Questions & Answers

What exactly are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts (oils) that capture the natural aromas and associated beneficial properties of the plant. They are called “Essential” as the oil contains complex chemical sequences that are “essential” to that specific plant. They are obtained through various methods, including steam distillation and cold pressing, and can be derived from flowers, leaves, roots, and even fruit peels.

How do essential oils differ from fragrance oils?

Unlike synthetic fragrance oils, which are created using artificial chemicals, essential oils come from natural sources and contain therapeutic compounds that can have a range of benefits. Fragrance oils may smell nice but often lack the healing properties found in essential oils and may contain unwanted chemicals.

Can essential oils be used in cooking?

No, essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should not be ingested, whether in cooking, beverages, or any other form. Instead, opt for fresh herbs, culinary extracts, or whole food flavorings to enhance your dishes. Ingesting concentrated oils can lead to severe internal injuries, and their internal use has not been fully studied for safety or effectiveness. Use fresh fruits, herbs and spices for flavoring you food and beverages.

How are essential oils absorbed by the body when we smell them ?

When we inhale an aroma, it triggers an automatic sequence of events involving:

Smell Detection: When you inhale, tiny molecules from essential oils enter your nose. These molecules bind to receptors in the nasal cavity.
Signal to the Brain: The receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, a part of the brain that processes smells. This bulb is closely connected to areas that control emotions and memory.
Emotional Response: Because of this connection, certain scents can evoke strong emotions or memories or trigger the various body systems including the limbic & nervous systems. For example, the smell of lavender may promote relaxation, while citrus scents can boost your mood. What emotions or feeling do you experience with aromas?

Can I put Essential Oils right from the bottle directly on my skin ?

No, Essential Oils are very concentrated and must be diluted before putting on our skin. Add 2 - 3 drops to a big dollop of unscented lotion or carrier oil and blend to safely use topically.

Essential oils can be effective when used topically due to several key factors. Always remember to dilute essential oils properly and perform a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions before using them on larger areas of skin. Avoid using citrus oils on your skin even when diluted.

Direct Absorption: When applied to the skin, tiny chemical molecules penetrate the outer layer of the skin and enter the bloodstream. This allows their therapeutic compounds to take effect more quickly.
Targeted Relief: Applying oils directly to specific areas can provide localized benefits. For example, using peppermint oil on sore muscles can help relieve tension and discomfort right where it’s needed.
Skin Interaction: Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or soothing properties. Oils like lavender can help calm irritation, while tea tree oil can aid in healing minor cuts and blemishes.
Enhancing Circulation: Massaging diluted essential oils into the skin can promote blood flow, which may enhance the overall effectiveness of the oil and contribute to relaxation.
Personalized Blends: You can mix essential oils with carrier oils (like jojoba or coconut oil) to create customized blends that suit your specific needs, whether it’s for pain relief, relaxation, or skin care.

Are all essential oils safe for everyone?

No, not all essential oils are safe for everyone. Generally, they should be avoided around children under 2 years old, and some oils, like mints and cinnamon, are not recommended for those under 12 or older. All essential oils have the potential to cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.

Most citrus oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause burns, including severe ones, when exposed to sunlight. It’s best to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, or any UV light for up to 12 hours after applying these oils to your skin, even when diluted. Additionally, certain oils may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing mothers, or for individuals with chronic health conditions. Always do thorough research or consult with an aromatherapist or healthcare professional before use.

How do you use essential oils safely?

What are the best practices for diluting essential oils?

Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. A general guideline is to mix one to two drops of essential oil with at least 1 tablespoon carrier oil (like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil) at a ratio of 1-2%. For sensitive skin, a higher dilution is recommended.

If you are making your own blends, it is recommended to use a scale and weigh the amount of each oil. Oils have different viscosities and weights making the use of drops difficult when scaling up formulas. Professional aromatherapist use scales when making blends and other products.

How should essential oils be stored?

Store essential oils in tight lidded, dark glass bottles away from sunlight and heat, which can degrade their quality. A cool, dark cabinet is ideal to preserve their potency and shelf life. Oils can go rancid, just like the olive oil in your kitchen. I generally stop expecting beneficial properties from oils that have been open more than 2 years. If you notice they look or smell differently, it is best to not use them.

Is it safe to use essential oils around pets?

While some essential oils are safe for dogs, they are toxic to Cats and should be use with extreme caution with other pets. It’s important to research each oil and consult with a veterinarian before using them in households with pets.

What should you do if you have a reaction to an essential oil?

If you experience a skin reaction or other symptoms after using an essential oil, immediately dilute the area with a carrier oil (such as olive, sunflower, or basic vegetable cooking oil; not water, which can intensify irritation) and seek medical advice if symptoms persist. In the case of a phototoxic burn, protect blisters from popping and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

If you ever have any questions or just not sure, reach out to a trained aromatherapist such as myself, a national or international aromatherapy association or industry leaders listed below

Tisserand Institute https://tisserandinstitute.or g

National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists https://naha.org

Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists https://www.cfacanada.com