Essential Oil - Usage Guide
What are essential oils & absolutes?
Essential oils are the extremely concentrated essence of plants, depending on the oil they can be obtained from the flowers, steams, fruit peel, seeds, bark, root, leaves etc. These oil are obtained by either distillation or cold pressing.
The term absolutes is used for natural oils extracted through solvent methods, some oils (typically oils obtained from petals) are extracted from very delicate parts of the plant where distillation would be too aggressive. In many cases thousands of petals or flowers are required per liter of oil. For these oils a food grade solvent is used, which is then removed through evaporation leaving the pure plant oil remaining. Absolutes are typically more concentrated and provide a stronger scent.
Despite the different methods of extraction both essential oils and absolutes are often just referred to as essential oils, both are considered natural and have many reported benefits, whilst smelling naturally incredible.
Potential benefits
Essential oils have many reported possible benefits from enhancing moods, to relief of a selection of minor physical symptoms. Some of the reports are anecdotal, whilst others are backed by studies.
IMPORTANT
Our oils are sold as therapeutic grade but it is important to note that we make no claims, advocate and/ or promote the use of any natural ingredient including essential oils to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health condition or disease.
Natural & potent
Due to the way they are extracted essential oils are highly concentrated, this being the case they must be diluted before being used (see below for more information with regards to dilution recommendations). There are many reported benefits to using essential oils both topically and through diffusion, we strongly advocated against ingestion, our oils are for external use only. Due to their potency whist diluted essential oils can offer a range of benefits, in concentrated form they can be dangerous. Keep essential oils away from children and pets. Ensure that patch testing is carried out when using a new oil.
Even though essential oils are natural it is possible to have a reaction to use of them, the chances of a reaction are slim and are greatly reduced when following some simple steps:
1. Patch text new oils before use.
2. Do not use above the recommended usage levels.
3. Avoid photo sensitizing oils when going out into the sun.
4. Keep essential oils away from the eyes, nose and mouth, don’t inhale directly.
5. Reduce the concentration levels to below 1% on sensitive areas.
6. Although some sites may recommend usage rates above 2% for short periods of time we do not, it is worth noting that this has a greater probability of causing a reaction which may leave you long term sensitive to that particular oil.
Essential oils are pure and natural but like any thing else stop being beneficial and can become toxic to the body if the amount used is too high, this is why dilution to the levels indicated is so important. Even water becomes toxic to the body if you drink too much in a short space of time.
Photo Sensitizing
Photo sensitizing oils
Possibly photo sensitizing oils from our range include:
Single Oils
Bergamot FCF, Grapefruit, Lemon FCF, Lime, Sweet Orange
Signature Blends
Bergamot Bliss, Jasmines Kiss, Cardamom Cream
Whilst our Bergamot & Lemon are both FCF (furocoumarin-free), and our Lime is non photo sensitizing (due to the method of extraction), it is still wise to take care with these essential oils & exposure to sun.
We recommend leaving 12 hours from application until exposing skin to the sun or cover up exposed areas. This does not apply to wash off products, where photo sensitivity is unlikely to be an issue.
Usage Levels
Recommended usage levels
Topical use
We recommend the following table when using topically, mix with your favorite carrier oils and ensure the carrier oil and essential oil(s) are fully blended to ensure the solution is consistent.
| Maximum Dilution Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|
| 0.5% | For those with sensitive skin |
| 1% | Facial application, wrists and other sensitive areas, daily use. |
| 2% | Maximum recommended dilution. |
| % Dilution | 5 ml (1 TSP) Carrier Oil | 10 ml (2 TSP) Carrier Oil | 15 ml (3 TSP) Carrier Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 (Approx) | <1 Drop EO | 1 Drop EO | 2 Drops EO |
| 1 (Approx) | 1 Drop EO | 3 Drops EO | 4 Drops EO |
| 2 (Approx) | 3 Drops EO | 6 Drops EO | 9 Drops EO |
Our forThave’s blend contains oils which are regarded as “strong”, it is there for advised to not exceed 0.5% dilution.
Electrical Diffuser
When using in an electrical diffuser, follow the manufactures manual. However a rule of thumb is typically 3 to 5 drops per 100 ml of water.
Reed Diffuser
Find out how to use essential oils in a reed diffuser – CLICK HERE
Full warnings applicable to essential oils.
Essential oils have many reported possible benefits from enhancing moods, to relief of a selection of minor physical symptoms. Some of the reports are anecdotal, whilst others are backed by studies.
WARNINGS: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY! KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT USE UNDILUTED.
IF SWALLOWED: Do NOT induce vomiting. Immediately call a POISON CENTER. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; if contact occurs, flush with water and consult a healthcare practitioner immediately. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if pregnant, breastfeeding or you have a serious medical condition. Do not use on children or pets. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
ALERTES : POUR USAGE EXTERNE SEULEMENT! GARDER HORS DE PORTÉE DES ENFANTS. NE PAS UTILISER SANS DILUER.
SI AVALÉ : NE PAS faire vomir. Appeler immédiatement un CENTRE ANTIPOISON. Éviter tout contact avec les yeux et les muqueuses ; en cas de contact, rincer à l’eau et consulter un professionnel de la santé immédiatement.
Consulter un professionnel de la santé avant toute utilisation si vous êtes enceinte, allaitez ou souffrez d’un grave problème de santé. Ne pas utiliser sur des enfants ou animaux de compagnie. Cesser l’utilisation en cas d’irritation.