Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) essential oil 

Due to its high level of cinnamic aldehyde please use caution when using this oil. It has historically been used in the flavoring industry and studies that have shown its very beneficial properties, as detailed above, have been with oral use. This oil makes a very good antiseptic mixed with water or in a diffuser. It is, however, one of the strongest skin irritants and skin sensitizers in the field of aromatherapy. Previously most aromatherapists, including myself, would tell you to never, ever use this oil topically. However, after listening to a webinar by Robert Tisserand, who wrote the classic textbook on aromatherapy safety, said that it could possibly be used because of how highly antibacterial it was but at no greater than 0.5% usage. His book has stated that it is "not useful for aromatherapy", but he did change his view point during this webinar. I would say do not use it without the guidance of a qualified, trained clinical aromatherapist. Having seen so many horrible wounds and so many cases of MRSA during my nursing career, I have to be excited about the possibilities of this particular essential oil and hope to do some studies in the near future. For what it's worth - and I think it's worth a lot - China has been using this essential oil medicinally for several thousands of years. They are so far ahead of us where healthcare is concerned.

Also please note: If used concurrently with any other anti-platelet and/or anti-coagulant medications this essential may increase the risk of bleeding. 

Oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare)

Undiluted, pure aromatherapy grade. Do not use internally without first consulting with a qualified healthcare professional and this oil should be diluted with carrier oil prior to use. This particular essential oil is often sold in health food stores diluted with other ingredients. The oil we offer here is not diluted and is not adulterated with other ingredients. Due to its high content of the chemical constitutent Carvacrol, this oil will inhibit platelet aggregation, which means it decreases the bloods natural ability to clot. So do not use prior to surgery and or immediately following surgery. And do not use if you are currently on any other blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin. 

HIGHLY IRRITATING TO THE SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES. I have on occasion, accidentally, touched the side of the bottle when putting it away and there may have been a drop on the outside of the bottle. I then put my hand to my mouth and it hurt - a lot! I had to immediately wash my entire face and hands. I should and usually do remember to whip the outside of the bottles and wash my hands thoroughly after pouring any oils - but especially this oil. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN - PLEASE!!

Please see our disclaimer. You will find additional in-depth information in our Essential Oil Database along with research information (under construction)

Peppermint essential oil is widely used and because of this, often misrepresented as being completely safe. It is safe when used diluted and with knowledge of cautions that apply to this oil. I was happy to see that the National Association of International Aromatherapists (NAHA) has felt it necessary to post a position statement on their website due to adverse events caused by perhaps well-meaning sellers of essential oils who know little to nothing about safely using essential oils. Here is NAHA's statement:

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): relieves nausea, analgesic for muscular aches and pains, relieves/reduces migraines, energizing, antispasmodic, do not use on children under 30 months of age

NAHA Safety Note for Peppermint Essential Oil:

- Avoid use on children under 30 months of age. The nasal mucosa is an autonomic reflexogen organ, which has a distance action to the heart, lungs and circulation and may lead to sudden apnoea and glottal constriction.

- Direct application of peppermint oil to the nasal area or chest to infants should be avoided because of the risk of apnea, laryngeal and bronchial spasms, acute respiratory distress with cyanosis and respiratory arrest. (The Longwood Herbal Task Force)

- Do not apply undiluted peppermint essential oils to the feet, particularly on infants and children under the age of 12.

- Inhalation of larges doses of menthol may lead to dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, nausea and double vision. (Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Peppermint oil. Evidence based monograph 2005; Medlineplus)

The information below has been taken from the European Medicines Agency: ASSESSMENT REPORT ON MENTHA X PIPERITA L., AETHEROLEUM

- When used orally, it may cause heartburn, perianal burning, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. Heartburn is related with the release of the oil in the upper GI tract, which relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, facilitating the reflux. The same occurs in the cases of hiatal hernia. This particular undesirable effect is minimized by an appropriate pharmaceutical formulation.  **Peppermint essential oil should always be in an enteric-coated tablet or capsule for internal use.

- People with gallbladder disease, severe liver damage, gallstones and chronic heartburn should avoid the intake of peppermint oil.

- Menthol and peppermint oil caused burning mouth syndrome, recurrent oral ulceration or a lichenoid reaction, by contact sensitivity in the intra-oral mucosa, in sensitive patients.

- When applied on the skin, it may cause allergic reactions, as skin rashes, contact dermatitis and eye irritation.

