Essential Oils FAQ
Essential Oils Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Essential Oils FAQ! As a certified herbalist with 15 years of experience, I've answered the most common questions about using essential oils safely and effectively. If you don't see your question here, please reach out—I'm always happy to help.
About Our Essential Oil Blends
Q: What makes your essential oil blends different from others?
A: Each blend is formulated by a certified herbalist with 15 years of experience in functional medicine and natural healing. I carefully select therapeutic-grade essential oils and combine them in synergistic ratios that maximize their benefits. These aren't random combinations—they're intentional formulations based on herbalism, aromatherapy science, and traditional plant medicine.
Q: Are your essential oils pure and therapeutic grade?
A: Yes! We use only 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils with no fillers, additives, or synthetic fragrances. Each oil is sourced from reputable suppliers who provide quality testing and transparency.
Q: Why do you only offer blends and not single essential oils?
A: As an herbalist, I believe in the power of synergy—when essential oils are combined thoughtfully, they work together to create effects greater than any single oil alone. My blends take the guesswork out of formulation and provide you with expertly crafted solutions for specific wellness needs.
Safety & Usage
Q: Can I apply essential oils directly to my skin?
A: No, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application. A safe dilution is typically 2-3% for adults (about 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil). Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin, as they can cause irritation or sensitization.
Q: What carrier oils do you recommend?
A: Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, and grapeseed oil are all excellent choices. Choose organic, cold-pressed oils when possible.
Q: Can I ingest essential oils?
A: Our essential oils are for external use only. Internal use of essential oils should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner or certified aromatherapist.
Q: Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
A: Some essential oils are safe during pregnancy, but many should be avoided. If you're pregnant or nursing, please consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils. Generally, it's best to avoid essential oils during the first trimester.
Q: Can I use essential oils on my children?
A: Essential oils can be used safely on children over age 2, but they require greater dilution (0.5-1% for young children). Some oils should be avoided entirely in children. Our Sleep & Dreams, Calm & Center, and Breathe Easy blends can be used on children when properly diluted. Always do a patch test first and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Q: Can I use essential oils on my pets?
A: Use extreme caution with pets, especially cats, who lack certain liver enzymes to metabolize essential oils. Never apply essential oils directly to pets. If diffusing around pets, ensure they can leave the room and use very low concentrations. When in doubt, consult a holistic veterinarian.
Q: How do I do a patch test?
A: Dilute 1 drop of the blend in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm. Wait 24 hours and check for any redness, itching, or irritation. If you experience a reaction, discontinue use.
How to Use Essential Oils
Q: What's the best way to use essential oils?
A: There are three main methods:
- Aromatic (Diffusion): Add 4-6 drops to a diffuser to disperse the aroma throughout a room
- Topical (Diluted): Mix with carrier oil and apply to skin, pulse points, or specific areas
- Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops to a tissue or cotton ball and breathe deeply, or use steam inhalation
Q: How many drops should I use in my diffuser?
A: Start with 4-6 drops in a standard diffuser. You can adjust based on room size and personal preference. Less is often more—you want a subtle aroma, not an overwhelming scent.
Q: How long should I diffuse essential oils?
A: Diffuse for 30-60 minutes at a time, then take a break. Continuous diffusion can lead to scent fatigue and may be too intense. Many diffusers have intermittent settings (on for 30 seconds, off for 30 seconds) which work well.
Q: Can I mix different blends together?
A: Yes! Feel free to experiment. For example, you might combine Sleep & Dreams with Desert Sage for a grounding bedtime ritual, or Focus & Clarity with Energy & Uplift for an extra productivity boost.
Storage & Shelf Life
Q: How should I store my essential oils?
A: Store essential oils in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue) away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them tightly capped in a cool, dry place. A cabinet or drawer works perfectly.
Q: How long do essential oils last?
A: When stored properly, most essential oils last 2-3 years. Citrus oils (like those in our Energy & Uplift blend) have a shorter shelf life of about 1-2 years. If an oil smells off or has changed consistency, it's time to replace it.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate essential oils?
A: No, refrigeration isn't necessary and can actually cause condensation issues. Room temperature storage in a dark place is ideal.
Specific Blend Questions
Q: Which blend should I start with?
A: It depends on your primary wellness goal! Sleep & Dreams is our bestseller for those struggling with rest. Breathe Easy is essential during cold season. Calm & Center is perfect for daily stress management. Choose based on what you need most right now.
Q: Can I use Sleep & Dreams blend every night?
A: Yes! It's safe for nightly use and can become a wonderful part of your bedtime ritual. Your body won't build up a tolerance like it might with sleep medications.
Q: Will the Pain Relief blend work for migraines?
A: Many people find relief from tension headaches and migraines by applying diluted Pain Relief blend to temples, forehead, and back of neck at the first sign of symptoms. However, essential oils work differently for everyone, and severe migraines should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Q: How is your Desert Sage blend different from burning sage?
A: Our Desert Sage blend captures the essence of sage, juniper, cedar, and pine in a convenient, smoke-free form. It provides similar energetic clearing and grounding benefits without the smoke, making it perfect for apartments, offices, or anywhere you can't burn herbs.
Results & Expectations
Q: How quickly will I notice results?
A: Aromatic effects (like the calming scent of lavender or the alertness from peppermint) are often immediate. For therapeutic benefits like improved sleep quality or reduced anxiety, you may notice changes within a few days to a week of consistent use.
Q: Do essential oils really work, or is it just placebo?
A: While the placebo effect can play a role in any wellness practice, essential oils have been studied extensively and shown to have real physiological effects. For example, lavender has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. The aromatic compounds in essential oils interact with your limbic system (the emotional center of your brain) and can influence mood, stress response, and even hormone levels.
Ordering & Product Information
Q: What size are your essential oil bottles?
A: Our blends come in 15ml (0.5 oz) amber glass bottles with droppers. This size provides excellent value and typically lasts 2-3 months with regular use.
Q: Do you offer larger sizes?
A: Currently we offer 15ml bottles. If you'd like to see larger sizes available, please let us know!
Q: Can I return or exchange essential oils?
A: Due to the nature of essential oils, we cannot accept returns on opened bottles. However, if you receive a damaged or defective product, please contact us immediately and we'll make it right.
Still Have Questions?
I'm here to help! As a certified herbalist, I'm passionate about helping people use plant medicine safely and effectively. Feel free to reach out with any questions about essential oils, which blend is right for you, or how to incorporate aromatherapy into your wellness routine.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Essential oils are not a replacement for professional medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.