In fact I am very glad you are asking this. For the beginner essential oil user this is a bit of a jungle out there to walk yourself through. In general I would advise to be very clear on the purpose of use of your essential oils. 

If you intend to utilise essential oils for health benefits here is what you should look for                                        .

• Common name

• Latin name 

• Country of origin

• Plant part

• Extraction method 

• A statement of purity Lavender True, 100% pure Lavandula angustifolia maillette, distilled, flowers, France,                 

• Growing method 

• Company and products Certifications                                                                             

• A statement regarding the quality e.g. medicinal, therapeutic, flavour & fragrance as only 4% of the world’s production of essential oils are performed with the intent of producing a therapeutic product, the remaining 96% is produced for the flavour and fragrance industry. 

• We define this superior quality simply by our low temperature and slow extraction methods. A similar rule applies to Carrier Oils.

In summary it is easiest if you simply research the companies you like to support and their credentials. Then have a look how the checklist above compares and if you are ethically aligned. Next step buy a couple of bottles of the same oil e.g. Lemon and simply compare by smelling, you could also visit a shop of course which stocks a few ranges and compare on the floor.

Trust this information will empower you make the right choices and you benefit by receiving the results.

I love that you ask this here as it is a concern for many, and quality essential oil products are such an incredible tool to use for a healthy life and home health care. We have a Starter Collection on offer which set’s you up with 7 most popular essential oils and blends. If you have always wanted to explore the benefits of essential oils but have not known where to start, this is the collection for you. These 7 best-selling therapeutic grade oils and pure blends have been hand-picked by our health experts as the ultimate must-haves. The Starter Collection includes Lavender True, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Australiana, Lemon, Deep Sleep, Stress Less and Tranquillity. Presented in a beautiful complementary handcrafted storage box made from sustainable Nepalese Lokta bush paper. Using an ultra-sonic diffuser is very convenient and effective for bigger spaces however keep an open mind for other recommended applications to serve you better in your personal space.

Ensure your diffuser is crafted from ceramics and not plastics as this can disintegrate with the essential oils and send out plastic micro-particles which you breathe in, not healthy…

However you are correct that the ultra-sonic diffuser is a much more efficient distribution of scent than the candle burners, firstly you have a fire danger if you forget it and second when the water runs out it tends to bubble and burn everything dry.

Superb, I appreciate your interest and commitment to caring for your family's health. Of course, we offer a large selection of certified organic essential oils and clinician-formulated blends for your choosing. We have collated a box of 7 essential oils and blends in our Starter Collection: Starter Collection Have a look to see if this would suit your needs. But here is what I have in my Health Home Care kit: Lavender True, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange Sweet, Eucalyptus Australiana, as well as pure essential oil blends of Purify, Immune Care, Inhale, Breathe Well, Deep Sleep, Harmony, Celebrate, Uplift and Confidence. As for carriers, I always have Aloe Vera Gel in the fridge, Jojoba and Castor oil on hand, and Arnica and Repair Skin cream. If you have little ones in your household, add some Baby Breathe, Child Immune Care, and Sleep Easy to your collection; you can't go wrong with these.

We have just completed a webinar on family health care you might find inspiring; you can find it on our website.

You’re right to ask about microplastics.

Let’s keep this to what we know: the diffuser story. While we can’t speak meaningfully to “detoxing” microplastics in the body yet, we can talk about how they can enter the air you breathe - especially from poorly designed diffuser hardware.

Here’s what we see most often: cheap, plastic-heavy diffusers aren’t built for pure essential oils. These oils act like solvents. Over time, they soften plastic components. That plastic can begin to break down - releasing micro-particles into the mist you inhale. Not ideal.

What to do instead

• Choose materials that are made for oils. Our Ceramic Aroma Diffuser uses a ceramic reservoir, silicone seals, and water - no plastic bowl for oils to etch. Our portable diffuser is aluminium-bodied, with DG-safe plastics only where needed - engineered to handle pure oils without degrading.
• Use certified organic, pure essential oils. Quality oils are not only better for your wellbeing, they’re also gentler on your diffuser. Start with Lavender True for calm, or Breathe Well for easy breathing.
• Diffuse smartly. Add 6–10 drops, diffuse for 30–60 minutes, then pause. 

Signs your cheap diffuser may be breaking down

• The reservoir feels soft, looks cloudy, or shows a sticky film.
• You notice a plasticky smell (distinct from your oil).
• The mist weakens or the unit stops working unexpectedly.

If you spot any of the above, it’s time to replace the unit.

Care tips

• Rinse and dry after each use.
• Weekly: check the seals and reservoir. Avoid harsh cleaners or solvents.
• Only use quality pure essential oils - never synthetic fragrance oils.

Safety notes

• Always diffuse in a ventilated space.
• For pregnancy, children, or sensitivity: halve the usual oil dose. Look for our Mother and Child logo.
• Avoid continuous overnight diffusion; use timed or motion activated sessions instead.

The takeaway: With durable materials (like ceramic, silicone, aluminium, and DG-safe plastics) and certified organic oils, you reduce the risk of inhaling plastic by-products - while getting the full benefit of essential oils for your health and wellbeing, as it should be.

Why Essential Oils (Not Smoke)

Clean, safe, and animal-friendly. Certified-organic oils deliver purity and therapeutic efficacy - no smoke, no compromise.

1) Environmental Cleansing

• Diffuser ritual: Sage, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus Australiana, Lemon
• Doorway swipe: Sage on a damp cloth
• Quick refresh: Lemon on kitchen cloths, wipe counter tops and chopping boards

2) Mindful Purification

• 60-second reset: 1 drop each of Frankincense + Neroli, palm inhalation
• Evening unwind: Diffuse Frankincense, Myrrh, or Bergamot, 
• On-the-go: Neroli pulse-point touch

3) Physical Purification

• Shower boost: Lemongrass + Grapefruit
• Unscented Body Lotion or oil: add 1 drop each Grapefruit, Cypress, Lemongrass to 1 Teaspoon
• Foot bath: Epsom salts + oils of choice

Quick Guide by Intent

• Space: Sage, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Lemon
• Mind: Frankincense, Myrrh, Bergamot, Neroli
• Body: Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Cypress

Safety First

• Mind citrus photosensitivity
• Use caution in pregnancy/with children assure Mother & Child safe
• Diffuse modestly around pets, assure a door is always open

All Absolute Essential's oils are undiluted; most are beautiful if added to the bath.

Here are a few tips to answer your concerns around safety.

Tip 1 – Add about ten drops of the essential oil to a sauce shaker of milk (natural emulsifier), any type, as long as it is a bit fatty, and 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt (assists absorption), shake it and add it to your ready-to-hop-in bathwater.

Tip 2 – Avoid any Citrus oils (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Bergamot, Mandarin, Grapefruit) in the bath, as these are cold-pressed, and it is the first time they are coming into contact with heat, so they may be a little irritating to the skin.

Tip 3 – Look for our Mother & Child Safe logo on our packaging and labels; this indicates that they are safe for mums and babies as they are much gentler. 

When taking a therapeutic bath i.e. adding essential oils into your bath, it is essential to add them first to about half a cup of milk - could be dairy or nut milk as long as it is fatty milk. This will help the essential oil immerse into the water. Keep in mind when you are having a therapeutic bath you should not stay longer than 15 minutes. This is due to the fact that the toxins are released from your body into the bath water and will then start to be reabsorbed by your body.

Essential oils are very potent volatile liquids, and for this reason, they can have incredible health benefits. But yes, of course, they can be harmful, too, especially if of poor quality and used incorrectly.

You need to carefully consider the person, the condition, and the application.

I understand your need for clarification regarding how you can identify a therapeutic-quality essential oil. Here are a few tips; Look for the following information: Common name, Latin name, Country of origin, Plant part, Extraction method, A Statement of purity Lavender True, 100% pure Lavandula angustifolia maillette, distilled, flowers, France, Growing method, Company and products Certifications.

Of course, please have a look at the company online and ensure they align with your ethical standards. Absolute Essential sets the standard for this quality with its careful slow and low-temperature extraction method.

For this reason, all Absolute Essential's products, which display the Mother & Child Safe symbol, are safe to apply directly to the skin.

Here is your guidance on creating an intimate melt with Cocoa Butter and Rose Essential Oil

Creating a safe and effective intimate melt with Cocoa Butter and pure Rose Essential Oil largely depends on the intended purpose of the product. Below, I’ve outlined two different formulations based on common needs:

For general use or to address vaginal dryness:

I recommend making a 3g pessary using the following ingredients:

• 1g Organic Cocoa Butter Cocoa Butter 
• 1g Organic Shea Butter Shea Butter 
• 1ml (approximately 15 drops) certified organic Rose Oil in Jojoba Rose: 3% In Jojoba 

Start by gently melting the Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter together, assure these ingredient are certified organic to avoid irritation. Once the butters are melted, allow the blend to cool slightly before adding the Rose Oil in Jojoba (to preserve its potency and prevent evaporation). Pour the mixture into your pessary molds, then place them in the fridge to set. You can use these pessaries as needed.

For more targeted support, such as fertility enhancement:

For a more specific treatment, I suggest a 3g pessary with the following ratio:

• 1.5g Organic Cocoa Butter
• 1.5g Organic Shea Butter
• 1 drop of pure Certified Organic Rose Essential Oil Rose Damask: Pure Essential Oil 

Melt the Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter together, then pour the mixture into the pessary molds. After the mixture has cooled slightly, add one drop of pure Rose Essential Oil to each pessary. Place them in the fridge overnight to solidify. This method ensures a precise dosage of Rose Oil for each pessary. Use as directed, ideally overnight.

Carefully selected, medicinal quality, genuine essential oils are the best for a child's (and adult) respiratory system. So, a clear NO to your question! Good quality, well-selected essential oils do not cause asthma in children. Considering you are working in an early childhood centre I recommend you choose one of our professionally designed blends. Child Immune Care is a pleasant-smelling general immune-boosting blend, perfect when the seasons change. Baby Breathe is super effective for any respiratory condition, from sniffles to coughs, and Sleep Easy is a gentle lullaby to assist the kids to settle with greater ease. If you are looking for more general blends that are safe in your environment with children, choose the blends with the Mother & Child Safe symbol. They are designed for families and environments where children / pregnant women are present. 

Yes, our Aloe Vera Gel is absolutely perfect for making postpartum ‘padscicles’—it’s safe and incredibly effective. We take great care in sourcing only the highest-quality A-grade Aloe Vera powder (A to F grading, and we ensure we use only the best). We then hydrate it with certified organic Lavender Hydrosol and Calendula Tea instead of water, so you’re already getting the added benefits of these gentle, soothing ingredients, which often have to be added separately.

Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel

If you’d like additional strength, you can fortify the gel with 1-2 drops of Organic Lavender Sweet essential oil. I choose this one as it is gentle as well as baby safe so could have multiple functions within the family. Just be sure to mix it well before applying it to the pad. Freezing these pads for that extra cooling effect is also perfectly safe and won’t compromise the effectiveness.

Lavender Sweet Lavender Sweet Essential Oil

Additionally, I’d like to recommend our Perineum Care Cream from our Mother Care Range. It’s an exceptional product designed not only to help prevent episiotomies but also to aid in healing after birth. It contains Aloe Vera Gel, Calendula, Chamomile, and other nurturing ingredients. It’s fantastic for reducing discomfort, especially before urination when the skin is still healing.

Perineum Care Perineum Care

Thank you for your thoughtful question. You are absolutely right to approach this with care. A child's connection to a comforting scent can indeed create a sense of safety—much like the familiar smell of a mother, home, or even a favourite toy can soothe an anxious child.

You have a couple of options to consider:

1. Using Pre-Blended Products:
2. The Baby Oil: Rose & Chamomile Baby Oil: Rose & Chamomile is a gentle and secure option for easing anxiety. Applying this to her wrists during drop-off times at kindy or school can provide a sense of comfort. Additionally, placing a bottle of Rose 3% in Jojoba Rose: 3% In Jojoba in her bag allows her to access the calming aroma when apart from her mother.
3. Creating a Personalised Blend:
4. Alternatively, you might consider crafting a personalized blend that she can associate with a safe and secure environment over time (3–5 days). Here's a suggested formulation:

• Rose 3% in Jojoba Rose: 3% In Jojoba – 60 drops (3ml)
• Chamomile Roman 3% in Jojoba Chamomile Roman: 3% in Jojoba – 60 drops (3ml)
• Lavender Sweet Lavender Sweet Essential Oil – 20 drops (1ml)
• Lavender Spike Lavender Spike Essential Oil – 40 drops (2ml)
• Sandalwood – Sandalwood Australian Essential Oil - 5 drops (1/4 ml)
• Frankincense – Frankincense Essential Oil - 10 drops (1/2 ml)

1. Blend these into a 10ml bottle. This blend is intended for application to her wrists during the day and over her heart at night. Due to the carrier oil (Jojoba in Rose & Chamomile), this blend is unsuitable for use in a diffuser.

Please let me know if you need further assistance in creating this blend I can set you up with a discount if you require some help with a purchase of all of these to make the blend.

**Please note that the above recommendations apply exclusively to Absolute Essential products. As a fully certified organic brand, we employ meticulous extraction methods to preserve all active compounds, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy. Our products are trusted for their proven benefits and deliver the highest level of effectiveness.

We emphasise this because some people may opt for products from other brands, assuming they offer similar results. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or efficacy of those products, which could lead to undesirable outcomes that we are unable to address. This is especially important when addressing children’s health **

Poor little one – chicken pox can be so itchy. Manuka in a carrier is a great start. Here’s a simple, gentle plan for comfort that’s safe for babies around 15 months.

• Keep your Manuka blend very light: aim for 5 drops total per 10ml carrier. If your mix is stronger, just add more carrier to dilute. A good base is Jojoba Oil: Golden.

• To boost soothing: add just 1 more drop total of either Lavender True Essential Oil or Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil into that same 10 ml carrier. That keeps you at a gentle ~2% in total. Apply a thin film to itchy, intact skin 2 - 3×/day.

– Handy option: if you have Chamomile Roman: 3% in Jojoba, use 10–20 drops of that instead of 1–2 drops of neat oil (even gentler).

• Cool dab for hot/itchy spots: mix 10ml Aloe Vera Gel with 1 drop Chamomile Roman (or 10 drops of the 3% version). Dab thinly as needed.

• Soothing oat bath (once daily if helpful): put ¼ cup oats in a muslin/clean sock and swish in warm bath water. Pre-mix 2–3 total drops of Lavender True or Chamomile Roman into 1 Tbsp carrier or a little full-fat milk, then add to the bath. Soak 10 minutes and pat dry.

• If skin is very tender, swapping some carrier for Calendula Oil: Infused can be extra calming.

Safety and when to check in

• No essential oils on open/oozing blisters; keep away from eyes and genitals. Patch test first.

• Keep nails short; offer fluids often.

• Fever or pain: talk to your health professional. Many doctors advise avoiding ibuprofen in chicken pox.

• Seek medical advice promptly for high fever, breathing difficulty, dehydration, very sore/red/crusting skin, pus, drowsiness, or if your child is immunocompromised.

You’re doing the right things. Keep it simple and gentle - most little ones turn the corner quickly.

I very much understand your daughter’s concern. Over the years, I’ve treated several women who experienced this condition, and it is indeed debilitating. I acknowledge her need to do as much as she can in preparation, to give herself the best chance of a smoother pregnancy next time.

In my experience, if possible, a 3–6 month preparation period is ideal. (Interestingly, symptom patterns may also vary depending on the baby’s gender.) If HG has occurred in a previous pregnancy, planning ahead with both natural and professional health care support can make a meaningful difference.

Here are some recommendations you may like to share with her:

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? (HG) is a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting that can cause dehydration, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. It goes beyond typical morning sickness and may require medical support. If symptoms persist or worsen, please consult a qualified health professional.