- Use in infants or children is not recommended, when inhaled, taken by mouth or if applied on open skin areas, on the face or chest, due to the potential toxicity of the product.

- Peppermint oil should be used with caution. Doses of menthol over 1 g/Kg b.w. may be deadly.

For further research articles see:

A near fatal case of high dose peppermint oil ingestion- Lessons learnt

Acute allergic contact dermatitis of the lips from peppermint oil in a lip balm.

Immune Enhancer blend - newly reformulated to be even more effective. This blend contains clove and cinnamon, both of which are high in the chemical constitutent Eugenol which is an anticoagulant. That means they thin the blood, so should not be used with anyone who is presently on other blood thinners, either pharmaceuticals such as Coumadin or Plavix, over-the-counter, or supplement such as Nattokinase. Also do not use prior to or immediately following surgery. Keep all essential oil bottles tightly closed when not in use, leave dropper cap in place, and keep out of reach of children or pets. DO NOT USE THIS BLEND UNDILUTED. INTENDED FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

This blend can be used as simply as placing a couple drops onto a tissue and sniffing the aroma-therapy. They are very effective when used in our ultrasonic diffuser that is adequately described here. This blend also contains some oils known to be skin irritants; however, this blend when diluted can safely and effectively be used as a chest rub, back rub or foot rub. I don't recommend this blend as a full massage blend. As little as 2 drops in one ounce of carrier vegetable oil is sufficient.  We also find it very effective to use this, or any of our blends or oils, in our personal nasal inhaler soon to be added to the website. These are very convenient as they are the size of a lip balm and can be carried easily in your pocket or purse.

See our Essential Oil Database (currently under construction) and our Disclaimer page for more information.

Cold and Flu #2 Blend

Is for those who are on blood thinners or prior to or after surgery. We have formulated this blend for those who may be on blood thinners or are getting ready for or have recently had surgery. Although this blend contains cinnamon leaf, which contains a large percentage of the chemical constituent Eugenol and is a potent blood thinner, we have reduced the percentage of cinnamon leaf and have completely left off clove bud and clove leaf, both of which also contain a high percentage of Eugenol. We believe this makes this blend a much better choice for anyone on blood thinners such as aspirin, Nattokinase, Coumadin, or Plavix. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Asthma sufferers - please take note. Although the research shows that Eucalyptus globulus is an effective essential oil for you, please note that when using this blend, the single oil or any blend containing Eucalytpus, be mindful that you do not directly inhale the oil as it may elicit a cough reflex which could trigger an asthma attack. We have also formulated our Breathe Easy blend which is also very effective for inflammation and lung discomfort experienced by asthma sufferers, but not as effective in fighting cold and flu bacteria and viruses.

As with any essential oil or new product, we ask that you do a patch test on the inner aspect of your elbow by putting a drop of oil that has been diluted in your choice of vegetable oil onto your skin, cover it with a bandaid and wait 24 hrs to see if you have any redness, itching or inflammatory reaction. The oils in this blend are inherently skin irritants, so they must be properly diluted prior to use. Our recommendation is 1 to 2 drops from the dropper cap bottle to 1 oz or 3 tsp of vegetable oil. This oil may be added directly to your ultrasonic diffuser and we recommend 5 to 10 drops per 24 hours.

This blend and our regular Cold and Flu blends are very beneficial for cold and flu symptoms. We like to use them as chest rubs, back rubs and foot rubs. Did you know that your feet are one of the best places to put your essential oil mixture for the best absorption? It's true. Cover your chest, back and/or feet after applying for enhanced absorption and reduced evaporation of the oils. You can use any vegetable oil you choose. Please do not use occluding oils such as animal-based oils, lanolin, vasoline, or mineral oil. These will not allow for good absorption of the essential oils. We also highly recommend that topical application be augmented with the use of the ultrasonic diffuser.

As as always, please see our disclaimer here.

Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

Due to the high levels of the chemical constituent Eugenol, cinnamon leaf essential oil should not be used by anyone who is currently on blood thinning medications, including over-the-counter or supplements such as Nattokinase. It also should not be used prior to surgery or following surgery - just as your doctor will tell you to stop taking your aspirin. This oil is also a strong skin irritant, meaning that it should never be put directly on the skin unless properly diluted.

Please see our Disclaimer, our Essential Oil Database and our Safety and Caution statements.