Collection: Essential Oil 101

Learn the basics of essential oils such as their scent, shelf life, safe usage for different ages, and how to use them safely

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True Lavender

True Lavender Oil

Aromas: sweet, fresh, light, herbal (lavender), with floral, woody and fruity

Main actions: analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti allergenic,
antibacterial, antifungal, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anxiolytic,
sedative, immune support, skin/wound healing

Mood: for anxiety, insomnia, try blending with bergamot, clary sage,
frankincense, ylang ylang, geranium, patchouli and vetiver.

Shelf Life: 6 years

Safety: No known issues

Peppermint

Peppermint Oil

Aromas: strong, fresh, herbaceous, minty

Main actions: analgesic, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-oxidant, antiviral, astringent, decongestant, mucolytic, stimulant

Digestion: for spasm, colic, irritable bowel, try blending with lemon, ginger.

Mood: use with other stimulating oils

Shelf Life: 4 years

Safety: May cause skin or mucous membrane irritation. Use a maximum of 1-2% dilution for topical use. Avoid using it with children under five years.

Lemon

Lemon Oil

Aromas: fresh, sweet, lemony

Main actions: analgesic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory , anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, cooling, immune support,
skin penetration enhancer, uplifting, antidepressant.

Mood: to enhance cognitive processes try blending with other citruses, basil,
thyme, rosemary, sage, coriander seed, sweet fennel, black pepper.

Shelf Life: 2 years

Safety: Use in low dilution (1-2%) when applying to the skin, such as in bath or massage oils.

Sweet Orange

Sweet Orange Oil

Aromas: fresh, fruity sweet, light, fresh and citrus.

Main actions: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial,
sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent,
immune support, skin penetration enhancer

Mood: consider blending with other citruses,jasmine, also coriander seed,
lavender, clary sage, Roman chamomile.

Shelf Life: 2 years

Safety: oxidized oils increase potential for skin irritation.

Bergamot

Bergamot Oil

Aromas: citrus, sweet, lemony, floral (neroli-like), peppery and herbaceous
(lavender-like) notes.

Main actions: anti-nociceptive, analgesic, anti-oxidant, antidepressant,
anxiolytic, antispasmodic

Skin: for itching or pain, blend with true lavender, geranium, Helichrysum

Emotionally: for anxiety and depression you could try blending with true
lavender, neroli, ylang ylang and frankincense.

Shelf Life: 4 years

Safety: Phototoxic - Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for up to 18 hours after applying Bergamot to the skin. It may be used safely on the skin in a blend at no more than 0.4%.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit Oil

Aromas: sweet, fresh citrus, orange-like body, but distinctively ‘grapefruit’.

Main actions: analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiviral, antidepressant, anxiolytic, immune support, skin penetration enhancer.

Mood: for lethargy, anxiety and depression try blending with other citruses, rosemary, juniper berry, eucalyptus, lemongrass, ginger, black pepper.

Shelf Life: 2 years

Safety: Grapefruit is mildly phototoxic and topical use should be limited to 4%.

Litsea Cubeba

Cypress

Coriander

Ravensara

Melissa

Cedarwood

Clary Sage

Rose Geranium

Eucalyptus Blue Gum

Catnip / Catmint

Tea Tree

Frankincense

Ylang - Ylang

Patchuoli

Ginger

Copaiba

Clove

Vanilla

Rosemary

Red Pine

Cistus

Sweet Myrrh