Essential Oil FAQs

Over the years I've received many questions regarding the essential oil blends that I'd like to share with you. I'll keep this short and sweet without getting too much into the wonderful world of plant magic and the scientific studies on aromatherapy since that would turn this blog into a book!

Where do you source your oils and are they all organic?

While I have a handful of sources depending on availability and quality, I primarily source the essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs and Plant Therapy. Both companies are known for high quality, purity and rigorous third party testing. My preference is to purchase certified organic oils, however this is not always possible especially if they are made from wildcrafted plants and while they are not chemically treated, they also cannot be certified. My blends are not certified organic, although some may be made with all organic ingredients, the certification is a difficult and very expensive process that I may reconsider again in the future.

Are all of your blends safe to apply directly to the skin and safe for pets?

Yes, all of my oil blends are safe to apply directly to the skin. This is because they are diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, although dilution percentages vary from 3% for very strong oils such as cinnamon to 10% for certain oils that are not as potent such as tea tree oil.

It is best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the safety of essential oils and pets. I like to play it safe and do not recommend applying oils (even diluted) directly to a pets skin or fur. Using them on yourself should not cause any negative issues with our sweet, aroma sensitive beings. It would be rare if your pet had any sort of reaction to a diluted blend, but it would be best to open a window for air flow and/or discontinue use.

I want to make my own blends similar to yours, can you share some of your recipes and tips on how to get started?

I encourage everyone interested in learning about aromatherapy to start with the basics of blending oils and there are many wonderful books and online resources out there. I have been studying aromatherapy and refining my blends for decades and they are proprietary recipes that I do not share. Two of the best tips I can give you are to use properly sanitized equipment to avoid contamination and bacteria and to store your oils in a cool, dark place.

I've purchased the same oil for many years now and sometimes it smells different, why is that?

This is a great question and one that cannot be easily explained. It could be something as simple as needing to shake the bottle if it's been sitting for a while so that the oils are evenly distributed. Or, sometimes oils react with our own body oils differently at times and a blend that is used on one person may not smell the same on another. Generally, my formulas do not change dramatically although if one supplier is out of stock I may have to use another.

Those seem to be the most common questions, but if you have any others, please don't hesitate to ask. Keep in mind that since I am not a doctor that I cannot give any medical advice. But, there are many peer reviewed studies out there on the therapeutic properties of essential oils and the results are incredible!