Q: What is an essential oil?

A: Essential oils are produced by steam distillation of the leaves, wood, flowers, buds, needles, seeds, bark or roots of aromatic botanicals such as lavender, rosemary, cedarwood, geranium, peppermint and cypress. While most essential oils are steam distilled, citrus essential oils are cold pressed from the rinds (peels) of citrus fruits. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it contains the "essence of" the plant, characteristics, and healing properties. There are different grades of essential oil and different qualities. High quality and “pure essential oil” is volatile and will evaporate quickly. True essential oil also does not feel oily but should feel clean, crisp and refreshing on your skin. 
 
Q: What is a carrier oil?

A: Carrier oils are moisturizing oils that can be applied directly to the skin. They work like a lotion to moisturize the skin and that is why most lotions are made with some type of carrier oil. Since essential oils evaporate very quickly, carrier oils are used to help absorb essential oils into your skin.
 
Q: What is a safe dilution rate?

A: 25-35  drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil. Or a quarter size amount of carrier oil in your hand and 2-3 drops. Or one pump of carrier oil and 2-3 drops of essential oil. 
 
Q: Which essential oils can you apply right to your skin?

A: Lavender, Tea Tree and Roman Chamomile are gentle enough to apply directly to the skin. This is called a “neat” application. If you’ve never used essential oils, it is recommended to do a patch test on your skin first. 
 
Q: What is a synergy blend and why is it so beneficial?

A: The word synergy is taken from the roots Syn meaning together and ergon which means work. Synergy blends are used commonly in aromatherapy because a combination of three or more essential oils achieve greater results and certain essential oils are more powerful when used together then by themselves. Synergy blends made by certified aromatherapists also have much research and case study research that went into developing the blend. They also are effective in helping the multiple symptoms of an ailment, instead of just covering it up, therefore making synergy blends incredibly effective​. 

Q: Can your oils be taken internally?

A: I get this question quite often. Even as a Clinically Certified Aromatherapist, I do not recommend internal use. I do not know what medications, quantities and allergies you may have and want to be certain all customers are safe. Essential oils are highly concentrated and have the capacity to cause serious damage if used internally. Ingesting essential oils is just not needed. You can thoroughly enjoy them and receive all of their therapeutic benefits when absorbed through the skin and diffusing into the air. Also, no essential is “food grade”. No matter the company or the quality of the essential oils. The chemical components of essential oil are not recognized as food by your body. They have similar chemical components to rubbing alcohol and we certainly do not ingest that. The chemical components of essential oil are made and designed for your skin. Just like herbs and tea are made and designed for ingestion. 
 
Q: What is the best way to diffuse essential oils?

A: The most affordable way is to use a ceramic tea light diffuser and light the tea light and add ONLY the essential oils to the top. (Do not add water) I sell ceramic tea light diffusers on my website. If you do not want a flame and want something you can plug in, you can also get a cool mist ultrasonic diffuser. Even though you add essential oils to water for this diffuser, because it is ultrasonic, it vibrates the water to get the oil to the top to diffuse. Make sure it is a cool mist diffuser. Never diffuse carrier oil or essential oils mixed with carrier oil! ​VERY IMPORTANT​​: do not diffuse for more than 90 minutes twice a day. (morning and evening are the best times) If you over diffuse, you can not feel good as it over stimulates your system. Just remember, too much of a good thing can be bad. (morning and evening)
 
Another fun and stylish way to diffuse on the go, is with aromatherapy diffuser jewelry, such as a Lava Bead Diffuser Bracelet or a Terracotta Necklace. Both can be found under diffusers on my website. You just add the essential oil or blend, wear and enjoy!
 
Q: How do I take a bath with essential oils?

A: First, add the essential oils you would like to use to epsom salt. Use no more than 10 drops. Let the essential oils sit on the epsom salt for 30 minutes so that they can bind to the salt. Then add to the tub. You should not use Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, Ginger, Cinnamon and Clove essential oils in a bath. They can cause skin to get red and itchy in a bath. Especially if you use too much. Best to use peels and flower essential oils for baths. 
 
Q: Can I use essential oils on my kids?

A: Absolutely! Some essential oils are more gentle and safer to use on children than others. That’s why I have an OK for Kids line on my website. They are all made from essential oils that have been tested to be safe and effective with children. They are also in easy to use roller balls that are already properly diluted in jojoba carrier oil and ready to use! Some great essential oils to use on children over 2 years of age are Lavender, Lemon, Tangerine, Pink Pepper, and Marjoram. Under 2, you can use Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Tea Tree. My Sensitive Skin Lotion is so gentle, it can be used on infants and children. Hydrosols are also so gentle, they can be used on newborn babies.

Q: Are essential oils safe for pets? 

A: Some are and some aren’t. A good thing to know is that ​Tea Tree is toxic to both cats and dogs​​ and should not be used on either or diffused around them. Cats also seem to go into distress with low quality oils. (There are a lot of companies that sell fragrant oil as essential oil) Another reason to limit the amount of time you diffuse and make sure the oils you are using are high quality. 
 
Q: Can you use essential oils if you are pregnant?

A: It is common practice to avoid all essential oils in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. After, oils like Lavender, Tea Tree, Ylang ylang & Roman Chamomile are deemed safe while pregnant. Your skin changes when pregnant, so something that did not bother your skin when you were not pregnant, can irritate it when you are pregnant. That being said, it is always good to do a patch test or dilute with a carrier oil even more than you normally would.  You absolutely should avoid sage (​​Salvia officinalis) and sweet fennel (​​Foeniculum vulgare ) during all stages of pregnancy. ​​But it works great to keep labor going when you do go in labor! 
 
Q: Do essential oils have an expiration date?

A: Many essential cold-pressed citrus oils such as Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Frankincense and some pine oils have a much shorter shelf life and generally run their course in about 6 months to one year. Make sure to store essential oils in consistent temperatures with little light to ensure the longest life possible. Essential oils rich in monoterpenes, (Frankincense, citrus essential oils) also can oxide quickly. This would give them a shorter shelf life and if the essential oil oxidizes (too much exposure to air) or is old, it can cause skin irritation when applied to the skin. Also, if you have these oils, use them! You most likely bought frankincense for a reason. Don’t keep it for 5 years. It has a short shelf life. You need to use the oil to benefit from it. 
 
Q: Do you offer coupons or promo codes?

A: Yes I do! Even though my oils are priced affordably, I will offer promo codes throughout the year. Like my business facebook page to receive notifications when I’m doing a sale or have a new promo code.