An essential oil is a pure plant extract. Most essential oils are obtained from plant material by a steam distillation process. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, therapeutics, flavourings and fine perfumery. Each essential oil has a complex range of constituents which provide a diverse array of applications.
A fragrance oil is a synthetic or 'created' scent. It is a poor imitation of the real thing and has no therapeutic qualities.

It's important to purchase your oils from a reputable supplier. Quality oils will state a botanical name and have a batch number and use by date on the label. Price is also a good indication of quality, if it's too cheap it could be diluted or adulterated. Read labels carefully to ensure they state 100% pure essential oil.

  Massage: Wonderful way to enjoy the relaxation and therapeutic value of essential oils. Great for kids and babies too. Remember always dilute essential oils in a vegetable carrier oil such as almond oil or grapeseed oil.

  Adults: To easily remember how much essential oil to add, measure out the carrier oil and divide the amount by half. This is the total amount of DROPS of essential oil/s to add for a 2.5% dilution. Eg.10ml (2 teaspoons) of carrier oil will use a total of 5 drops of essential oil 10 divided by 2 = 5 drops.

  Children: 1/2 adult dose or 2 drops in 10mls carrier oil. Infants - 1 drop in 10 ml carrier oil.

  Elderly: 1/2 adult dose

  Oil Burner: Scent your environment naturally. Fill bowl of burner with water and add 4-6 drops of essential oil/s. Place on heat proof mat. Top up water from time to time. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Never leave burner unattended.

  Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops onto tissue or hankie. Hold a few inches from nose and inhale as required.

  Steam Inhalation: Add 3-4 drops essential oil to bowl of hot water. Cover head with towel, close eyes and inhale vapours. Not recommended for asthmatics.

  Bath: Fill bath with warm water (too hot and the oils will evaporate). Add 4-6 drops essential oil/s and agitate water to disperse oils before slipping in and relaxing for minimum of 15 minutes.

  Spritzer: Create a refreshing face or body fine mist spray. To a 50ml amber glass bottle with fine mist spray, add 20-25 drops essential oil/s. Shake well to disperse oils, close eyes and spray. A Lavender Spritz is an excellent way to stay refreshed on a long plane journey. Remember oils and water don't mix so you need to shake bottle each time you Spritz. See our What's New to find out about a natural way to get your oils to disperse in water.

Essential oils and safety

Essential Oils are a wonderful way to create a healthy home - however, they are concentrated and potent plant extracts and should be used with respect. Please observe the following usage and safety guidelines:

  Adult Usage: generally 4-5 drops in 10ml carrier oil, ointment base or bath

  Children: 2 drops in every 10ml carrier base or bath water

  Infants up to age two: 1 drop in every 10ml carrier oil/bath

  Pregnancy: 2 drops in 10ml carrier oil, ointment or bath

  Always store your oils in a cool dark environment, away from direct heat and sunlight

  Do not take essential oils internally

  Do not apply essential oils directly onto the skin - dilution in vegetable oil or ointment base is recommended.

  Essential oils are very concentrated and can be toxic if ingested. Please keep your oils out of reach of children

  Citrus oils may cause skin to become sensitive to the sun - do not apply these essential oils to the skin prior to sun exposure

  In pregnancy we recommend that the use of essential oils be minimised. Some oils should not be used at all. Consult an aromatherapist for further information.

Take care with allergies or sensitive skin - spot test a patch of skin and observe any irritation. Do not use oils which do not agree with the body and be especially careful when using essential oils with infants and children.