Aromatherapy FAQs

1. What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using natural essential oils extracted from plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

2. What are essential oils?

3. How are essential oils used in aromatherapy?
Essential oils are extracted one of two ways – either by steam distillation or expression, or pressing. Distillation is the most prominent method used to extract aromatherapy oils, however. This technique involves steaming the plant matter until it breaks down. The byproduct of this breakdown phase is the plant’s fragrant oil, which is cooled, separated from the water and finally filtered into its pure essential oil.

4. NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS VS. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
The cornerstone of aromatherapy is the selection of natural, high quality and pure essential oils obtained from a reputable supplier. The use of synthetic fragrances does not constitute either a safe or therapeutic practice of aromatherapy because chemicals used to create synthetic fragrances are considered toxic.
5. Quality of Essential oils
The quality of essential oils depends on a whole chain of people doing the right thing at the right time and in the right way: growing the plant organically, cutting the plant at the right time, distilling the plant in the most natural way, bottling the essential oil honestly, and storing the essential oil judiciously.

5. Can essential oils be applied directly to my skin?
It is not generally recommended. In their pure form, essential oils are highly concentrated and can burn your skin, or some oils will even pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. It is suggested that you mix them with a base or carrier oil which decreases the possibility of skin irritation.
6. Can I use essential oils internally?
Essential oils can be taken internally usually in a capsule form.

7. What is the best way to apply essential oils?
How you apply essential, or aromatherapy, oils has an impact on their healing capabilities. You will experience better results if you use small amounts of the oils diluted in water or with a carrier oil or massage lotion. Check out our application page for more detailed methods.

8. Can I use essential oils if I’m pregnant?
Yes, but do so with caution. We recommend avoiding the use of essential oils during the first trimester, and then light use (no more than 1% dilution) through term.Oils like geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, mandarin, neroli, tangerine, and ylang ylang are considered safe oils to use during pregnancy.

9. How should I store my aromatherapy oils?
Essential oils are best kept in dark glass bottles with screw tops. They should be kept in a cool, dry space, preferably out of the direct sunlight.

10. How do I know which essential oils do what, specifically, for the body?
Certain essential oils can trigger physical or emotional effects on their own. For instance, lavender is a widely known calming agent, whereas peppermint is a mood lifter. Other oils are blended to achieve a desired physiological or psychological effect. Blending ylang ylang with grapefruit relieves stress, for example. Each oil has its own special benefit.