General Wellness Tips (Pre-Conception)

• Eat small, frequent meals with protein-rich, preferably organic whole foods. Avoid alcohol.
• Stay well hydrated with water, natural electrolyte drinks, or ginger and lemon tea.
• Consider vitamin B6, taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional — this is often recommended before and during pregnancy.
• Prioritise rest and stress reduction.
• Acupressure therapy before conception, and wristbands during pregnancy, may offer additional comfort.

Hormone Balancing Prior to Pregnancy

Essential oils such as Clary Sage, Tarragon, and Geranium (therapeutic-grade and certified organic) can support hormone balance, depending on symptoms e.g. irregular periods.

For a ready-to-use option, I recommend:

 Woman Support Blend – a professional-grade hormone-balancing formula.

Apply 2–3 drops to the small of the back before bedtime, three times per week, or add 10 drops to a hot bath, soak for no more than 15min.

Please note: this is recommended prior to trying for pregnancy, not during.

If she would prefer to create a custom blend using the individual oils above, please feel free to reach out again by submitting another question and I’d be happy to provide a formulation.

Natural Support During Pregnancy

While essential oils cannot prevent or cure HG, certain formulations may offer gentle symptom support:

• Morning Balance – a certified organic blend of ginger and spearmint, specially formulated for pregnancy. Apply to the solar plexus, spritz on clothing, or diffuse — especially helpful overnight.
• Spearmint (during pregnancy) or Peppermint (pre-pregnancy only) – supportive via inhalation or diluted topical use (1–2 drops to the solar plexus with a carrier oil).
• Lemon or Lavender – calming when diffused or added to a bath. These may ease emotional stress and mild nausea.

Important Note on Safety:

• Please use essential oils with care during pregnancy. We recommend only professionally formulated products from our Mother & Child Care range, used via gentle inhalation, baths, or well-diluted topical application. Always avoid ingestion unless under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Naturally when we are worried about our health or the health of a loved one it will affect our sleep. 

If you are able to establish a great sleep hygiene around bedtime it is a bonus. Run yourself a hot bath, blend 10x drops of Deep Sleep (a pure essential oil blend) with 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt, mix it with ½ cup of milk (any) for better dispersion in the bathwater. Rest in the bath for no more than 15 min (released toxins tend to be reabsorbed after 15min) and go straight to bed - may be an easy read book if you like reading to take your mind off things. 

Also add 1 drop of Deep Sleep pure essential oil blend to your pulse points, neck, wrist, back of knee and ankles. Repeat the latter when you are unable to have a bath.

Kia Ora, thank you for your question. Struggling to get a good sleep is something that affects a lot of people - we have a blog on our website this article which you may find very useful. Absolute Essential has a product called Deep Sleep, this is designed to assist with sleeping and can be used in a diffuser, bath or on your pulse points. 

We have a blend called Sleep Easy which is specifically designed to assist toddlers with sleeping. This is a calming and relaxing blend carefully crafted to encourage restorative sleep and sweet dreams. It is very gentle and eases breathing. You can use it in a diffuser or add 5 drops to 1 teaspoon of Untouched: Body Oil or cream and rub gently on the stomach and back. Alternatively you can add 3-5 drops in 1/4 cup of milk to the bath. 

In regards to preparing yourself for bed you could use Absolute Essential's pure blend Tranquility - this is a relaxing blend that helps reset the senses and supports tension relief.

It is also important to calm your mind ready for sleep by staying away from screens etc. We also have a blend which is designed for enhancing sleep - Deep Sleep. This is a natural and deeply relaxing blend that supports restorative and restul sleep.

For insomnia we recommend to add 10 drops to a diffuser in your bedroom 30 minutes before bed time and then leave it diffusing for a couple of hours - most diffusers have a timer so you can set it to turn off. Deep Sleep can also be applied to the wrist and back of neck or added to some Untouched: Body Hydration and massaged gently into the neck and back prior to sleep. To encourage restful sleep apply 3-5 drops to the feet before bed. 

I have always found that the reed diffusers work best with synthetic fragrances. If you wish to add natural essential oils, you would have to dilute them in a solvent and add a fixative so that they work in the reed diffuser. Also, watch out that the reeds are not treated with "unhealthy things"; researching those, I was a little horrified by what I found.

Since synthetic or adjusted essential oils are not intended to have a therapeutic effect, you would get little benefit from having these in your bedroom to benefit your sleep.

Try this fabulous 100% essential oil blend I formulated 30+ years ago; it has worked for 1000s. It's called Deep Sleep. You can find out more here: Deep Sleep Essential Oil Blend Before sleep, I would add five drops to my pulse points (neck, wrists, back of knees, and ankles) at bedtime. Repeat for ten days as your body needs to connect with the scent. Of course, if you had an ultrasonic diffuser or a bath, you could add ten drops.

Adding the Deep Sleep blend to your reeds would be a waste and not give you the desired result of restful nights.

Thank you for your question.

This is a difficult time indeed for your husband and in another way for yourself.

As scent affects our moods immediately it is important to surround yourself with uplifting aromas in your direct environment, like your home.

The easiest way to achieve this is via diffusing clinically formulated pure blends of essential oils. I recommend three different ones to choose from:

1- Uplift - A bright and upbeat blend to help support a positive mood. Great for balancing and shifting perspective. This will be incredibly helpful for you during this ever shifting landscape of emotions.

2- Stress Less - A gently relaxing blend to help in times of tension and pressure. Promotes sustained energy, calm focus and relaxation. It’s my go to when I feel anxious, worried or stressed.

3- Purify - A very fresh and cleansing blend to effectively kill germs and support the immune system. They say cancer has a certain smell , this blend is very helpful to leave your house smelling amazing.

All of the above may also be applied to your pulse points on the wrist up to 6x a day.

Naturally when we are worried about our health or the health of a loved one it will affect our sleep.

If you are able to establish a great sleep hygiene around bedtime it is a bonus. Run yourself a hot bath, blend 10x drops of Deep Sleep (a pure essential oil blend) with 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt, mix it with ½ cup of milk (any) for better dispersion in the bathwater. Rest in the bath for no more than 15 min (released toxins tend to be reabsorbed after 15min) and go straight to bed, may be an easy read book if you like reading to take you mind of things.

Also add 1 drop of Deep Sleep pure essential oil blend to your pulse points, neck, wrist, back of knee and ankles. Repeat the latter when you are unable to have a bath.

Wishing you and your husband the very best of health.

As scent affects our moods immediately it is important to surround yourself with uplifting aromas in your direct environment, like your home.

The easiest way to achieve this is via diffusing clinically formulated pure blends of essential oils. I recommend three different ones to choose from: 

1- Uplift - A bright and upbeat blend to help support a positive mood. Great for balancing and shifting perspective.

2- Stress Less - A gently relaxing blend to help in times of tension and pressure. Promotes sustained energy, calm focus and relaxation. It’s my go to when I feel anxious, worried or stressed.

Both of the above may also be applied to your pulse points on the wrist up to 6x a day.

Naturally when we are worried about our health or the health of a loved one it will affect our sleep.

If you are able to establish a great sleep hygiene around bedtime it is a bonus. Run yourself a hot bath, blend 10x drops of Deep Sleep (a pure essential oil blend) with 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salt, mix it with ½ cup of milk (any) for better dispersion in the bathwater. Rest in the bath for no more than 15 min (released toxins tend to be reabsorbed after 15min) and go straight to bed, may be an easy read book if you like reading to take you mind of things.

Also add 1 drop of Deep Sleep pure essential oil blend to your pulse points, neck, wrist, back of knee and ankles. Repeat the later when you are unable to have a bath.

When the feeling of Anxiety overcomes you it is so very disconcerting, that out of control space is hard to understand unless you have experienced it yourself. Anxiety is sadly a condition which has been rising in the world due to all the challenging events or may be it does get greater recognition as a mental health condition these days.

I do have a solution for you to try. Since medicinal essential oils are potent and the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain they work instantly and well due to the unique pathway into the brain and most importantly they are non-habit forming and don’t shut all your other systems down like some medications tend to do.

A Separate morning and night protocol.

1- Day time – apply 1-2 drops of Tranquillity blend to your wrist point, repeat 3x a day and when feeling anxious.

2- Night time – apply 5 drops of Deep Sleep blend to the sole of your feet prior bed time, repeat every night.

Scent works by association, smelling the Tranquillity blend will teach your brain to respond by being calm and at night the Deep Sleep will assist in getting a good night sleep which is essential in managing anxious feeling.

It has been such a challenging time for many people and communities in Aotearoa. We all have to dig a little deeper to find our resilience to pivot to the “new now” and to what I am observing in Muriwai as well as other affected communities Kiwi’s are a generous helpful bunch looking after each other. I applaud you for upskilling yourself in the trauma recovery space and agree this all does take time. 

“Scent is the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain” is what I always say and hence 100% therapeutic essential oils and blends deserve a place in your recovery toolbox.

And further more “Scent works by association” which means we can train our brain to relate to / react to a scent a certain way. 

Let’s take our certified organic Confidence essential oil blend. A potent and energising blend to encourage mental clarity and positive action. If every time we catch ourself with negative, despondent self-talk, add a couple of drops to your hands, rub them and take a deep breath, we can instigate a release of the cocktail of happy hormones like dopamine and assert the feeling of hope and possibilities.

Alternatively if the mood gets dark diffuse 10 drops of Uplift essential oil blend to your diffuser and replenish as needed. It is known for its bright and upbeat instant mood support. The feeling of anxiety we may experience every time it rains for example is best managed with Tranquillity pure essential oils blend in a diffuser, bath, on pulse points or simply rub 2 drops pure onto your chest when you are feeling anxious

Ruth these 3 essential oil blends would be a great selection for your Trauma tool kit.

Medicinal grade Essential Oils are "Mindfood" in a bottle; they can affect you so quickly emotionally, not only with an uplift but also calming, influencing your confidence or sense of joy. They are the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain with many versatile application methods. For your selection of essential oils, think of the Citrus family when you like to be uplifted. For me, organic Lemon essential oil is like drinking a cool lemonade on a hot summer day, and organic Orange Sweet essential oil is harmonising; if you need a bit of a confidence hit, reach for Lime essential oil. However, on the other spectrum, to calm your anxiety when it catches you, I think of essential oils that soothe your nervous system, like my favourite Chamomile Roman, Sandalwood, and Frankincense, or the must-have Lavender True.

You could combine these in 2 blends, one when you feel down and the other when you feel anxious.

We also need to consider your medication. If you start feeling the benefits of the essential oils, you may need to consult a health professional who can assist you in adjusting your medication.

Long term trauma and grief are indeed treated effectively with Rose Damask essential oil. Due to the price of this incredibly precious essential oil I like to also suggest a couple of blend I have created with this purpose in mind.

Sweet Rose essential oil blend is a soothing and balancing blend to support self-care, relaxation and restoration, very healing for a grieving and sad heart.

Our Heart Chakra blend is a gentle and harmonious blend to support emotional balance especially during times of stress, trauma or grief. The key active ingredients in this blend are precious essential oils of : Melissa True

Melissa officinalis

To calm, refresh and ease feelings of grief.

Bergamot - Citrus auranthium var. bergamia - To promote composure, calm and confidence.

Rose Maroc - Rosa damascen - To strengthen, ease anxiety and relax

The pure essential oils are blended with organic Jojoba so you can apply this straight to your skin (heart area). This blend is not suitable for the diffuser or bath.

Yes, it is true the general knowledge around what is causing dementia and loss of memory is growing. I can recommend diffusing our organic Rosemary Essential oil from France during the day, but stop in the afternoon as it might affect your sleep. Luckily Rosemary Essential oil is also a great remedy for hair loss, simply add 2-3 drops to your shampoo / conditioner and massage into the scalp, then rinse. Repeat at least 3x a week.

A very effective blend which we designed for memory and concentration is Brain Power, try this to enhance your memory, recipe is on the website.

And for your hair loss you might also try our award winning product Hair Restorer, very well regarded by people who use it to look after their hair.

It has been such a challenging time for many people and communities in Aotearoa.

“Scent is the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain” is what I always say and hence 100% therapeutic essential oils and blends deserve a place in your recovery toolbox.

And further more “Scent works by association” which means we can train our brain to relate to / react to a scent a certain way.

Let’s take our certified organic Confidence essential oil blend. A potent and energising blend to encourage mental clarity and positive action. If every time you catch yourself with negative, despondent self-talk, add a couple of drops to your hands, rub them and take a deep breath, we can instigate a release of the cocktail of happy hormones like dopamine and assert the feeling of hope and possibilities.

Alternatively if the mood gets dark diffuse 10 drops of Uplift essential oil blend to your diffuser and replenish as needed. It is known for its bright and upbeat instant mood support. The feeling of anxiety you may be feeling is best managed with Absolute Essential's Tranquillity pure essential oil blend in a diffuser, bath, on pulse points or simply rub 2 drops pure onto your chest when you are feeling anxious

When the feeling of Anxiety overcomes you it is so very disconcerting, that out of control space is hard to understand unless you have experienced it yourself. Anxiety is sadly a condition which has been rising in the world due to all the challenging events or may be it does get greater recognition as a mental health condition these days.

I do have a solution for you to try. Since medicinal essential oils are potent and the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain they work instantly and well due to the unique pathway into the brain and most importantly they are non-habit forming and don’t shut all your other systems down like some medications tend to do.

A Separate morning and night protocol.

1- Day time – apply 1-2 drops of Tranquillity blend to your wrist point, repeat 3x a day and when feeling anxious.

2- Night time – apply 5 drops of Deep Sleep blend to the sole of your feet prior bed time, repeat every night.

Scent works by association, smelling the Tranquillity blend will teach your brain to respond by being calm and at night the Deep Sleep will assist in getting a good night sleep which is essential in managing anxious feeling.

Thank you for sharing your practice and results. It’s heartening to hear the comfort you’re providing in both palliative and dementia care. Below are gentle, budget-aware tweaks that keep the spirit of your blends while easing the cost of Rose Damask.

End-of-life “Transition” (Rose-free option)

• Diffuser (per run): Melissa 1 drop (or use Melissa True: Pure Essential Oil sparingly) or replace with May Chang, Geranium Rose Essential Oil 3 drops, Cypress Essential Oil 2–3 drops.

• 30 mL roll-on (≈3% total): Jojoba Oil: Golden 30 mL + Geranium Rose 3 drops + Frankincense Essential Oil 2 drops + May Chang 1 drop.

Notes: This keeps the floral-comfort/green-woody profile of rose-cypress, but uses Geranium Rose as the rosy heart and Frankincense for quiet grounding.

End-of-life “Transition” (keep a hint of rose, low cost)

• Diffuser (rose-light): Geranium Rose 3, Cypress 2–3, Melissa 1, plus 1–2 drops of Neroli: 3% in Jojoba for soft floral sweetness.

• 30 mL roll-on (≈3% + trace rose): Jojoba 25 mL + Geranium Rose 2 + Frankincense 2 + Melissa 1, then add 10–20 drops of Rose: 3% In Jojoba to restore a gentle rose note (rule of thumb: 10 drops of a 3% dilution ≈ 1 drop of neat rose).

Palliative “De-stress” (swap Rose 1:1)

• Diffuser: Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil 2, Geranium Rose 4, Frankincense 4.

• 25 ml roll-on (≈3%): Jojoba 25 ml + Chamomile Roman 2 + Geranium Rose 2 + Frankincense 2.

Optional floral lift (still economical): add 10–15 drops Rose 3% or 10–15 drops Neroli 3% for families who associate those scents with comfort.

Dementia blends (your current formulas are sound)

• “Soothing an agitated state” works well as is: Sandalwood 2, Lavender True Essential Oil 4, Frankincense 4. For topical on inner wrists in frail residents, keep to ≈3% total in Jojoba (15 drops total per 25 mL).

