Essential Oils

Essentials oils are usually stem distilled under pressure using special equipment. The can be produced from various plant parts: flowers, leaves, stems, bark, wood, roots, and seeds. The properties as well as the aroma of the oil, even from the same plant, may differ markedly. For purposes of moldherbs.com, we may use cinnamon as an example. We use only the finest, therapeutic grade oil from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Distilling bark is a much more expensive and labor-intensive process than using the leaves, but we do not sell cinnamon leaf oil, but this is typically what is used in the fragrances to make candles and soap.

Properly produced essential oils are very strong and are used by the drop, not more. Some oils can be more irritating, but not everyone has the same sensitivity so testing on the skin may be appropriate before using in the mouth.

Oils can be added to carriers such as almond, black seed, jojoba, or olive oil. The amount to use is about 1-2 drops per 5 ml. or 8-12 drops per ounce of carrier. This can vary, but the oils are generally efficacious even when very diluted. Oils can be added to skin lotions, shampoo, and certain gels. For instance, one can put a few drops into an aloe vera gel and use this oil for itchiness associated with jock itch and ringworm.

Some oils should not be swallowed except in truly tiny amounts. Of the antifungal oils, the two that are not intended for internal use are eucalyptus and tea tree. True, if one diffuses essential oil, a certain amount will be inhaled and this will have some effect on the lungs and eventually the blood stream, but exposure to the diffuser blend should be restricted to five minutes at a time and probably no more than 3-5 times per day at a distance of six feet from the diffuser. With tea tree, some oil will be absorbed through the skin. This is very easy to prove by applying a tiny amount to the soft tissue in the arch of the bottom of the foot. Wait to see when you have a distinct sensation that you can taste the tea tree.

Many antifungal oils are also antimicrobial, but unlike most herbs, their action is directly on the organisms so beneficial bacteria will also be harmed. For this reason, very judicious use is counseled, meaning use only as much as needed and avoid excessive zeal.

Sensitivity to oil varies enormously. For example, some people will experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain oils but rarely to all. Therefore, it pays to test each oil on a tiny spot to observe sensitivity. Since oil and water do not mix well, washing off the oil is rarely as effective as using something like yoghurt or even milk to reduce the irritation.

Many people find cinnamon oil irritating. Our experience is that the quality of oils varies so being sensitive to one brand does not necessarily mean that one would be sensitive to a purer distillation of the same species of plant. Some oils are contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breast feeding. Some should be avoided by pre-pubescent boys who at risk for conditions usually associated with girls. People with estrogen sensitivity should read all the warnings before exposing oneself to oils.

Please keep in mind that many products sold as essential oils are diluted and some are fragrances, not essential oils. Please use the oils very carefully since safety varies from one oil to another as well as one person to another.

None of our oils are diluted so they are very potent. This is why we provide the oil in very small bottles. We are gradually sourcing as many oils as possible that are beyond organic, meaning they are biodynamic and ecocertified.

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