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      Aromatherapy & Do-It-Yourself Recipes — Essential Oils

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      Do Essential Oils Have an Expiration Date?

      Do Essential Oils Have an Expiration Date?

      Do your essential oils have an expiration date? The short answer is, 'Yes'. While the quality of an essential oil can vary from company to company based on many factors, once we open our bottle, all oils degrade the same way, some faster than others. The main factors that cause oil degradation are oxidation due to persistent opening and closing, warm temperatures, and sunlight. 

      Every time we open our essential oils, they are susceptible to oxidation. Over time, oxidation does not only decrease the therapeutic, chemical constituents inside each essential oil, but it can also be a catalyst for the formation of harmful chemicals within the oils, too. Certain oils oxidize faster than others, especially those that are high in monoterpenes. What can we do to slow the oxidation process down? Ensuring lids are seated tightly a top of bottles, only opening for short periods of time, decanting half empty bottles into smaller vessels with less oxygen inside, and adding natural antioxidants, such as rosemary antioxidant or mixed tocopherols to our essential oils can slow the oxidation process. 

      Temperature and light can also quicken the degradation process of our oils. Oils do not like heat or sunlight, so this must be considered when we are storing them. We recommend storing oils in the fridge, in a closed container to avoid contamination, for extended shelf life. Because we have learned that temperature change from the fridge to room temperature does not negatively affect the essential oils, we recommend fridge storage for all. While amber bottles provide the strongest UV protection, if bottles are stored in a dark place, glass type does not really matter. 

      So, when is it time to say farewell to our oils? Signs of oxidation include colour change, increased viscosity, and a change in the overall odour. Typically, most essential oils will expire 2 years after the bottle is opened. With this fact in mind, dating oils after opening and batching out our recipes accordingly will help us to not waste these precious plant medicines. A safe way to dispose of any expired essential oils is by returning them to the earth from which they were created. You can safely pour oils into a dug hole in the ground and cover with soil, without harming the environment, and recycle your bottles as you see fit. 

      Ensuring we are using fresh, properly stored oils is the best way to reap the full therapeutic benefits of our essential oils in the safest possible way. So, we’ve dug our hole, ridded our collection of expired oils, and we are getting a bigger fridge! Happy blending and stay safe.

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      What's in Your Medicine Cabinet 1?

      What's in Your Medicine Cabinet 1?

      Did you know…

      Niaouli is the #1 essential oil for sinus congestion, exuding decongestant properties even stronger than Eucalyptus? High in oxides, Niaouli is a superb stimulant and expectorant making it  a must have for cough and cold season!

      Quick Recipe for Topical Application:

      In a 10 ml roller bottle, combine 10 drops of Niaouli with your favourite carrier oil creating a 5% solution.  Apply to the forehead and cheeks to alleviate sinus congestion.

      OR

      Create a synergistic blend using 4 drops of Niaouli, 3 drops of Eucalyptus and 3 drops of Lavender with your favourite carrier oil in a 10 ml roller bottle and BREATHE DEEPLY.

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      Aromas Therapy and Skincare

      Aromas Therapy and Skincare

      Back in March 2021 we held a Facebook Live workshop focusing on the basics of natural skincare for different skin types using combinations of essential oils and natural carrier oils.

      To watch the actual video to get all of the information please follow this link.

      As we get older, hormonal changes, heredity, and the aging process begin to change the texture of our skin. We need to consider our individual skin type and take care of it in order to keep it at its best for as long as possible. Essential oils carry many healing benefits for all types of ailments of the skin. The first step in creating a personalized skin care regime that will work for you is to determine what kind of skin type you have.

      NORMAL SKIN

      Normal skin is fine-textured, smooth and soft, with no apparent large pores, blackheads, blemishes, flaking, or broken veins. Steps should still be taken to protect normal skin from environmental irritants by using light and gentle moisturizers, cleansers, and toners.

      Essential Oils: Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosewood

      OILY SKIN

      An easy test to determine if you have oily skin is to press a tissue to your face first thing in the morning. If it captures quite a bit of oil all over then you should look into skin care regimes designed for oily skin. Because the pores become blocked with excessive sebum, oily skin is coarsely textured, with visible large pores. It has a tendency toward blackheads and blemishes. The upside of having oily skin is that it is less prone to wrinkles than dry or normal skin. Also, it will become less oily as you get older. It is a mistake to use harsh soaps and strong, alcohol heavy astringents to try to control excessive oiliness. These products tend to stimulate the skin to produce more sebum, so over the long term, they will likely make matters worse. In general, oily skin needs an oil-free moisturizer, except around the eyes, lips, and throat, where richer moisturizing is required. Oily skin benefits from regular masks and steams to unblock pores and prevent blackheads from forming.

      Essential Oils: Basil, Cedarwood, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Grapefreuit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Petitgrain, Ylang ylang

      COMBINATION SKIN

      Combination skin is a mixture of normal or dry and oily skin (T-zone). You may have a tendency toward blackheads around your nose and pimples on your forehead or chin. There are often small oily areas along the jaw line as well. A skincare program for this type of skin should combine remedies for both oily and normal or oily and dry skin, depending on your particular combination.

      Essential Oils for oily and normal or oily and dry skin can be used in combination.

      DRY SKIN

      Dry skin is fine-textured, delicate, and thin, with a tendency to line easily. For many people with dry skin, washing with soap and water makes their face feel as though it is going to crack. Cleansing creams and lotions are preferable alternatives. If you have dry skin, use masks and steams with great care, as they may encourage broken veins, to which dry skin can be prone. Neroli and rose hydrolats are excellent toners for dry skin.

      Essential Oils: Balsam, Benzoin, Bergamot, Carrot seed, Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood

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