• “Promoting Balance” for diffuser: Mandarin Essential Oil 4, Rosemary Cineol Essential Oil 2, Frankincense 4. If using topically by day, keep Mandarin to diffuser use or apply away from sun-exposed skin.

How to use (practical)

• Diffuser: your 5-10 drops is nicely gentle for shared rooms; up to 15-20 drops for larger spaces, 30–60 minutes at a time.

• Roll-ons: for frail or end-of-life care, aim ≈1% (6 total drops of neat essential oil per 25 ml Jojoba). Families can massage a pea-sized amount into hands or roll lightly onto inner wrists, then pause for 5 slow breaths.

Safety (quick)

• Keep doses low for frail/elderly. Patch test. Keep away from eyes/mucosa.

• Expressed citruses (e.g., Mandarin): avoid sun on the area for 12 hours if used on exposed skin.

• Diffusion: intermittent only; stop if any irritation, cough or headache.

Phew an easy question :) Medicinal Essential Oils are great to stimulate your energy and affect your mood as they work directly through the brain.

Try this protocol :

1. Morning – after your shower and prior drying yourself with a towel. Add 5 x2 drops of Vitality organic essential oil blend to a wet facecloth and rub all over your body, avoid sensitive skin areas like nipples and private part or where the skin might be broken. Repeat every morning. Throughout the day add 5-10 drops to your diffuser to give you that additional boost. Refresh as required.

2. Day - For a change you may also like Uplift, our very effective mood enhancing blend which gives you that well uplift, this one is best used only in the diffuser by adding 10 drops as and when required. PS No you would not need to clean your diffuser between uses of the two blends. 3.Focus – if you need to have the up and go for a special project where intense focus is required try one of my favourite Brain Power – this blend enhances focus, concentration and memory, great for deadlines and exams.

Many people live with very sensitive skin and this issue seems to be a growing concern.

I am pleased to hear that you have found our Aloe Vera Gel soothing.

I would recommend the following skincare regime

As a Toner / Cleanser you could use either Rose or Chamomile Floral water waters collection these are a very gentle extraction from the plant distillations and are alcohol free.

After cleansing you could apply our Untouched: Face Cream, this Untouched range untouched range collection are certified organic and vegan face and body care products designed for the super sensitive hence we left the essential oils to be added by you to your preference and skin condition.

This article which I wrote a little while ago might give you some ideas on how to add the most gentle essential oils for enhancements.

this article

So try these 2 products and see how you skin likes them.

It is always so very concerning when something like this happens to your face especially after a facial treatment. 

But if it does we need to focus on “soothing” and of course “cleansing” the irritating allergens away from your skin. I recommend 3 steps for a healthy, revitalised glowing skin:

1. Cleansing / Toning: 

I would highly recommend Chamomile Roman Floral Water (organic), this is the hydrosol (steam) extracted while distilling the essential oil and is saturated with the water-soluble compounds of the plant, it's super soothing for your skin. Use it as a toner / cleanser 2x day morning and night. 

2. Oil cleansing:

Take 20-30 drops of organic Castor oil (thicker) or Apricot Kernel oil (lighter) and “wash” your face with this by massaging the oil into your skin with small circular movements. Wipe excess oil off with a warm cloth and leave overnight. Repeat every night for 10 days and then as required. This will also be deeply hydrating for your sensitive facial skin.

3. Clay mask:

Once a week, I typically make it a “thing” on Sunday (Self care day) and prepare an Argyle Clay (very fine French clay) mask utilising either Chamomile Roman and / or Rose Floral Water. You can find the recipe on our website … here (link). Leave for 10-20 minutes and remove with warm cloth. Let the skin breathe for a bit and repeat step 1 and 2.

Many of our essential oils can be used directly on the skin, the reason for this compared to other brands is due to our very careful and gentle extraction methods.

Please look out for our Mother & Child logo on the product label and packaging as well as on our website, these essential oils and essential oil blends are very gentle on the skin.

If you are very sensitive it pays to do a quick test by applying a drop to the iside of the upper arm, if you react with itchiness and redness within the first couple of minutes I would not recommend to use this product undiluted on the skin. Trust this information will assist you to utilise oour products safely and enjoy their countless benefits.

Re your hands: I recommend you get Apricot Kernel oil Apricot Kernel Oil: Virgin and add 2-3 drops of Frankincense oilFrankincense Essential Oil to every application. Definitely apply it every night but also at least ones during the day.

Every health store can sell Apricot Kernel oil, where there is some restriction is on the Apricot Kernels themselves but this depends on each country and industry.

Re your Hair Loss: There is one product which is brilliant to help you with this, its our award winning Hair Restorer oil Hair Restorer .

Just apply this as instructed by massaging it into your scalp, if you can its best to leave over night and wash out am. 

You could also add 5 drops of Rosemary Cineol Essential oil Rosemary Cineol Essential Oil to your shampoo or Conditioner in the morning, this is invigorating to both your scalp as well as your mind, but do only use this in the morning as it might keep you awake at night otherwise.

In my experience, people expect different things from hand creams. Some like a light cream that disappears quickly, others like a thick cream that stays around a while; I have friends who use a hand cream purely for the pleasant scent.

If you like a rich cream that suits your dry hands, consider using 100% natural ingredients like Avocado oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Jojoba oil rather than any petrochemical-derived ingredients, as these will dry your hands even more.

Regarding your choice of essential oils, choose something you like, such as Lavender Sweet, Geranium, and Cedarwood Atlas. These three make a lovely combination.

Avoid any citrus oils due to an ingredient (coumarin) that may cause brown spots on the skin when exposed to sunlight (phototoxicity), and I assume your hands might be. But overall, have fun and play.

If you need further help, look at the "Blend Your Own" section on the Homepage of our website; here, we post recipes that we know work, and it gets regularly updated.

With something like ezcema we do need to look at the dietary aspect to see if there is something the boys are eating that is affecting them. We do have a product called Skin Ease which is great to use at night after the shower and before bed, it is a nourishing and calming blend that eases the skin and combats dryness and soothes irritaion. For daytime use we have Soothe Skin, this is a cooling and moisturing blend that supports the relief of dry, stressed and itchy skin.

Absolute Essential has a range of carrier oils all of which are very moisturising and great for dry skin. Argan Oil is a rich, nutritionally complex oil that nourishes, softens, balances and boosts elasticity while it also counters wrinkles. Almond Oil Sweet: Virgin is rich in vitamins and unrefined, unsaturated essential fatty acids. 

Yes essential oils can help with eczema although we do need to look at the dietary aspect to see if there is something in the diet that is affecting the skin. We do have a product called Skin Ease which is great to use at night after the shower and before bed, it is a nourishing and calming blend that eases the skin and combats dryness and soothes irritation. For daytime use we have Soothe Skin, this is a cooling and moisturising blend that supports the relief of dry, stressed and itchy skin.

Kia Ora, thank you for your question. We have a beautiful range of natural skin care which come in 'Untouched' and 'Rose & Frankincense' ranges. The Untouched range is for the person who wants to add their favourite essential oils to their skin care i.e. maybe adding Frankincense, Rose or Immortella and the Rose & Frankincense is the ready to go option. Both of these ranges are super moisturising and come in not only face creams but have a serum as well.

Do you have dry skin only on your face or also on your body.

If it is on your face I highly recommend to use our brand new Untouched: Intensive serum, it is nourishing and formulated especially for dry skin, leaving your skin soft and nourished. It’s readily absorbed and reduces the appearance of fine lines while restoring elasticity. The skin becomes visibly brighter, firmer and hydrated. Apply this after cleansing 1-2x per day and watch for the results.

If you prefer something utilising essential oils have a look at these 2 fabulous formulations - Rose & Frankincense Intensive serum and Rose & Frankincense Night Cream. I use these 2 products myself and absolutely love them.

The base for the Rose & Frankincense serum is very rich and deeply nourishing and the cream focuses on improving the texture of dry and mature skin.

Have a look at the ingredients, we do have a collection box also as an introductory offer if you want to try this 100% natural, certified organic skincare system out.

The very best and safest essential oils for skincare and anti-aging are Sandalwood, Rose Damask and Frankincense. You could buy our Untouched: Face Cream (a beautiful certified organic, vegan cream, light and very very soft) and add a few drops of the 3 essential oils mentioned into it in equal parts.

It is best to combine this day and night cream with a natural alcohol-free facial toner like our Rose Water and our Untouched: Intensive Serum which supplies additional nutrition 3 times a week when applied overnight after cleansing. You could also fortify the Untouched: Intensive Serum with the 3 essential oils.

As an alternative you could also look at our ready to use Rose & Frankincense Skincare System.

You were asking how to treat a Toe Fungus, is it athletes foot or a fungi under the nail? 

A very effective and strong anti-fungi essential oil are Tea Tree and Cinnamon. However these are very strong if applied directly to the skin.

Please try the following; add 5 drops of Tea Tree and 3 drops of Cinnamon organic essential oils to a foot-bath and soak your feet every night for 15min. For best absorption you may also add 1/4 cup of Epsom salt. After you have dried your feet and before bedtime apply 1/4 teaspoon Calendula oil with 3 drops of Tea Tree and 2 drops of Cinnamon oils. Repeat this every night for a min of 10 days. Consistent persistency is key in any fungal infection especially if you had it for some time. Repeat if the condition is not completely gone.

It is not uncommon that our skin gets thinner with age and naturally, especially when you are active in the garden and playing with your dog little incidents can cause injury like bruising and bleeding.

I would recommend for you try the following:

1- To strengthen your skin apply our virgin, hexane-free, certified organic Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin 2 x a day for a period of 4-6 weeks.

This oil is rather thick so you need to apply little, if you feel you need to dilute it a little for better spreadability mix it with some certified organic golden Jojoba oil Jojoba Oil: Golden

This protocol will strengthen your skin, enhance the circulation and build immunity within your skin so it is resistant to infections.

2- In the event you suffer a bruise or a cut and start bleeding please wash it with some warm salt water and 3 drops of Lavender True Lavender True Essential Oil

and 2 drops of Geranium Geranium Essential Oil . Wash the area and then apply Repair Skin Cream Repair Skin This cream is brilliant containing Calendula and Aloe Vera plus essential oils and will protect you from infections and ulcerations.

Repeat this 2-3 x times and continue with the strengthening your skin protocol.

I highly recommend that you try our Untouched Body Hydration: Untouched: Body Hydration Refill This cream is designed to deeply nourish dry skin. If you like to stimulate your skin to produce more oil and create a better balance, I recommend adding the essential oils of Rosemary, Cypress, and Cedarwood. This will also give you a very pleasant smell.

This unscented blend is deeply hydrating and nourishing, making it perfect for all-over body care. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is an ideal base for bespoke blending. Jojoba Oil is a liquid wax that is easily absorbed and leaves a soft finish on the skin. Apricot Kernel Oil is high in B17, making it very protective for the skin. Some of the key nourishing ingredients in this cream are Shea and Cocoa butter, as well as Apricot Kernel Oil.

Another thing you could do is apply our hexane-free certified organic Castor Oil overnight: Castor Oil: Virgin This will complement the Body Hydration cream, which you can use during the day.

The “best" facial carrier oil for you might be very different to another person. It very much depends on your skin type, age and of course preferences.

If you are looking for a single carrier oil you could consider our Castor oil (certified organic and hexane free) Castor Oil: Virgin. This is very viscose and a little goes a long way so great for dry skin. Many customers love it to be applied in the "Oil Cleansing Method”, you can find the descriptions on our product page. I personally like Jojoba, it is a liquid wax and I use it often especially when I am exposing my skin to sun, wind and cold.

Some people may prefer a combination of different oils and you could look at our Untouched: Intensive Serum Untouched: Intensive Serum, this is a well researched combination of many different oils without essential oils, which if you so desire could add yourself.

Wow that is unusual especially on your entire body. I assume it might be stress related.

I am certain you have looked at all the obvious dietary changes but consider to start consuming some really good oils especially Flaxseed and Argan oil. This will feed the skin from the inside out.

From the outside I suggest you try our Untouched Body Lotion Untouched: Body Lotion and Body Hydration Untouched: Body Hydration for the much dryer areas. 

You may add a couple of drops of Lavender Sweet (dosage this to your liking), this is very soothing to irritated skin as well as reduces the sense of itchiness.

You can use both these products as often as you need to, they also come in larger size refill bottles which might be useful if you have the issue all over your body.

Telangiectasia or Spider veins in the face is indeed not an uncommon issue to experience but so very concerning.

I am pleased to know that you already have had some results from our Aloe Vera Gel - this gel is special - apart from containing certified organic A grade Aloe vera powder we hydrate this with certified organic Lavender Floral water and Calendula tea so you have the benefits from those 3 super herbs all in one product. Naturally aligned with our company’s ethics this product is also certified organic and free from any nasty preservatives and skin drying alcohol.

We have especially one customer who suffered very badly from this condition and he uses a drop of our Clear Skin essential oil blend Clear Skin Essential Oil Blend  in a little Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel as well as a drop in a warm compress applied to the affected area at night.

You may like to fortify our Aloe Vera Gel with the following essential oil blend. Or pick one or two of these.

Add the following to a 100gm jar of Aloe Vera Gel or measure in proportion.

5 drops Chamomile Roman Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil 

5 drops Rose Damascena Rose Damask: Pure Essential Oil

5 drops Sandalwood Australian Sandalwood Australian Essential Oil

15 drops Lavender Sweet Lavender Sweet Essential Oil

Avoid Citrus Essential oils due to the photosensitivity on your face and in you skincare and be very picky with your sunscreen.

I am certain you have considered all the dietary and lifestyle recommendations which are generally available.

Age spots on face

Firstly Age - spots on your face, you are wise not to have resorted to Lemon essential oil as it is lightly photosensitive and might actually increase the age spots if the skin is exposed to the sun after application.

I would recommend and have had some success with the following 2 products blended.

Argan oil (raw) Argan Oil: Raw a hidden gem for skincare and smoothing discolouration

Frankincense (wild) Frankincense Essential Oil gently enhancing renewal of the skin and very balancing

Take 10 drops of Argan oil and add 1-2 drops of Frankincense and massage into the affected area 1-2x a day.

Surgery preparation

It is an excellent idea to prepare your tissues for surgery starting up-to 10 days prior. This is an opportunity to saturate the tissues with nutrition as well as essential oils with all their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities.

I would recommend to apply the following blend to your knee at least 2x per day and / or via a compress at night.

50ml - Castor Oil hexane-free, unsulphanated, certified organic. Castor Oil: Virgin

50drops - 2.5ml Lavender True certified organic. Lavender True Essential Oil

30drops - 1.5ml Wintergreen certified organic Wintergreen Essential Oil

10 drops - 0.5 ml Ginger certified organic. Ginger Essential Oil

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values.

100% Pure Rose oil is indeed the queen of essential oils and super safe to apply to your skin. 

Due to the high value of this essential oil as a commodity it is very often cut with other compounds from other cheaper essential oils (like "Rhodenol" extracted from Geranium) or even less desirable synthetic compounds. 

So ensuring the purity is essential to ensure its safety. 

100% pure, steam distilled Rose essential oil from Rosa damacena, Bulgaria is very safe if applied to the skin but due to its intensity and costs I would recommend to dilute it in either our Untouched Face Cream - for anti-aging benefits on the face or Jojoba (liquid wax) for specific skin treatments eg dark circles under the eyes or a hormonal pimple popping up. 

When exploring the benefits of pure Rose further you may find it has a reputation to enhance fertility / hormonal balance if a drop is applied to the skin in the area of your ovaries, here is where I would recommend a drop to be applied pure. 

Of course you could also (and that is what I do) apply a drop of pure Rose oil to the pulse point on the neck as a perfume, beautifully mood enhancing.

