The Blog
Scent, Story & Safety, for the mindful aromatherapy lover
Essential Oils vs. Fragrance:
Many people feel confused when it comes to fragrance… and I don’t blame them! We smell something beautiful and assume it must be good for us, but our bodies often tell a different story.
I’ll be honest: I personally cannot wear most perfumes.
Even the most luxurious ones can give me:
Headaches
Nausea
Sensory overwhelm
And don’t even get me started on laundry detergents, dryer sheets, and plugin air “fresheners”, instant symptoms for me!
There is growing research suggesting that some artificial fragrance chemicals may impact brain health when used long-term and in poorly ventilated spaces. The science is still evolving, but caution is wise.
🌱 Nature vs. Lab
Essential oils and synthetic fragrances are not the same thing. If you see the word “fragrance” or “perfume” on the label, then you know that is artificial fragrance and you may very well be allergic to this. That being said, make sure to test any essential oil blend on the inside of your wrist. If within two hours, there is redness, or itching then please discontinue use. ALSO PLEASE do not used essential oils neat. Meaning, do not apply a diffuser blend to the skin, without first diluting it with a carrier oil or lotion. See below on how to Safely Use Essential Oils. Please also read below on Bathing and Essential Oils.
Always read your labels, as they should CLEARLY state: “For Diffuser use only” or “Do not use on skin” If you see a diffuser label that says, “external use only”, that is incorrect and potentially dangerous. It may lead someone to think skin application is allowed, AND IT IS NOT! This is how irritation and burns can happen.
So many people feel overwhelmed by what’s sage, what’s truly clean, and what’s right for their sensitivities, And that’s why I am here!
My mission is to help people use natural aromatic wellness safely and confidently. Please reach out to me, and I will personally answer all your questions about safety: hello@aromacare.ca
xo Marianne ❤️
Pet safety
Essential Oil Safety Around Animals
Although essential oils are marvelous to use when in discomfort, pain or for serenity, it’s important to make sure your animals are safe when using the oils.
There are essential oils formulated specifically for animals, some essential oil blends can be applied topically or diffused to promote a balanced environment for your pets during times of tension. I have made blends for dogs with anxiety; however, I do not specialize in animal aromatherapy. You can find an Aromatherapist through the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists, that can be of specific help for your best friend.
Cats are deficient in an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, which is responsible for breaking down phenol. Phenol is an organic compound that is present in drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). This compound, also known as carbolic acid, is also featured in many essential oils, and could make them unsafe for use around cats. I personally had a cat who lived a beautiful life for 19.5 human years, and living with an Aromatherapist, she has been exposed through inhalation to essential oils all her life. She was perfectly healthy, well, the odd fiesty attitude issue with Tabby females, but other than that she is perfect!
Essential oils are likely safer for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. Even still, what your nose perceives as a pleasant smell may be overwhelming for your cat. When using essential oils around cats, be sure to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for them to go to if they decide they instinctively need it.
Specific Oils to Stay Away From
Though the following essential oils are commonly used for relaxation or other purposes by humans, you should steer clear of the following if you have feline friends:
Clove oil
Cinnamon oil
Thyme oil
Oregano oil
Wintergreen oil
Sweet birch oil
Pennyroyal oil
A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before introducing a new food, treatment, or substance into their pet care routine. When using essential oils for cats, or adding them to your pet’s environment, be on the lookout for muscle tremors, difficulty walking. If you notice any unusual symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats, contact a vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
Hope this helps
xo Marianne
Safety first
It all begins with an idea.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils
Essential oils bring great benefits to individuals and are fantastic to try, but there are some guidelines on how you should use them for a safe experience:
A rule of thumb: the number of drops you add to one measuring teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier tells the % dilution. 1 drop would be a 1% dilution, 2 drops, 2%, etc.
1 teaspoonful of carrier oil + 1 drop of essential oil = a 1% dilution
1 teaspoonful of carrier oil + 2 drops of essential oil = a 2% dilution
1 teaspoonful of carrier oil + 3 drops of essential oil = a 3% dilution
A healthy adult with good skin integrity can make a 3% dilution. For elderly and children over age 6, a 1% dilution is recommended.
Ingestion
Never ever ingest essential oils as they are extremely active agents, unless you consult with a health care provider or a Clinical Aromatherapist. There have been hospital reports of esophageal burns and liver damage with regular use of internal use.
The majority of essential oils are safe to use via inhalation and topically, however if in doubt, reach out to a professional with sound knowledge and education.
Essential Oil Baths
What’s better than having a relaxing Aromatherapy Bath?
Just make sure to add the essential oil blend to a dispersing agent first, such as Epson Salts or even plain ol’ milk. Do not just drop essential oils into your bathwater, as essential oils and water do not mix and the oils will coat your skin and voila! A potential dermal irritant will occur! Ouch!
Try adding 5-8 drops in half a cup of Epson salts or a shot glass of milk. Or Try our LUNA Bath salts, already prepared and ready for you!
Sit back and relax!
xo Marianne