywhere I should NOT apply essential oils?

Never put essential oils in your eyes or in your ear canals. The nose can also be a sensitive area – it is wise to dilute oils before using them in you nostrils.

Should I dilute my essential oil?

Most essential oils are fine to use neat. I would always, however, advocate for diluting oils when using them on babies or pets. There are some oils that are considered hot – such as Cinnamon, Oregano, Cassia, Wintergreen – and they should be diluted every time you use them.

A small percentage of the population may also have a sensitivity to Peppermint essential oil. If this is the case for you, by all means dilute!

Could I be allergic to essential oils?

If you are allergic to the plant matter the oil is sourced from, there is a possibility you may be allergic to the oil. Many people, however, have found that they are not allergic to the plant component in essential oils, but the filler that is used to dilute the oil. This is why it’s important to buy oils that are 100% pure, with no fillers.

Can I get addicted to essential oils?

Though you may find your nose to the bottle a number of times a day, essential oils can help with various addictions, rather than create an addiction.

Can I overdose on essential oil?

Anything is toxic if you take it in huge amounts, even water! The amount of an essential oil you would need to be considered toxic, is measured in liters. There are differing amounts for different oils. Essential oils are usually sold in bottles around the 15ml size. There is no danger of overdosing on this amount. I cannot vouch for the intensity of diarrhea or vomiting you may experience, though!

Please let me know if you have any questions! I’ll by happy to add them to the FAQ!