Some people swear by Castor oil for all sorts of health benefits and I must say I used it for a few different purposes (not wrinkles) and have been impressed myself.

Firstly however you need to make sure that you find the right Castor oil, there are a lot of cheap varieties on the market and those will not help you much, in fact it could have the opposite effect.

Our Castor oil is certified organic and extracted via cold pressing maintaining all the goodness inside the oil. It is of course hexane free. It is really emollient (thick) and a little goes a long way.

Try to use it as an oil after cleansing in the evening and see what happens, all skin types are different and some respond really well to it.

Once a week you could also apply it with the “oil cleansing method” which is a deep cleanse with just using Castor oil.

Thank you for reaching out! Dark marks on your face can be effectively treated with our certified organic, hexane-free Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin , paired with a few drops of cold-pressed organic Lemon essential oil Lemon Essential Oil.

Here's my recommended routine:

1. Oil Cleansing Before Bedtime

The oil cleansing method works on the principle of "like dissolves like." By applying nourishing oils, such as our Castor oil, to your skin, it helps to lift excess sebum (the oily substance produced by your skin), clears clogged pores, and removes dead skin cells, pollutants, and makeup.

How to apply:

• Take about 20 drops of our thick Castor oil (it liquefies once warmed in your hands).
• Massage it gently onto your dry skin.
• Use a warm, moist cloth to wipe off the oil and leave your skin to breathe.

2. Targeting Dark Marks:

For stubborn dark marks, particularly on your nose and cheeks, add 1-2 drops of our certified organic, cold-pressed Lemon essential oil to the Castor oil. Massage this blend into the areas of concern. The Lemon essential oil has brightening properties that can help improve the appearance of dark spots over time but assure you only use this at night due to photosensitivity.

This routine should also help with blackheads, but if after 10 days you feel your skin needs additional support, we recommend trying our Clear Skin product, following the instructions for best results.

You're absolutely right—stretch marks aren’t just associated with pregnancy, and they can appear during adolescence due to rapid growth or fluctuations in weight, especially in active young people like your son.

For your son, I recommend two things that will work in tandem for the best results, though I understand it can be tricky to maintain consistency with a teenager:

1. Scarless Solution Blend – This certified organic blend is designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin, promoting elasticity and reducing the appearance of scars and stretchmarks overtime. Applying it before bedtime is a great habit to form.
2. In addition to external care, I’d suggest incorporating these two nutritious oils into his daily diet. These oils are rich in essential nutrients that support skin health and overall wellness:

• Evening Primrose Oil (15 drops): Known for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, this oil supports hormonal balance and skin health.​ Also rich in Omega fatty acids, it’s fantastic for skin elasticity.
• Wheat Germ Oil (15 drops): Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this oil nourishes the skin and supports overall wellness. Be sure to choose certified organic and GE-free Wheat Germ Oil for the best quality. 

These oils will provide a slow but steady improvement, so it’s important to be patient and consistent. Over time, both external and internal use of these plant oils will show positive results. Additionally, these oils can help with hormone balance, which may also assist with mood swings during adolescence.

That sounds sore. Let’s get your skin settled, hydrated and comfortable, then add the lightest scar-support once things are calm.

Plan

• Keep it unscented for 3–5 days: After cleansing, mist with certified organic Chamomile or Rose water, then layer a little Aloe Vera Gel and finish with your Untouched: Face Cream. Repeat AM/PM.

• Floral water options: Chamomile Roman Water is very soothing; Rose Water adds extra healing power.

• For cracked, fragile patches: Press 1–2 drops of Calendula Oil: Infused over cream on the driest areas.

• Once calm (no sting, no new redness for 3+ days), you can add-in to your cream for ongoing use (face = low dose):

– Comfort option with 3 key essential oils: 1 drop of each Lavender Sweet Essential Oil, Chamomile Roman Essential Oil and Rose Essential Oil per 1/2 tsp (≈2.5 ml) of untouched face cream or untouched  Body Hydration. Mix a small pot; use AM/PM.

– Scar-support (later, when settled): add additional 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil. Apply thinly to healed areas only, once daily.

• Long-term routine (simple and gentle):

– AM: Mist → a fingertip of Aloe → Untouched Face Cream (with the 4 essential oil add-in).

– PM: As above; for extra nourishment 2–3 nights/week, massage 2–3 drops of Jojoba Oil: Golden over the cream.

– Optional seasonal swap-in for reactive days: a single drop of Manuka or Geranium Rose in 1 tsp cream (same face dilution as above) can help support the skin barrier; keep it minimal and pause if sensitive. 

Safety & notes

• Avoid essential oils near eyes and broken skin.

• Patch test every add-in (dab to jawline/behind ear, check after 24 hours).

• If redness, heat, weeping or pain worsens, stop and seek professional healthcare advice.

• Based on standard aromatherapy practice for face care, keep leave-on dilutions very low (≈5 drop EO per 1 tsp base; scar work up to 1-2% on healed skin only). Avoid phototoxic citrus on daytime facial skin.

You’re doing the right thing keeping it simple. With a few gentle layers and very low-dose add-ins, your skin should feel much more comfortable.

So lovely that your mum’s surgery went well. Here’s a simple, soothing plan to help with swelling, comfort, and healthy scar remodelling.

Plan (start now if the incisions are fully closed)

• Ready-to-use option (easy + proven):

Use Scarless Solution as directed on the label. Apply a small amount with light, slow circles along and across the scar line 1–2×/day. This can be your main scar oil once the skin is fully healed. If the area feels warm, use a cool compress first, then apply a thin film.

• DIY option (for comfort + calming the surrounding tissue):

Make a 5 mL, ~3% blend — Calendula Oil (3 mL) + Castor Oil (2 mL) with 6 drops Lavender True + 2 drop Chamomile German + 2 drop Frankincense.

– How: Feather-light strokes around (not directly over) the scar line, 2–4×/day.

– Lighter feel tip: Swap some Castor for Apricot Kernel.

Links: Lavender True • Chamomile German • Frankincense • Calendula Oil • Castor Oil • Apricot Kernel

• When fully healed and cleared by her surgeon (Stage 2):

Prioritise the ready-to-use Scarless Solution 1–2×/day for targeted scar work. Continue gentle circles along and across the scar to support tissue remodelling.

• For warm, puffy days:

Pat on a thin layer of Aloe Vera Gel, let it almost dry, then apply either a tiny amount of Scarless Solution or your DIY blend over the top.

Safety & review

• No pure essential oils on open/oozing skin. Patch test first.

• Keep blends away from the nipple/areola and eyes.

• Avoid photosensitising citrus oils on sun-exposed skin.

• Seek medical review if there’s increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge, fever, or worsening pain/function.

• Add short, gentle lymphatic strokes (skin-deep only) directing fluid toward the armpit to assist swelling; start surgeon-approved range-of-motion when cleared.

While essential oils can’t remove sebaceous hyperplasia, they can support comfort, calm redness, and help your skin settle after treatment. 

Here’s a simple, gentle plan.

Post-laser (first 1–2 weeks or until the skin is fully sealed)

• If there’s any open/oozing skin, skip essential oils and keep it sterile and simple.

• Soothe and cool 2–3×/day: mist with Chamomile Roman Water or  Rose Water.over the treated area then lightly smooth a fingertip of Aloe Vera Gel over the treated area. 

• Once skin is closed but still fragile (Stage-1): blend 10 gm (2 Teaspoons) Aloe Vera Gel with 1 drop Lavender True Essential Oil+ 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil (≈1% total). Apply feather-light 2–3×/day.

When healed and calm (from ~2–4 weeks, as cleared by your clinician)

• Skin-comfort oil for night time application (face-friendly ~1%): mix 7 mL Jojoba Oil: Golden + 3 mL Calendula Oil: Infused, then add 1 drop Frankincense + 1 drop Lavender True. Use a pea-size amount 1–2×/day for 2–4 weeks.

• Extra redness comfort (optional swap): add 10 drops Chamomile German: 3% in Jojoba instead of 1 neat drop (rule of thumb: 10 drops of a 3% dilution ≈ 1 drop of the pure oil).

For ongoing balance (oil-prone zones)

• Evening: smooth 2–3 drops Jojoba over the T-zone.

• Occasional spot care (not on broken skin): mix 1 tsp Jojoba with 1 drop Manuka Essential Oil ; dab thinly once daily for up to 5 days.

Safety

• No essential oils on unsealed skin. Patch test first. Keep away from eyes and mucosa.

• If you notice increasing redness/heat/swelling, discharge, fever, or delayed healing, please seek a clinical review.

• Based on standard aromatherapy practice, keep facial blends gentle: ~1% total 100% pure and organic essential oils is usually enough early on.

Cradle cap is quite common in babies and, while it may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is generally harmless. However, removing it can help the skin breathe more easily.

Many professionals recommend petroleum jelly or daily shampooing as treatments. However, in my experience, petroleum jelly can be overly drying (and not the healthiest option), while daily shampooing may strip the skin of its natural oils.

For cradle cap on the scalp, I recommend a gentle and nourishing approach:

• Mix 20 drops of certified organic almond oil (virgin, cold-pressed) with 5 drops of certified organic lemon oil(cold-pressed).

• Apply this mixture to the affected area at night for 7-10 days.

• After this period, a single wash and gentle brushing should effectively remove the cradle cap.

Since you mentioned cradle cap on your baby’s cheeks, this requires a slightly different approach, as the skin around the eyes, nose, and mouth is more delicate. For this area, I suggest:

• Applying certified organic golden Jojoba oil 3-4 times a day to the cheeks, especially at night.

• Using a few drops of Jojoba oil as a gentle “wash” for the cheeks and face.

• During this time, avoid traditional face washes and soaps—simply wipe your baby’s face with a damp flannel to keep the area clean and hydrated.

If the condition persists, there may be an underlying sensitivity or another contributing factor. Please give this a try, and feel free to update us—we’re happy to support you through this.

**Please note that the above recommendations apply exclusively to Absolute Essential products. As a fully certified organic brand, we employ meticulous extraction methods to preserve all active compounds, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy. Our products are trusted for their proven benefits and deliver the highest level of effectiveness.

We emphasise this because some people may opt for products from other brands, assuming they offer similar results. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or efficacy of those products, which could lead to undesirable outcomes that we are unable to address.**

Thanks for your question about your nephew’s baby eczema. It’s really hard seeing a little one itchy and uncomfortable, and you’re very wise to ask before putting oils on his skin.

With babies, we keep things extremely gentle. Their skin barrier is still developing and essential oils are very concentrated, so we mostly rely on simple plant products and only use pre-diluted, baby-safe blends.

Here’s a practical, skin-kind plan:

1 Calm and cool the skin

For cleansing and soothing instead of regular wipes or foaming washes, you could use our

certified organic:

• Rose Water

How to use:

• Lightly mist onto a soft cotton pad and gently pat the dry/itchy areas once or twice a day. You can also mist directly.
• No rubbing or scrubbing – just a calm, cooling wipe or spray.

2 Restore and protect the skin barrier

Based on the eczema guidelines in our clinic, the key for babies is frequent, bland moisturising:

• All-over daily moisturiser:
• Untouched: Body Lotion – a very simple, unscented lotion you can use on most of his body.
• Extra-dry patches (arms, legs, trunk):
• Untouched: Body Hydration – a richer option for the really dry spots.
• Face and cheeks:
• Untouched: Face Cream – very gentle for delicate facial skin.
• If you want to just use one of these choose the Untouched: Body Hydration.

If the skin is hot and itchy:

• You can layer like this once or twice a day on unbroken skin:

Mist Rose Water

Add a very thin smear of Aloe Vera Gel

Seal with Untouched: Body Hydration

For stubborn dry spots (not weeping or broken):

• A tiny amount of Calendula Oil: Infused can be patted on once or twice a day as an extra soothing layer.

3 If you specifically want an “oil” for him

If the eczema is not weeping or infected, a very baby-gentle option is:

• Baby Oil: Rose & Chamomile

How to use:

• After his bath, on damp, intact skin, warm 1–2 drops between your hands and very lightly smooth over dry areas.
• Avoid using on very red, weeping, or broken eczema patches – in those areas stick to the bland Untouched moisturisers until things settle.

4 A note about essential oils on babies

Based on standard clinical practice, I generally avoid adding extra essential oils to a

baby’s eczema care unless:

• The skin is more stable, and
• You’re working with a qualified practitioner who can see him in person.

Pre-blended products like Baby Oil: Rose & Chamomile already contain essential oils at safe, low levels for little ones. Please don’t use straight essential oils (like Lavender or Tea Tree from a bottle) directly on his skin.

5 When to see a health professional

Please have his eczema checked by his paediatrician or dermatologist if:

• It’s spreading quickly, very red, hot, weeping, or crusty
• He has a fever or seems unwell
• He’s scratching so much that the skin is breaking
• You’re not seeing any improvement despite good moisturising

These natural products are there to support comfort and skin barrier repair, but they don’t replace professional assessment when it’s needed.

We have a product called Hair Restorer which is designed exactly for this issue. It is a formula that improves scalp condition, enhances shine and supports healthy growth. For frizzy hair we recommend applying a small amount to the fingertips then apply to damp hair, or apply a small amount directly onto split ends. Give it a go!

When we have straight hair, we wish for curls, and when we have curls, we want nothing more than to have straight hair :)

I can recommend you try our award-winning certified organic Hair Restorer Hair Restorer

We designed this hair oil for people like you, and the feedback from our customers is very much aligned with the purpose for which we formulated it.

This formula improves scalp condition and enhances healthy growth. Its oils are readily absorbed deep into the hair's tissue structure for effective repair and rejuvenation.

For frizzy hair and split ends, apply a small amount to the fingertips and then to damp hair, especially before straightening. It will also help with split ends.

Take a look at the incredible ingredients in this blend, and you will understand why it works so well. While formulating, we really considered all the oils, Carrier and Essential, to deeply nourish. And it smells fantastic.

Please have a look at this article I have written this year that will give you some more information this article 

Yes, indeed utilising Rosemary Essential oil is much easier than creating herbal concoctions. Simply add 3-5 drops, (depending on length of your hair) to the Shampoo or Conditioner, massage vigorously into the scalp and leave for 5 minutes while you brush your teeth attend to your facial care etc. Rinse, Repeat 2-3x per week. 

Su it is best to do in the morning as Rosemary is stimulating and might keep you awake at night. Also please be aware that due to its invigorating effects it might be beneficial to increase the circulation to the brain which is great for memory and brain health but is not recommended if the user suffers from conditions like epilepsy. 

As an intensive hair treatment I would also recommend you utilise our award winning Hair Restorer product ones a week as a deep conditioner which you leave over night. I do this every Sunday as my self care day… :)

Wow that is a very long time of hair dye and I agree with you that it might be time for a change, appreciate initially grey hair is something to get used to but it can look very beautiful and elegant. Regardless of colour or grey hair you could consider using our Hair Restorer, an optimum impact formula to improve scalp condition, readily absorbed deep into the cells for effective repair and rejuvenation.

If you are considering this change also consider a bit of a detox for your body, seeing a naturopath might be very helpful.

We have the perfect solution for you.

Our award-winning Certified Organic Hair Restorer oil is specifically designed to tackle frizzy hair and promote overall hair health. Simply apply a small amount to your fingertips, massage it into your hair, and brush through. It's perfect for use before straightening or styling.

Crafted using the finest nurturing carrier oils and infused with a selection of essential oils, it also offers a delightful scent that enhances its benefits.

For a weekly treatment, I recommend applying about half a teaspoon (for mid-length hair) overnight, massaging it into the scalp. In the morning, wash it out with shampoo—usually, no conditioner is necessary.

The result? Healthy, bouncy, and shiny hair.

Thank you for your thoughtful question. It's a concern many face, and I'm glad you're taking proactive steps early on to address it.

As we age, hormonal changes and various environmental factors can affect our hair growth. In our younger years, each follicle tends to produce multiple strands of hair, but over time, these follicles may produce fewer strands. While it’s not possible to rejuvenate follicles that are no longer active, you can still stimulate hair growth and improve the health of the existing follicles.

It’s great to hear that you're being proactive, and I want to reassure you that there are several approaches we can explore to support your hair's health.

For external application, I highly recommend Hair Restorer—an award-winning formula specifically designed to increase scalp circulation and stimulate healthy hair growth. It also nourishes and conditions the scalp, leaving it in optimal health. While results may take time and consistent application, with regular use, many people notice significant improvements. The key is routine—massaging the oil into your scalp 3 times a week before bedtime and rinsing with your morning shampoo will help, especially when combined with stress-relieving and hormone-balancing supplements focused on Skin, Nail & Hair health. While it may not be an overnight solution, it’s a worthwhile long-term strategy.

If you're looking for a more tailored approach, you might also consider working with individual oils. Raw Argan Oil is a favourite for many, known for its ability to nourish and support scalp health. Additionally, Hexane-free Organic Castor Oil is another great option, revered for its strengthening properties. Combining these oils can give you a personalised solution to suit your needs.

For a morning boost, consider adding 3 drops of Rosemary Cineol and 2 drops of Cedarwood Atlas pure certified organic essential oils to your conditioner after your morning shampoo. These oils help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, giving a refreshing and invigorating feeling to start your day.

So very pleased we could assist you 20 years ago and we are still here to assist today.

It would be great to know for sure that these are scabies but for now I will reply as if we know they are.

Scabies burrow under the skin and this irritates as well as creates an insane itchy sensation. To solve the problem you need to kill the critters as well as treat the broken skin which is a challenge as they are very hardy.

So what I recommend is of a dual purpose, impair the breathing of the scabies so they can't survive while taking care of your skin.

Blend Eucalyptus Blue Gum, Peppermint and Lavender True together in 4 + 2 + 4 proportion. Apply to the affected area by adding 20 drops to 1/2 teaspoon of Calendula Oil. Repeat 2-4 times per day. This is quite strong but effective, you can dilute it more with Calendula.

Thank you for sharing your situation and the photo – it really helps me understand and visualise where you’re at in your healing journey.

Following a trapeziectomy (joint surgery), your tissues – including skin, ligaments, and nerves – are in a delicate repair phase. The burning and numbness you describe are common signs of nerve irritation and hopefully regeneration, which can take some time. At this stage, gentle, nourishing oils are best to support healing, reduce inflammation, and help minimise scarring – though I know this is a minor concern for you at present.

Carrier Oils (Base)

• Castor Oil – Anti-inflammatory and supportive for nerve pain. It is quite thick, so best used in combination.
• Calendula-infused Oil – Soothing and healing, helps reduce scar formation while calming irritation and inflammation.

Essential Oils (for healing and repair)

• German Chamomile (Chamomila matricaria) – Strong healer, helps with pain, nerve regeneration, and reduces risk of inflammation.
• Lavender True (Lavandula angustifolia) – Calming, reduces inflammation and nerve irritation, and supports circulation.
• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – Deeply soothing and restorative, supports tissue repair and prevents excessive scarring.
• Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) – Excellent for burning sensations, inflammation, and nerve-related pain.

Suggested Blend (5ml – apply 3–5x daily)

(You should be able to find all of these certified organic oils on our website)

• 2ml Calendula oil (infused)
• 3ml Castor Oil (hexane free)
• 1 drop German Chamomile – if only the 3% in Jojoba is available, use 10 drops as it is already diluted.
• 1 drop Roman Chamomile – if only the 3% in Jojoba is available, use 10 drops as it is already diluted.
• 3 drops Lavender True (organic)
• 1 drop Frankincense (wild)

Mix gently and apply with very light massage around your thumb – this supports circulation, lymphatic drainage, and nerve repair. These oils are gentle enough to also apply directly to the entire area. After application, cover lightly so the oils can soak in. Please also assure you don’t knock it accidentally.

In about a week, you may begin encouraging mobility – exercising your thumb in warm water at first can be especially helpful.

⚠️ Important:

• Avoid essential oils directly on raw or open wounds until the skin is fully sealed.
• Use a feather-light touch – think of it as stroking oil in, not deep massage – until your health professional clears you for scar mobilisation. At that point, we can talk again about the next stage. But if you want to get ready the Scarless Solution is an excellent support, where I have actually formulated some of the above recommended oils.
• If you notice increased redness, swelling, or worsening burning, stop and contact me again.

Oily and sensitive skin is a challenging combination. 

Your skin reacts as it does, and it tells you something.

I cannot recommend our Rose and Frankincense Skincare System enough. We released it in December last year, and many of our customers love it. Take a look at the reviews! You can also buy the gift collection—all three products in one—to try it out.

Alternatively, consider designing your bespoke skincare system. You can utilise our Untouched base products. From here, you can choose some gentle and suitable essential oils to add to your Untouched base products. Essential oils I would recommend for you are Frankincense, Sandalwood, Lavender Sweet, and Rosewood. 

Initially, this is a higher cost of purchase. However, you will be able to adjust your skincare protocols to your own needs, so there will be no waste, and you will be able to make many face creams and serums for the future ones you are set up.

Should you choose this route, please note that the percentage of essential oils used for facial care is about 0.5%, so very little.

The Rose and Frankincense System is definitely an excellent option for you to try.

Scleroderma is a tricky condition as it can appear in so many ways on the body.

To treat the puffiness of any swelling and fluid retention I highly rate Cypress Essential oils. Your choice of Wintergreen and Juniper Berry are also good.

To nourish the skin which is tight and hard your choice of Castor oil is great as it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also really thick so very efficient in how many application you will get out of those 50ml.

To ease the Raynaud’s syndrome I recommend Black Pepper together with Lavender True and Chamomile Roman.

Here are some recipes for you.

Daytime: apply 1-3x prepay 

50ml Castor Oil ( certified organic, hexane free and unsulphanated) Castor Oil: Virgin

40 drops (2ml) Cypress Essential oil, certified organic Cypress Essential Oil 

30 drops (1.5ml) Wintergreen Essential oil, certified organic Wintergreen Essential Oil 

10 drops (0.5ml) Juniper Berry Essential oil, certified organic Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Nighttime: Apply before bedtime 

50ml Calendula infused oil (certified organic) Calendula Oil: Infused

40 drops (2ml) Lavender True, certified organic Lavender True Essential Oil

10 drops (0.5ml) Pepper Black certified organic Pepper Black Essential Oil

10 drops (0.5ml) Chamomile Roman, certified organic Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil

These recipes are designed to put the essential oils straight into the carrier oil bottle.

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values.

Oh that is not nice for your daughter and quite a complex issue. Due to the nature of this very short online interaction I will advise cautiously without knowing how old your daughter is and what type of Staphylococci she is infected with. But I will try my best and most importantly assure safety for her.

Due to being a child and the location the body where the condition appears I would recommend the following:

2 drops May Chang May Chang Essential Oil

2 drops Thyme Thymol Tea Tree Essential Oil

1 drop Eucalyptus Lemon Eucalyptus Lemon Essential Oil

Added to 20 drops of Castor oil, hexane free and certified organic.Castor Oil: Virgin

Apply 2-3 times a day to the affected areas.

Additionally I would recommend you buy a blood cleansing tea and ensure she drinks this daily for at least 6 weeks, can be warm or cold with honey.

And parallel diffuse Immune Care Immune Care Essential Oil Blend or Child Immune Care Child Immune Care Essential Oil Blend (if child is under 8 years old)

If this blend would be a remedy for an adult I would recommend the stronger selection of Essential oils for this condition which have been well researched to be effective. Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Oregano, Eucalyptus Australiana.

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values. We iterate this due to some customers choosing other products thinking it will have the same effect and ending up with uncomfortable issues we at that stage cannot help with. 

Infected toenails can indeed be challenging to manage, especially as we approach winter when our feet are often confined in socks and shoes. Maintaining foot health is particularly important if you have diabetic tendencies or symptoms.​

Yes, we have two essential oils that are powerhouses in treating infections on the feet, including fungal ones, which often contribute to their persistence.​

Tea Tree Oil: Renowned for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, Tea Tree oil is highly effective in treating fungal infections. Applying 1–2 drops directly to the affected area twice daily can be beneficial. Alternatively, adding 5 drops to a foot bath can dilute it and support its effects.​

Kanuka Essential Oil: A New Zealand native, Kanuka oil is part of the well-known Melaleuca family (like Tea Tree). While slightly less potent than Tea Tree oil it is also safer for repeated direct application, it is subtly effective in combating infections and stimulating circulation applying it in the same manner as Tea Tree oil above.​

Foot Spa Recipe:

Prepare a foot spa or tub with hot water and add the following:​

• 5 drops Kanuka Essential Oil - Kanuka Essential Oil
• 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil - Tea Tree Essential Oil 
• 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil - Lemon Essential Oil
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 1 cup Epsom salt​
• Mix well and soak your feet for 15 minutes. This foot bath offers multiple benefits:​
• Enhances circulation, aiding in healing
• Acts as a strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal agent​
• After the foot spa, and as a maintenance routine once you've managed the infection, apply our Foot Care Balm to your feet once a day. This balm is refreshing and nourishing, supporting the recovery of tired feet and cracked heels.​

Please note, this recipe and recommendation are also especially suitable for individuals who are on their feet all day or for long periods, such as walkers and runners.​

Absolute Essential’s Castor oil is indeed a very good choice to massage into your nails and nourish them deeply.

Some of our customers add organic cold-pressed Lemon oil to enhance nail and especially cuticle care and enhanced absorption of the Castor oil, plus it adds an uplifting scent.

For each hand take 5 drops of Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin and 1 drop of Lemon oil Lemon Essential Oil and massage into your nails daily.

You should see an improvement within 3-6 weeks, some people experience results much sooner, but nails due to their tissue composition do take a bit of time to recover especially when nail polish is applied regularly.

After you are happy with your healthy looking nails do continue to apply this at least 1 a week for maintenance and especially after nail polish has been removed.

**Please note that the above recommendations apply exclusively to Absolute Essential products. As a fully certified organic brand, we employ meticulous extraction methods to preserve all active compounds, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy. Our products are trusted for their proven benefits and deliver the highest level of effectiveness.

We emphasise this because some people may opt for products from other brands, assuming they offer similar results. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or efficacy of those products, which could lead to undesirable outcomes that we are unable to address.

Tea Tree and Cinnamon Leaf essential oils are both very relevant choices for nail fungal issues – they’re strong anti-fungals when used externally, and the Q&A base you’ve seen is right in line with that approach. You may also consider Kanuka as a little gentler on the skin if that is a concern.

Regarding internal use: Most of our essential and carrier oils are certified food-grade. However, they are high-quality therapeutic oils and need to be prescribed by a trained health care professional. Oregano would be a great choice to support external treatments and to assist repairing the gut.

If you’d like to support things from within, a safer way is to focus on:

• General immune support — using blends like Immune Care (diffused daily) or Manuka and Lemon in a diffuser or inhalation.

• Nutritional support — ensure adequate zinc, biotin, and iron; and keep feet/nails clean, dry, and breathable to prevent recurrence.

For topical use on nails, a simple plan is:

• Combine Tea Tree 2 drops + Cinnamon Leaf 1 drop in 1 mL of Jojoba or Castor oil.

• Apply once daily to clean, dry nails (and under nail edges if possible).

• Continue for several months, as nail fungus needs persistence until healthy regrowth appears.

If any redness, irritation, or swelling develops, stop and reassess — Cinnamon is potent and may need dilution to half-strength for sensitive skin.

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback — we’re delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the Eye Soothe!

Yes, Absolute Essential’s certified organic and hexane free Castor Oil is safe for use around the eyes and is a wonderfully gentle and effective option for removing makeup. Many people also use it to help ease eye irritation (such as from catarrh), support eyelash growth, and maintain hydration in the delicate eye area.

When using Castor Oil for eye care, especially in the context of mild blepharitis, I recommend the following:

• Use a very small amount on a clean fingertip or cotton bud to gently massage along the lash line at night. This can help soften and clear blocked oil glands and reduce inflammation — which is often at the root of blepharitis.
• Always ensure hands and tools are impeccably clean, and start slowly to monitor your skin’s response.

As for the Rose 3% in Jojoba, this is best used externally around the orbital area (not directly on the lid or lash line). It’s especially beneficial for:

• Supporting lymphatic drainage
• Soothing puffiness and dark circles
• Gently softening fine lines and encouraging skin rejuvenation

Its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may also offer additional support to sensitive or reactive skin types, which is often the case with blepharitis.

You’re already doing all the right things — gentle, nourishing care is key. If symptoms persist or worsen, I do recommend consulting a natural health practitioner for personalised support.

Coughs can be very annoying especially when they happen to get worse at night. A dry cough always indicates that an expectorant is required.

I recommend you get yourself a bottle of "Breathe Well” Breathe Well Essential Oil Blend 

This is an organic essential oil blend which helps with the easing of chest congestion due to its expectorant and relaxing properties.

Before bedtime add 1 drop to each finger on the left hand and rub this pure between the ribs on the right side of the body, repeat the same on the other side, and rub the remaining on middle of the chest. Wrap yourself up warm and go to bed.

The cough will get more productive, so don’t be alarmed, and work its way out over time. You can also repeat this application should you wake from coughing.

You could additionally buy some anise and fennel seeds and make yourself a tea by steeping the seeds in boiling hot water for 5-10min, add a little honey and sip as often as you like. This tastes nice cold also.

Both Eucalyptus Australiana and Manuka Essential Oils are indeed helpful in this instance. However, I would highly recommend our certified organic Breathe Well pure essential oil blend, which you can find here:  Breathe Well Essential Oil Blend.

I have used this blend with great success for easing stubborn coughs. For direct application, apply 1 drop to each of your fingers on your right hand and gently rub the oil onto the intercostal spaces on your left side. Repeat on the other side, and finish by rubbing your hands over the chest bone. Then, wrap up warm and rest. For optimal results, repeat this process 1-3 times per day, with special benefit at night.

In addition, did the doctor mention the consistency of the nodules? You may also want to consider Cypress Essential Oil Cypress Essential Oil, as it is highly effective in supporting the breakdown of tissues.

Hay fever can really drag you down, I know many people suffer when pollens are plentiful in our environment.

Inhale is a pure organic essential oil blend which works well to give you instant relief. You can add 10 drops to a diffuser but it is more effective if you add a drop to your fingertips and apply it to the tip of your nose 4-6x a day. You mentioned you have the biggest issues at night? I would recommend a good old fashion stem inhalation before you go to bed to give your upper respiratory system a good clean out. Add 3-5 drops to a steaming hot stainless steel bowl of water, place your head covered with a towel over the top and breathe for 3-5 minutes.

Should you suffer from itchy red eyes as well you may like to consider a product we have which is called Eye Soothe, it is a formula containing hydrosols and works by applying it directly to the eyes up to 6x a day, very soothing and healing.

We have a couple of blends which woulld help depending on the age of your children - Baby Breathe if under 12 years old and Breathe Well if over 12 years old. These are natural blends that support respiratory health, clear mucus and boost immunity. To help build immunity you could also use Child Immune Care or Immune Care which support improved health and speedy recovery from common illnesses.

Thank you for sharing Juniper’s story - what a resilient little one. With her recent ICU stay and reactive airways, the aim is gentle, child-safe support alongside any medical care.

Here’s a simple plan you can start now:

• Diffuse to ease the chest: Add 3–4 drops of Baby Breathe to your diffuser for 30–45 minutes, 2–3 times a day (and before sleep).

• Ready-made chest rub (easy + kid-safe): A thin layer of Chest Care to chest and upper back 1–2×/day, especially at bedtime.

• Optional DIY chest roller (very gentle 1%): In a 10 mL roller filled with Jojoba, add 1 drop  Eucalyptus Blue Gum + 1 drop Lavender Spike (optional: 1 drop Manuka). Apply a small amount to chest/upper back and the soles of feet before naps/bed, up to 2×/day.

• Steam-free inhalation for little lungs: Place 1 drop of Baby Breathe on a tissue or muslin and keep it out of reach, near the cot or car seat, for gentle ambient inhalation. Avoid placing essential oils on clothing near the face.

• Calming massage: For bonding and comfort, use Baby Oil: Rose & Chamomile for a short back and foot massage after bath.

Safety and when to check in:

• Keep oils away from the face and any mucosa; no ingestion. Patch test new blends.

• With reactive airways, start low and slow (the above dilutions already reflect child-safe levels).

• Please seek professional healthcare review if fever persists or returns, breathing becomes faster or effortful, wheeze worsens, she’s unusually sleepy, not feeding well, or you’re concerned at any point. Keep using any prescribed inhalers/medications as directed - the oils are supportive, not a replacement.

Diffusers are a great way to get essential oils into the air however we do need to take care to use a diffuser where the essential oils don't come into contact with any plastic. Essential oils are known to break down plastic over a period of time which means with a plastic diffuser you could also be diffusing particles of plastic into the air. The great thing about the diffuser is it disperses the oils into the air and we breathe them in without any other effort than simply breathing! We have a blend called Breathe Well which is formulated to optimise oxygen flow and support mucus expulsion so great for asthma. It helps with the easing of chest congestion due to its antiseptic, expectorant and relaxing properties. This is suitable for the bath, diffuser, inhalation or can be diluted and used as a chest rub. You could use this daily in the diffuser and also you could put a dab of the blend onto your collar or pj's at night etc. For insomnia I would recommend our Deep Sleep (this is an adult blend) in the diffuser in your bedroom half an hour before bed and leave it diffusing for a couple of hours once asleep. Remember it is important to relax and get yourself ready for sleep so no phone, tablet, or tv half an hour before bed.

I’m truly sorry to hear about your long-standing battle with Lyme disease and co-infections. 

It’s heartening to know that Absolute Essential’s certified organic Apricot Kernel Oil: Virgin has been providing you with some relief and comfort.

While I have had limited experience with these conditions in clinic, I’m happy to share information on essential and carrier oils that have shown potential in supporting individuals with Lyme disease. Laboratory research has identified certain essential oils with promising antimicrobial properties:

• Oregano Essential Oil: Rich in carvacrol, it has demonstrated strong activity against all phases of infection.
• Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil: Contains cinnamaldehyde, which has shown effectiveness against Lyme bacteria in vitro.
• Clove Bud Essential Oil: High in eugenol, a primary component, it has exhibited antimicrobial properties against Lyme pathogens.
• Thyme Thymol Essential Oil: Contains thymol and carvacrol, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Myrrh Essential Oil: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, particularly in the mouth and on sensitive skin. This makes it a gentler choice and especially safe for direct applications.

 Carrier Oils for Dilution and Support

Quality Therapeutic Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before topical application unless under care of an experienced health professional. Carrier oils not only aid in dilution but also offer their own therapeutic benefits:

• Apricot Kernel Oil: Virgin: Since this has been helpful for you already, it may serve as an excellent base for a gentle and nourishing blend. You may also try our hexane-free and certified organic Castor oil.

I want to emphasise that while laboratory research shows promise, more human studies are needed. Therefore, please proceed cautiously and consult a health professional if considering new additions to your care plan, especially with complex conditions like Lyme disease.

Your resilience and commitment to your health journey are truly commendable. I also see that you’re based in the US, and I know of two colleagues there who have direct experience with Lyme disease. If you’d like, I would be happy to make a referral to help you access more specialised support.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or if I can assist you further.

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been feeling unwell for so long – three months of swollen glands, fatigue, cough and on–off fever is really exhausting.

Before we talk about oils, I do want to gently say: symptoms going on this long, especially with chest discomfort and fevers, really do need a proper check-up with your Healthcare Professional. Oils can support your comfort and recovery, but they can’t replace medical assessment – particularly to rule out things like pneumonia, glandular fever or post-viral complications or even covid.

Here’s a gentle support plan you can use alongside suggested medical care:

Support for your immune system

During the day you can use an immune blend to gently support your system:

In a diffuser use: Immune Care Essential Oil Blend:

• Add 10 drops to your diffuser.

• Run for 30 - 60 minutes at a time, 2–3 times during the day.

On your neck and upper chest

Use Immune Care Essential Oil Blend with a simple base:

• In your hand, mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of Untouched: Body Hydration or a plain organic oil you already have with 4–5 drops of Immune Care

• Gently massage down the sides of your neck, across the upper chest and over the upper back.

• Do this once or twice daily, avoiding your face and any broken skin.

Support for your chest, dry cough and sore lungs

To ease the chest and help the lungs feel more open:

Chest and upper back rub

Use Breathe Well Essential Oil Blend :

• In your hand, mix 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Untouched: Body Hydration or oil with 4–5 drops of Breathe Well.

• Rub over your upper chest, throat and between the shoulder blades.

• Repeat 2–3 times per day, with a special focus before bed.

Before bedtime for a more intense treatment add 1 drop of Breathe Well pure to each fingers tip of the right hand and apply to the intercostal spaces (soft spaces between the ribbons) of your left side, repeat on the other side and on the Manubrium, (chest bone)

Diffuser at night

• Add 10 drops of Breathe Well to your diffuser at night.

• Run it for about 30 minutes as you settle to sleep.

You may also rub 5 drops onto each foot prior bed, repeat every night until symptoms ease

If you want an extra clearing effect for the chest, you can add a few drops of Eucalyptus Australiana Essential Oil to your chest during the day.

Support for blocked ears and sinuses

For blocked ears I can offer you very special oil blend which is safe to be placed inside the ear, however you can only use our oils and must follow the recipe by the book please.

Take 10ml of organic Almond Oil and add 5 drops of Basil and 5 drops of Eucalyptus Blue Gum, shake well.

Take a teaspoon and dip into boiling water, add 20drops of this blend to that teaspoon, take some cotton wool soak up the oil and place into the ear, keep it there for 30min or so. Repeat 1-2x a day until cleared.

Steam inhalation:

This can help the surrounding sinuses drain better:

• Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water.

• Add 3 drops of Breathe Well and 2 drop of Eucalyptus Australiana.

• Close your eyes, lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.

• Breathe slowly through your nose and mouth for 5 minutes.

You can do this once or twice a day. Keep your face a safe distance from the water to avoid burns, and skip steam inhalation if you feel dizzy, claustrophobic or have very sensitive skin.

Extra soothing for irritation

If your throat feels scratchy utilise a homemade lozenge

• Add 1 drop of each Ginger and Manuka essential oil onto a chewable Vit C, chew, this will ease your scratchy throat within minutes, repeat no more then 5x per day.

A few safety notes

• Keep all essential oils away from eyes, and from broken or irritated skin.

• If you feel more short of breath, get chest pain or pressure, cough up blood, have persistent high fevers, or feel suddenly much more unwell, please seek urgent medical care.

• Because your symptoms have been going for three months with fevers and chest involvement, please do arrange a Healthcare Professional review even if things feel “manageable” – it’s important to understand what’s driving it.

We have a blend called Immune Care for adults and Child Immune Care for children. Immune Care is a potent and protective blend to support healthy immune functions ad also enahnces recovery from ills and chills. Child Immune Care is a soothing and strengthening blend which may support imporved health and speedy recovery from common childhood conditions. These blends can be used in a diffuser, on the bottom of feet or on the collar of your clothing. 

Oh, that must be so uncomfortable for him and quite stressful for you. I am sure you have considered all the logical causes like reducing or eliminating sugar, dairy, processed foods, etc. Your son (not sure what age) should be active; having fun kicking a ball around as exercise and outdoor time with lots of sunlight will stimulate his natural immune defences. I recommend you give him some Vitamin C and a good quality Child's Multivitamin. Please try 2 things for me. 1- Buy a bottle of Baby Breathe (child 1-9) or Breathe Well (9+) and rub 1-2 drops onto his chest and back and 2 drops onto his feet every night. 2- Buy a bottle of Child Immune Care or Immune Care and diffuse this in his room and your living areas, as well as use 5-10 drops in a bath every other night. Repeat consistently for 3-4 weeks. This should nip it in the bud, but ensure you do it all at once and be consistent.

Thank you for your question, and how exciting that you're planning to walk the Camino! I have friends who have walked various parts of it, and I’ve had my own experience with walking marathons and climbing significant mountains, so I understand the importance of preparation for these long walks.

First and foremost, protecting your feet is crucial, as even a small blister can become a big issue. I recommend our Foot Balm Foot Balm as an all-in-one solution for maintaining healthy, well-smelling feet, and it’s great for treating minor blisters and bites to speed up recovery.

For areas that are prone to rubbing, like your thighs, I suggest carrying a bottle of Castor Oil  Castor Oil: Virgin. It’s emollient and has a thick consistency, so it will provide long-lasting protection. Applying it regularly (or as needed) will help prevent any discomfort from chafing.

Additionally, our Muscle Rub Muscle Rub is a great option to carry along. It's a soothing natural anti-inflammatory blend to help calm aching muscles, joints, and strains during the walk, promoting recovery.

It's an exciting time when you discover the potential of essential and carrier oils.

I am happy to assist you but there is much to learn. Our Starter collection Starter Collection  is a very nice introduction to Essential oils and some blends. On the product pages of our website you find recipes and recommendations on how to use the product.

Additionally I recommend you go to our homepage and explore the Blend your own feature. Here you could try some of the recipes I have tried and tested in clinic for years.

For Aches & Pains here are 3 Essential oils, 1 carrier oil and 1 cream which are essential in my opinion.

Peppermint, Lavender True, Wintergreen Essential oils and Castor Oil as a Carrier. I also recommend our Arnica cream which you can add the essential oils into.

Chemo induced neuropathy is unfortunately not uncommon, but very uncomfortable.

In my experience with patients suffering from this condition it works best if you do the following 2 things.

1- During the day apply 1-2 drops of Peppermint essential oil, certified organic Peppermint Essential Oil to the nerve root near the spine and 2x drops into a balm to massage onto feet. You can apply this several times per day. It should cool instantly and be a great topical pain relief. 

Alternatively if you like something stronger with higher Menthol content try Mint Wild, certified organic, Mint Wild Essential Oil

2- During the night apply 1- 2 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil, certified organic Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil

This essential oil is extremely soothing to the nervous system and known for its pain relieving effects. Again apply a drop to the nerve roots which will be around the base of your spine and along the Dermatones. You might need to ask you health professional to locate these.

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values.

I see there is more than one issue. I will try to unpack this a little and suggest some simple steps you can start with and move forward from there.

1. Digestion – due to your pancreatitis I would strongly recommend you be very careful with ingestion of essential oils and/or any health products. This should really be done under supervision of a health care professional. So make yourself a compress – (you can buy these on amazon or make your own) for your tummy – yes they work well even though external – take 1 x teaspoon Castor Oil, add 3 drops each Peppermint, Oregano and Kanuka, apply to your tummy and leave there for 30-45min. Short of a compress you could also rub the oil onto the tummy directly. Repeat this daily for 3 weeks and see what happens.

2. Back Pain – apply 5 drops each of Peppermint and Wintergreen essential oils and rub onto your lower back before bedtime, if you have a wheat bag heat it up and apply. Repeat this 1-2x per day until symptoms ease. You will be surprised.

Neck-muscle spasm is a common migraine trigger. Here’s a simple, gentle plan to ease the spasm, calm the nervous system, and support sleep. (Essential oils won’t replace medical care, but they can be very helpful alongside it.)

What to use

• Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil: Golden
• Marjoram Sweet (muscle-ease): Marjoram French Essential Oil
• Lavender True (calm): Lavender True Essential Oil
• Basil (tension, spasm): Basil Essential Oil
• Optional daytime: Peppermint (cooling): Peppermint Essential Oil
• Optional evening support: Frankincense: Frankincense Essential Oil
• Optional evening support: Roman Chamomile 3% in Jojoba: Chamomile Roman: 3% in Jojoba
• Ready-made convenience: Head Ease

Simple routine

1. Neck and shoulder massage blend (~2%)
2. In a small 10 mL bottle, add:

• 3 drops Marjoram Sweet
• 2 drops Lavender True
• 1 drop Basil
• Top up with Jojoba Oil.
• Massage a small amount into the base of the skull, neck, and tops of shoulders 2–3×/day, and at the first sign of tightness.
• Daytime variation (cooling): swap Basil for 1 drop Peppermint (keep total at 6 drops).

Alternative (ready-made): Head Ease

Apply a small amount of Head Ease to temples (avoid eyes), jaw hinges, and the base of the skull; breathe slowly (4-sec in, 6-sec out) for 2 minutes.

Head Ease:

1. Diffuse for head calm (30–45 min)
2. Add 3–4 drops total to your diffuser: Lavender True + Frankincense (any 1–2 oils is fine).
3. Evening ease
4. A dab of Roman Chamomile 3% in Jojoba to temples and jaw hinges; gentle neck stretches after a warm shower or wheat bag.

Customer review of Head Ease

“There is something wonderful about the scents in this that combine to make it a truly relaxing oil that in a great number of cases actually really does ease my headaches. I usually light this then lie down on the couch & go to sleep & miracle of miracles when I wake up, 9 times out of 10 my headaches are gone. Am already on my 2nd bottle.”

— Helen H., Verified Buyer

Read more about Head Ease.

Safety

• Keep all oils away from eyes and inner nose; wash hands after application.
• Peppermint can feel intense on sensitive skin - patch test first and avoid close to bedtime if stimulating.
• Seek medical care if headaches are new or changing, or if there’s fever, weakness, visual/speech changes, or a stiff neck.

It is good thinking to get onto Arthritis as early as possibly. I am sure you are aware of recommendations to be eating a very alkaline diet, a Mediterranean Pescatarian diet is highly recommended.

I recommend for mild symptoms to mix yourself a blend of the following oils and massage into your hands every night, may be while watching television before bedtime.

Or alternately especially if your symptoms are more advanced massage the oil blend into your hands, cover with some thin cotton cloth, put on some mittens to keep the oil on your hands and go to bed, leave for at least 2 hours so that everything is well absorbed into your joints.

Here is the recipe;

50ml Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin

This oil is certified organic, virgin extraction and hexane free, it is the best of the best and a little goes a long way as it is very thick.

15 drops Wintergreen Wintergreen Essential Oil

25 drops Lavender True Lavender True Essential Oil

10 drops Juniper Berry Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Add the drops of Essential oils straight into your 50ml bottle of Castor oil. You will be able to make around 8 bottles of this oil with all of these ingredients, but of course essential oils are versatile and your could use them for other purposes also.

You might also be interested in this article I wrote a few months ago. this article 

Arthritis is a condition of the Muscular Skeletal System and therefore it is always more effective to apply the oils (essential oils especially diluted in a carrier like Castor) to the affected area.

This way you will have 2 benefits at once, firstly these therapeutic oils will penetrate deeply into your tissues, increase blood supply and with this better nutrition for your joints which hopefully decreases inflammation and pain, aiding mobility. But while you have the oils with the compress on your body naturally you will smell the essential oils and these will affect your brain also.

You could follow the recipes within our article on essential oils for arthritis pain to create your own blend or alternate you could use our blends Muscle Tonic Muscle Tonic Essential Oil Blend and the Muscle Rub cream Muscle Rub. Please note while these will be helpful the recipe within the article is very specific and therefore more effective.

Or if you would ask me for a simpler (cheaper) solution just get yourself the Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin  and Wintergreen Essential Oil Wintergreen Essential Oil  and apply 1 Teaspoon to 10 drops of Wintergreen to the affected area 1-2x a day.

Sniffing Lavender, Rosemary and Eucalyptus makes no sense to me in treating Arthritic symptoms.

Firstly Lavender True (lavandula officials) is known to ease pain, is relaxing and very soothing

While Rosemary (rosemarinus officials) is stimulating and invigoration so quiet the opposite effect.

And Eucalyptus (depending which type) is of course great for the respiratory system.

I would not expect any benefit for your Arthritic condition.

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values.

Indeed not an uncommon problem these days.

It is great that you are acknowledging the already extensive information to manage and treat they condition online.

I have recommended my patients a very successful blend for during the day and night.

Day time 

Use 2-3 drops of Peppermint Essential oil Peppermint Essential Oil in an unscented cream or body lotion, apply during the day as often as required.

Peppermint Essential oil also known as liquid ice is very cooling and anti-inflammatory giving instant relief while improving circulation and nerve responsiveness. Read more here Peppermint Essential Oil 

Night time

Add 3 drops of Wintergreen Wintergreen Essential Oil , 3 drops of Lavender True Lavender True Essential Oil into 1/4 teaspoon of virgin hexane free Castor oil Castor Oil: Virgin and apply to your hands, cover with a cotton muslin cloth and wrap into glad wrap or simply put on mittens over night.

This will ease inflammation and be very soothing yet rejuvenation to the condition.

Please note above recommendations are for Absolute Essential Product selection only and we recommend these for the highest efficacy and quickest benefits due to their tried and tested therapeutic values. We irritate this due to some customers choosing other products thinking it will have the same effect and ending up with uncomfortable issues we at that stage cannot help with. 

Here are simple options that are easy to apply.

External application (hands and fingers):

Warm-up: soak hands in comfortably warm water for 3–5 minutes, then dry. Or simply rub to create warmth on the skin through friction.

Ready-made options (easy):

• Apply a thin layer of Arnica Cream 2–4 times daily.

• For extra comfort, use Muscle Rub in the evening or before activity.

Targeted essential-oil blend (DIY, gentle 3%): In a 10 ml bottle of Castor Oil: Virgin add:

• 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

• 2 drops Juniper Berry Essential Oil

• 1 drop Lavender True Essential Oil

• 1 drop Kanuka Essential Oil

Massage a small amount into hands and fingers 2 times daily, or prepare an overnight Castor Oil pack to penetrate more deeply and assist in reducing inflammation.

Tips:

• Gentle range-of-motion: after application, slowly open/close hands 5–10 times or squeeze a soft ball.

• Night support: a light cotton glove after evening application can enhance absorption and comfort.

Safety (please read):

• Patch test first; avoid broken skin.

• Wintergreen and similar rubefacients are strong; if you choose to try Wintergreen Essential Oil occasionally, use sparingly (max 5 drops in 10 ml Castor Oil) and avoid if you have salicylate sensitivity, are on anticoagulants, or have a bleeding disorder.

• Discontinue if irritation occurs. Consult your health professional if you have complex medical conditions or take regular medications.

Injuries like this can indeed take a long time to heal, and I understand how challenging it can be. I have some experience in this area both personally and through my years of clinical practice as an Osteopath, so I’d like to share a recommendation that may help accelerate your healing process.

I suggest a Day and Night Blend, incorporating your Castor Oil (ensure it is hexane-free, certified organic, and unsulphanated) along with these essential oils:

Night Time:

• Castor Oil – 50ml

• Chamomile German – 20 drops

• Chamomile Roman – 20 drops

• Lavender True – 60 drops (or 3ml)

Day Time:

• Castor Oil – 50ml

• Peppermint – 20 drops

• Wintergreen – 20 drops

• Ginger – 20 drops

• Black Pepper – 10 drops

The night blend is calming, relaxing, and pain-relieving, while the daytime blend is designed to stimulate circulation and supports tissue healing. Apply both blends as a compress to the Sacro-iliac area, and repeat this daily.

**Please note that the above recommendations apply exclusively to Absolute Essential products. As a fully certified organic brand, we employ meticulous extraction methods to preserve all active compounds, ensuring optimal therapeutic efficacy. Our products are trusted for their proven benefits and deliver the highest level of effectiveness.

We emphasise this because some people may opt for products from other brands, assuming they offer similar results. However, we cannot guarantee the quality or efficacy of those products, which could lead to undesirable outcomes that we are unable to address.**

I get asked this a lot. Pets are very good at 'self medicating'. When you are using essential oils i.e. diffusing etc and your dog is in the room you should ensure that your dog can remove themselves from the room - typically this is what they will do if they are not enjoying the experience of the essential oils. I have used essential oils around my cats, dogs and horses for years - in fact my dog is now 18 years old so if anything they have had a very positive effect on him.

I get asked this question quite a lot. A simple answer is while diffusing Absolute Essential oils and our blends I suggest you give the pet a choice to be around but leave a door open.

Pets have a great instinct what’s good for them and an acute sense of smell.

Dogs are different to cats

My dogs all reached a grand age of 16 - even my new foundland so can only think that being around essential oils all their life has been beneficial. I have used our products specifically for flea treatment, in washes, wound healing and fungal infections. But of course they have been around all the diffusing in living areas and bedrooms as well.

Cats are more sensitive as they have different assimilation in their liver but just leave a door open to give them a choice. 

It depends what you would like to use essential oils for on cats. I have added a little 1 drop of Lavender Sweet oil diluted in ½ teaspoon of organic Almond oil and added it to a brush, it conditions the coat and calms your cat. I have also added 1-2 drops of Eucalyptus Lemon to a tea spoon of Aloe Vera Gel and rubbed it into the armpits and tummy of my cat to deter fleas, repeat weekly in summer and monthly in winter. Essentially this essential oil makes your cat a very unpleasant breeding place for the fleas.

Try this and let us know if it helps.

I wrote an article for Good Magazine issue 92 on Pet health, see if you can find this online for more information.

There is a lot of confusing information around regarding Essential oils and the use of them around pets.

This is largely coming from a knowledge gap and of course the vast difference of qualities of essential oils and also synthetic fragrances which are offered in the market place. Very confusing indeed.

My dogs are around essential oils in my home and when needed I treat them utilising a variety of the gentler essential oils which are marked with our Mother & Child Safe Logo.

I have 3 dogs, 2 very large ones and 1 medium size (he just celebrated his 20th birthday). Previously I had a Wheaten Terrier who presented with this itchy feet issue, never sure if it was fungal or allergy. I treated this with some success with the recipe below.

In the Issue 92 of the Good magazine I have written an article which should give you some great safety guidelines.

To your question:

I would recommend you add 1drop of Kanuka pure essential oil to 10 drops of Calendula oil Co2 infused, both certified organic, blend and apply up to 5 x a day but a minimum of 2 x a day.

The dog will lick his paws but in this dilution it will be safe and beneficial if entering his gut to treat the condition from within. The need to lick his feet will get less and less, therefore healing of the area can occur.

I can also recommend a great book if you are interested “Help your dog heal itself by Caroline Ingraham” This utilises essential oils and will give you some very great insights in how to take care the best way possible.

You could absolutely try this, especially apply it in a stronger proportion inside the dogs armpits and tummy as this is where the fleas are laying their eggs. It will create an uncomfortable environment for the fleas and and be pleasant and safe for your dog.

You may also have a read of my latest article on this topic. The flee treatment discussed here is a little more specific to fleas than the bugs repellent. Let us know how it goes. Our guide to using essential oils around pets has more.

I get asked this question quite a lot. A simple answer is while diffusing Absolute Essential oils and our blends I suggest you give the pet a choice to be around but leave a door open.

Pets have a great instinct what’s good for them and an acute sense of smell.

Dogs are different to cats

My dogs all reached a grand age of 16 - even my new foundland so can only think that being around essential oils all their life has been beneficial. I have used our products specifically for flea treatment, in washes, wound healing and fungal infections. But of course they have been around all the diffusing in living areas and bedrooms as well.

Cats are more sensitive as they have different assimilation in their liver but just leave a door open to give them a choice.

To provide you with more information on this topic, I’ve written an article that might be helpful. You can read it here: Safe Scents for Sensitive Snouts: Your Guide to Using Essential Oils Around Pets.

When it comes to cleansing products, many available on the market use the lowest-quality essential oils, which often lacks the safety consideration you may desire. It’s always best to make your own products using certified organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils you can trust.

This ensures that you're aware of the exact ingredients your cat is exposed to in its environment.

While cats are indeed sensitive, they are also quite intuitive and capable of taking care of themselves. Make sure your cat has the option to move away from any cleaning products if necessary, as they tend to gravitate toward what feels right for them.

Above all, always allow your pet the freedom to choose where they want to be. They have an instinctive ability to identify what’s safe and comfortable for them.

Oregano oil Oregano Essential Oil  is a very effective essential oil for parasites and can be added to food for dogs but I would not recommend it for cats in the same way as I like to be more indirect with Cats due to their digestive processes and you are far less likely to get the cat to eat anything different.

Dogs: Make this recipe and feed it to your dog for 3 consecutive days every 6-8 weeks.

Grate 1x medium to large Carrot, chop up 1 cup of pumpkin seeds, add 1 Tablespoon of Olive oil - mix in a blender and add 1-2 drops (depending the size of your dog) of Oregano oil while blending. Take this paste and mash it with dog roll and feed to your dog.

Cats: Add 1 drop of organic Oregano essential oil to 1 x teaspoon of Olive oil and brush through the cats coat where he/she cleans her/himself. Repeat for 3 consecutive days every 6-8 weeks.

PS there are 200drops of 100% pure Oregano oil in each bottle.

Schnauzers can indeed be quite sensitive to fleas, and I completely understand your concern. I have two Black Russian Terriers, one of whom has inherited the Schnauzer traits and is particularly irritated by fleas, so I know firsthand how important it is to manage them effectively.

Here’s what I do to keep fleas under control:

1. Regular Washing – I bathe my dog every 10–14 days using a gentle, non-allergenic wash. In the final rinse, I add 5 drops of Eucalyptus Lemon essential oil to help repel fleas naturally.

2. Bedding & Mat Spray – Every other day, I spritz his bedding and resting areas with a natural flea-repellent spray that I make using:

• 10 drops Eucalyptus Lemon 

• 10 drops Eucalyptus Australiana

• 10 drops Lemon 

• Mix these pure organic essential oils into 500ml of water in a spritzer bottle

This lasts me about a month and helps keep fleas at bay in his environment.

3. Topical Flea Treatment – I blend 1 drop of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil with 15 drops (1ml) of Castor oil, which is thick and nourishing. I gently rub this mixture into the armpits and tummy—areas where fleas tend to congregate and breed.

4. Coat Maintenance – In between washes, I occasionally mist his coat with the spritzer and brush it through to provide ongoing protection.

These four simple steps have been effective in keeping fleas under control, and I hope they help you with your Schnauzer as well.

I hear the challenge in your household; we have all been there. My mum was going through menopause with two daughters in puberty, a challenging combo indeed.

A blend that most women swear by is “Woman’s Support”, a pure essential oil blend suitable for hormonal changes, puberty, and peri-menopause for balancing and supporting your hormones. You can easily use this blend:

Add it to a diffuser or the bath.

Rub 3-5 drops on the small of your back before sleep. Repeat every other night.

It is also helpful as a compress for period pain, especially if added to Castor Oil.

You might be interested in blending your hormonal blend yourself, and for this, inquire on our website for the most suitable single essential oils you can find. Use the search function, and you will discover some efficient suggestions.

For the other associated symptoms related to hormonal changes you pointed out, I suggest getting a little care kit:

Mood swings - Absolute Essential Uplift

Interrupted sleep patterns - Absolute Essential Deep Sleep

Bloating and aching - Absolute Essential Peppermint and Oregano compress in Castor oil

Headaches - Absolute Essential Head Ease and Absolute Essential Vitality

Also, consider taking a herbal blend, and be sure to include Dong Quai, as this is an excellent hormone tonic. A naturopath could assist you with a personlised formulation.

It's tough to be working and managing hormones all at the same time. One blend which we sell is designed for woman with exactly your concerns - Woman Support, a balancing and soothing essential oil blend to promote a sense of equilibrium and provide hormonal support for menstruation to menopause. For you I would recommend to place 5 drops to the small of your back (just above your buttocks) prior bedtime or add 10 drops to a therapeutic bath at night. This will slowly but surely balance your hormones.

Additionally I like to suggest a much acclaimed organic blend Stress Less to have around you at work and at home. It’s easy to use, add 1 drop to each pulse point on your wrists every couple of hours, this will assist you pretty much to instantly calm and assist you cope with whatever is in front of you to manage. Of course you could also add 10 drops to a diffuser, replenish every couple of hours, this way your entire environment is affected.

Try this and let us know if it helps, give it at least a full menstrual cycle and use every day for the most reliable effect.

It's tough to manage hormones as we head to the menopause years. One blend which we sell is designed for woman with exactly your concerns. Woman Support, a balancing and soothing essential oil blend to promote a sense of equilibrium and provide hormonal support for menstruation to menopause. For you I would recommend to place 5 drops to the small of your back (just above your buttocks) prior bedtime or add 10drops to a therapeutic bath at night. This will slowly but surely balance your hormones.

Making friends with your hormones is a challenge which continuously changes.

One blend which we sell is designed for woman with exactly your concerns. Woman Support, a balancing and soothing essential oil blend to promote a sense of equilibrium and provide hormonal support for menstruation to menopause.

For you I would recommend to place 5 drops to the small of your back (just above your buttocks) prior bedtime or add 10drops to a therapeutic bath at night. This will slowly but surely balance your hormones.

If you prefer single essential oils to blend your own I recommend these three superstars for female hormonal balance: 1. Clary Sage 2. Tarragon Geranium

And last not least the queen of flowers your pure Rose Oil J.

If you notice a lots of sugar cravings you could add 10-20 drops of our liquid and organic Evening Primrose Oil to your smoothie or a piece of bread and had 2x a day, amazing how quickly this simple trick works to vanish your cravings.

Making friends with your hormones is a challenge which continuously changes. One blend which we sell is designed for woman with exactly your concerns. Woman Support, a balancing and soothing essential oil blend to promote a sense of equilibrium and provide hormonal support for menstruation to menopause. For you I would recommend to place 5 drops to the small of your back (just above your buttocks) prior bedtime or add 10drops to a therapeutic bath at night. This will slowly but surely balance your hormones.

If you prefer single essential oils to blend your own I recommend these three superstars for female hormonal balance: 1. Clary Sage 2. Tarragon Geranium

And last not least the queen of flowers your pure Rose Oil J.

If you notice a lots of sugar cravings you could add 10-20 drops of our liquid and organic Evening Primrose Oil to your smoothie or a piece of bread and had 2x a day, amazing how quickly this simple trick works to vanish your cravings.

Such a huge concern when our tummy is sore and especially when it has grown to a state of inflammation and is affecting your bowels. I recommend the following focusing first on the healing of your stomach, which will take time especially if this condition has been with you for sometime:

1- Soothing and Cleansing:

I would highly recommend Chamomile Roman Floral Water (organic)

A hydrosol is made by capturing the steam during distillation, which is full of the plant's water-soluble compounds and therapeutic properties, making it a gentle and versatile alternative for various healthcare applications.  You also need Argyle Clay, this is a naturally detoxifying and alkalising fine white clay powder. It is especially restorative for a sensitive stomach and upset digestion, very anti-inflammatory. Go ahead and do the following for 10 days.

In the morning add 1 teaspoon to a glass of water, add 1 tablespoon of organic Chamomile Roman Floral water, stir and sip.

Repeat this 30 minutes prior every time you eat (including snacks). Your glass should be empty by the evening. I have just advised another customer of this recipe with similar symptoms who messaged me 3 days later “It’s working” - so give it a go. Once your tummy is settled we can start working on your bowels while continuing to heal your stomach.

Candida is a challenging condition to get ontop off.

It is great that you are already conscious of your diet.

I like to recommend for you to try 2 separate things.

Firstly let's make a treatment to help clear candida in the vagina. Please get yourself some Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel  and some Manuka essential oil Manuka Essential Oil

Absolute Essential’s Aloe Vera Gel is very different as it is organically certified and free of parabens and other nasties which might actually be irritating.

Take 1/2 teaspoon, add 1 drop of Manuka essential oil, mix well, take a small tampon (firm cotton) and role in the Aloe/Manuka mix and insert into the Vagina. Leave for no more than 2 hours, do not leave over night.

Repeat this daily until symptoms clear. 

I also like you to mix some white clay, charcoal powder and spirulina in a blender, add 10 drops of organic Oregano (7) Oregano Essential Oil and Manuka (3) essential oil slowly to every 100gm of power, blend well and fill some empty veggie caps (you get these at organic stores) with the powder, take 2-3 capsules before each meal. Repeat for at least 30 days.

Gut parasites can quietly disrupt health. When present, they may sap energy by affecting digestion, sleep, and immune balance. While essential oils don’t treat parasitic infections, they can enhance hygiene, calm the gut, and support rest while you seek professional guidance.

Here’s a simple routine to reinforce wellbeing

🌿 Hygiene against parasites

• Wash hands with soap and water regularly; keep nails short. Use Purify: Hand Sanitiser when away from a basin.

• Evening soak (cleanses skin/folds): stir 10 drops into 1 cup Epsom salts: Tea Tree Essential Oil 3, Manuka Essential Oil 2, Lavender Spike Essential Oil 5. Add to hot water for a 10–15 minute bath or foot soak.

🌼 Digestive health (bloating & cramps)

• 10 mL tummy blend (~5%): Jojoba Oil: Golden 10 mL + Ginger Essential Oil 3 drops + Peppermint Essential Oil 5 drops + Chamomile Roman: Pure Essential Oil 2 drops.

Massage clockwise around the navel for 3 minutes, once or twice daily.

Pregnant, sensitive skin, or children? Use Baby Tummy.

• Gentle support (optional): add 1 Tbsp Chamomile Roman Water to a glass of water, 30 minutes before meals, for up to 10 days. Also soothing after meals if suffering from indigestion. 

🌱 Prevention & treatment focus (adult only)

• Oregano oil: add 1–2 drops to salad dressing, green salsa, or a morning green smoothie. Ensure 100% pure, certified organic, food-grade essential oil.

• Formidable digestive formula: blend 1 Tbsp green powders + 1 tsp argyle clay + 1 tsp charcoal powder (dry), then slowly add 100% pure certified organic essential oils: Oregano Essential Oil 3 drops, Peppermint Essential Oil 2 drops, Kanuka Essential Oil 5 drops.

Fill vegiecaps with the fortified powder. Refill for no more than 3 days; take 3 capsules prior to every meal for 3 days.

• As the gut settles and parasites are addressed, many people notice a “cleaning out” effect—calmer digestion, steadier sleep, and clearer daytime energy.

Safety & when to check in

• Do not ingest essential oils unless recommended by your health professional. Avoid eyes and mucosa. Patch test topicals.

• Pregnancy, children, or sensitive skin: use half-strength dilutions and products with the Mother & Child logo.

• Seek medical review for ongoing diarrhoea (>3–4 days), blood/mucus in stool, fever, dehydration, weight loss, severe pain, or recent travel with gut symptoms (stool test may be indicated).

Digestive issues are challenging as they can affect you every day, so let’s see if we can make a difference with these products and recipes.

External tummy application (gentle and practical):

Tummy massage: in a 10 ml bottle of certified organic Castor oil (Castor Oil: Virgin) add Peppermint 2 drops (Peppermint Essential Oil) + Fennel Sweet 1 drop (Fennel Sweet Essential Oil) + Ginger 1 drop (Ginger Essential Oil) (about 2%). Massage clockwise around the navel for 1–2 minutes after meals or as needed. Overnight you can add 10 drops of this blend into your navel and place a sticky plaster on it; leave overnight. This is an ancient Ayurvedic method which can make a profound difference within a short period of time.

Optional: apply gentle warmth (wheat bag on tummy) for 5–10 minutes in the evening before bedtime.

Guidance for internal use of Hydrosols:

Peppermint Hydrosol (certified organic): 1 tablespoon in a glass of water, sipped after a meal to encourage digestion.

If you suffer from indigestion, Chamomile Roman Hydrosol (certified organic) can also help (Chamomile Roman Water).

All our pure Hydrosols deriving from therapeutic quality essential oil steam distillations are very safe and super gentle.

About ingesting essential oils (use with care):

Our essential oils are certified organic and food certified; however, internal use should be considered carefully.

Except for cold-pressed citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Orange), never take essential oils in plain water – all others are not water soluble and it is a myth that this medium is a safe dilution method.

Bo’s Fortified digestion capsules (adult use only):

As a note I have used this recipe while travelling the world visiting some super suspicious countries for tummy bugs and as I have often stayed with local farmers eating their foods, these capsules have protected me from many belly upsets and prepared my digestion to cope with unaccustomed biomes.

In a blender: 1 tablespoon Spirulina + 1 tablespoon Activated Charcoal + 1 tablespoon White Argyle French Clay + 1 tablespoon any Greens or Veggie Powders.

While blending, gently add 2 drops each of organic Peppermint, Oregano, and Kanuka essential oils (Peppermint Essential Oil, Oregano Essential Oil, Kanuka Essential Oil).

Fill empty veggie caps (available online or at a health store) with the blended powder. Take 3 before each meal for 6 weeks, then take a 1-week break and reassess. Do not use if pregnant or immuno-compromised.

Safety notes (please read):

Prefer hydrosols for oral use; they are the gentlest option.

Essential oils are highly concentrated; Oregano is particularly strong and Kanuka has limited internal-use data (even though I believe it’s an undiscovered superpower) – keep to the small dispersed dose described.

Activated charcoal can bind medications and nutrients: separate by at least 3 hours from any meds or supplements.

Clay: use only edible/purified clay (French Argyle Clay); hydrate well and monitor for constipation.

Stop immediately if you experience burning, reflux worsening, cramping, nausea, or unusual symptoms.

If you have GERD/reflux, gallbladder/bile issues, or take important medications, seek advice from a qualified health professional familiar with aromatherapy before internal use.

Thank you for your question – ongoing dyspepsia and too much acid in the stomach can feel really uncomfortable and draining. The aim here is to soothe and protect your digestion, while easing that “hot, sour, unsettled” feeling both before and after meals.

Here’s a gentle plan you can start tonight:

Internal support before meals

(Chamomile & Rose water + White Argyle Clay)

At least 30 minutes before a meal:

Add to a glass of warm water:

• 1 tablespoon of organic Chamomile Roman Water
• 1 tablespoon of organic Rose Water
• 1 teaspoon of Clay Powder: White Argyle

Stir well and sip slowly.

This combination gently supports your digestive lining, helps absorb excess acidity, and can bring a calmer, more settled feeling into the upper abdomen before you eat.

Support if you feel uncomfortable after a meal

(Peppermint for cooling and settling)

If you feel uncomfortable after a meal:

• Add 1 drop of organic Peppermint Essential Oil to 1/8 teaspoon of honey in a clean mouth.
• Hold under your tongue for 60 seconds, then swallow.

At the same time:

• Rub 2–3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil onto the solar plexus – the spot where the ribs meet in the centre of your chest/upper abdomen.

This offers both internal cooling and external soothing to the area that often feels tight or burning with dyspepsia.

A few safety notes

• Keep all essential oils away from eyes and any broken or irritated skin.
• Essential oils used internally should always be:
• 
  
• high-quality, pure, and used exactly as directed, and
• stopped immediately if you notice any irritation, nausea, or discomfort.
• If you have existing medical conditions, are on regular medication, or if symptoms are severe, worsening, or associated with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, black or bloody stools, or persistent vomiting, please seek prompt medical review. Those are red flags that need a doctor’s care.
• Ongoing or very frequent acid symptoms should always be discussed with your GP, as you may need additional testing or treatment alongside natural support.
• 
  

Our sense of smell is always “on,” so scent in your space is powerful — and hard to ignore.

Synthetic fragrance often contains undisclosed chemicals linked to headaches, asthma, and skin issues. Fragranced products can affect indoor air and are a top cause of dermatitis.

Natural essential oils work differently — they travel straight to the brain’s mood and memory centres, offering fast, therapeutic effects. As I say: “Scent is the only medicine you can apply directly to the brain.”

Quick, safe swaps:

• Diffuse essential oil blends for sleep, focus or freshness.

• Use unscented lotion or oil with 1–2 drops of essential oil for calm or mood balance.

• Try a pulse-point roller for focus on the go.

Stay safe: Less is more. Always patch test. Adjust for kids, sensitive skin or pregnancy.

Start small — and let natural scent support your wellbeing like it has done for 1000’s of years.

Here at Absolute Essential we work really hard to ensure that we live our lives being the most sustainable that we can. We have an Untouched range - Body Lotion, Body Oil, Body Hydration and Face Cream which are all simply the 'base' cream for you to add your favourite essential oils to. For example for face moisturiser you could add Frankincense or Rose to the Untouched: Face Cream, with the Untouched: Body Hydration you could add Grapefruit for moisturising your legs etc. There are many different options you could choose when using the Untouched range or simply a carrier oil and adding the essential oils to it - you would take into consideration what area of the body you are wanting to moisturise and add the relevant oils.

We only miss our sense of smell when it is gone and life becomes dull as we actually rely on our sense organs for so many things in our daily life, from tasting our food to smelling our loved ones to even identifying dangers like a fire…

Last week I came across an interesting documentary about the scent of smell and how to re-educate our nose once we have lost it. You might find this insightful. To answer your first question, yes even though you might not be able to identify the scent you are experiencing you will still receive the therapeutic benefit from the organic essential oils as the fine molecules enter the body not only via the olfactory system but also via the lungs and epidermis. The documentary explained how we can re-educate our nose to identify certain scent. If you would take a common scent eg a slice of lemon, or garlic and take 10 minutes in the morning and in the evening to really smell this, little repetitive sniffs like a rabbit, repeat daily, add new scent when you can identify the objects via your sense of smell. Essential oil bottles are excellent for this exercise. Your observation is correct that if you cannot smell much it is difficult to link your study of essential oil to a personal experience however if you are comparing this with the study of vitamins, minerals or homeopathic for example which none of this has a scent, you would neither have an experiential learning.

House cleansing: You mean cleansing the air of your home with? Yes you can use a Diffuser (or several for a larger house) to do this, I love a simple blend of 2/3 organic Lemon and 1/3 Sage essential oil as it does a few things all at ones, it cleanses energetically but also disinfects and leaves a very uplifting happy smell.

Cold/Flu: You could also use a diffuser to treat a cold and flu but in my opinion nothing beats a hot bath. So either add 10 drops of Immune Care or Breathe Well to your diffuser or your hot bath with a cup of Epsom Salt, soak for no longer then 15 min. You can also rub 5 drops of the blend on each foot before you go to bed so the oils can work their magic while you sleep.

I love it when our teenagers think into the future :). Essential oils are such a pure and honest way of perfuming our bodies. 

The questions you are asking around this topic are very relevant.

In fact I am so passionate about utilising essential oils as perfumes that I did actually design and present a Webinar on this topic alone. The recording is still available online. In the webinar you find a list of recommended and safe essential oils to use as well as recipes which teaches you around the proportions and so much more you need to know. 

Healing Perfume

This subject is so large and a short synopsis does not really do it justice but a quick answer to your most important question of safety - most importantly and I think you already know this stay away from synthetic (manmade) scent - they are endocrine disruptors and avoid Citrus oils as they may contain a photosensitive compound which could discolour the skin.

So firstly select what smells good (its a perfume and should make you feel good) and secondly find the essential oils from Absolute Essential which display the Mother & Child safe logo, these are great for beginners and much more gentle on the skin. 

And thirdly you can either use Jojoba (golden) Jojoba Oil: Golden as a base as it is a liquid wax and will not go rancid or Ethanol - best to go for our food grade and certified organic ethanol Ethanol. A third effective base for perfumes you might like to consider is our certified organic Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel  as it is non-greasy nor does it contain alcohol.

And not to forget the selection of precious essential oils like Rose, Neroli, Sandalwood, Jasmine or the more common scents we all love like Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass and for the more adventurous you could start playing with intriguing scent like Immortella, Pepper black or Cardamon… The possibilities are endless. 

And if your daughter gets into it you could expect some very nice presents in the future from her creations… :)

Floral waxes are an intriguing and lesser-known part of the natural fragrance and cosmetics industry. It is correct in linking the origins of floral wax to the ancient and traditional method of enfleurage. This technique, used primarily to extract delicate flower scents, dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed to be utilized for both perfumery and medicinal purposes. The method was refined and perfected in the French region of Grasse in the 18th and 19th centuries, where it became a hallmark of high-quality perfume production.

The enfleurage process involves placing fresh flower petals onto a layer of fat (plant based), where the fat absorbs the essential oils over time. The fat is then mixed with alcohol to separate the oils, creating a fragrant extract. However, due to the labor-intensive nature of this method, it gradually fell out of favour with the rise of more efficient extraction techniques, such as solvent extraction, which allowed for higher yields and faster processing times, albeit with some compromise in quality and nasty residues.

The floral waxes themselves, which remain after the essential oils have been extracted, are rich in plant-based compounds and hold a unique texture. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as in skincare formulations, lip balms, and even candles, where their subtle floral aroma adds a luxurious touch.

Floral waxes, especially those derived from flowers like jasmine, rose, and tuberose, are still highly valued today, even if their extraction methods have evolved. They continue to be used in premium products, where their complex and delicate scent profiles cannot be replicated by synthetic alternatives.

While the history of floral wax may not be as well-documented as other natural products, the use of floral waxes remains an enduring symbol of the connection between nature and the luxury beauty industry.

You’re right to take mould seriously. Spores and by-products can irritate airways and trigger allergies, headaches, and sinus issues. Moisture control and cleaning come first; certified organic essential oils can then help freshen the air and support a healthier indoor environment. (Certified organic - grown and extracted without synthetic chemicals - ensures you get the cleanest, most potent oil possible)

Simple, safe plan

• Fix moisture first: Ventilate daily, dehumidify, repair leaks. Wipe visible mould on hard, non-porous surfaces with white vinegar; dry thoroughly.

• Diffuse to freshen air: Add 10 drops of Purify: Air Cleanser Essential Oil Blend to your Diffuser. Run 30–60 minutes, 1–3×/day, especially after cleaning and when rooms feel musty.

• Targeted oils:

– Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata), Eucalyptus Australiana (Eucalyptus radiata), Lemon (Citrus limon), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).

Try one of these blends in the diffuser (10 drops total):

– Tea Tree 4 + Lemongrass 3 + Lemon 3, or

– Eucalyptus Australiana 5 + Clove Bud 2 + Lemon 3.

• Quick surface option (hard, non-porous): For tiles, window sills, or ceilings: add 10 drops Clove Bud + 5 drops Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol) to a damp paper cloth (in soapy water or vinegar), wipe, then dispose of the cloth and ventilate. Once mould is removed, consider Purify: Cleansing Spray on surfaces to reduce lingering odour.

• Bedrooms & children/pets: Diffuse in an empty room, then air for 10 minutes before re-entry (for babies’ rooms, air for 1+ hour). Keep doors ajar so animals can come and go.

Explore the Purify range and breathe cleaner today!