THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY

An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. Essential oils give plants their distinctive smells, protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and their beautiful fragrance, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment and health-care practices.

Essential oils are volatile compounds because they are small organic molecules that tend to change quickly from their solid or liquid state to a gas at room temperature. They are called volatile because they change state quickly. When you first open a bottle of essential oil, you instantly notice that the aroma is potent and you can smell it typically even from some distance. The physical and chemical properties of the volatile aromatic compounds that compose essential oils allow them to quickly move through the air and directly interact with the sensors in the nose. These unique properties make essential oils ideal for applications in aromatherapy as well as in other applications. The type of volatile aromatic compounds present in an essential oil determines both the oil’s aroma and the benefits it offers.

Conatural is dedicated to producing essential oils from the highest-quality plants. Healthy plants and proper distillation produce superior essential oils with powerful benefits. Every oil is put through a series of rigorous tests before it is deemed qualified to bear the Conatural label. Our essential oils are then bottled in dark, thick, glass containers to protect their integrity. You can actually smell the quality of our oils!

Many oils, touted as essential oils, are derived with harsh chemicals, diluted, or copied and produced in a lab. Cheap copies bring cheap results and have the potential to be toxic. Therefore, it is imperative to take great care in choosing high-quality essential oils.

DISCLAIMER & SAFETY GUIDELINES:

Customers may purchase Essential Oils from Conatural only with the clear understanding that all Essential Oils must be used at their own discretion and only after referring to relevant technical information specific to each essential oil provided by a qualified health care professional. Conatural shall not be held responsible for any damages to property or for any adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm). We are providing general usage guidelines, however this information should not be used as a substitute for medical counselling with a health care professional. Individuals with serious illnesses should consult a qualified health care professional before using essential oils. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Do not use essential oils if you are pregnant without consulting with your doctor. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and we do not recommend using them on children unless directed by your health care practitioner or a qualified aromatherapy specialist.

No claims are made as to any medicinal value of these formulas, products or oils. Products, information and descriptions presented here are for educational purposes of the traditional uses of essential oils only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent so it is important that they are kept out of reach of children, the elderly and pets. Conatural’s Essential Oils are not recommended for ingestion except while under the care and direction of a qualified health practitioner. Avoid contact with mucus membranes and eyes. If any essential oils have contacted your eye, wash out with a vegetable oil such as Olive oil (not water).

Some oils may cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin. It is recommended to perform a patch test before use. To patch test, place one drop on the back of your wrist and leave for an hour or more. If irritation or redness occurs wash the area with olive oil, then cold water and do not use the oil. The following oils should never be used on the skin without dilution: Basil, Black Pepper, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Oregano, Peppermint, Myrrh and Pine.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

SKIN IRRITANTS:
Some essential oils may cause skin irritation in some individuals. We always recommend that a patch test be performed before use of any oils. At Conatural, we always recommend diluting essential oils with carrier oils before use (see Topical Use section ahead).

SKIN SENSITISERS:
Some individuals may experience a heightened sensitivity and allergic reaction to some essential oils. These oils have a higher tendency to produce a sensitisation
reaction: Lemon, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree.

SUN SENSITISATION:
Some essential oils, especially those of the citrus family, may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun and UV light. If using these oils, avoid sunlight and UV light exposure of the treated area for 12-24 hours: Bergamot, Lemon, Neroli and Sweet Orange.

USING CONATURAL’S ESSENTIAL OILS:

Whilst essential oils have many uses, as novice users, you can follow the guidelines below:

AROMATIC:
One way to experience the benefits of essential oils is aromatically, or by breathing them in. Using essential oils aromatically can offer many benefits; however, it can be particularly helpful for improving or managing mood. Depending on the chemical structure of an essential oil, it may provide invigorating or uplifting effects, or it might produce calming or soothing feelings.

ROOM AIR SPRAY:
Dilute 50 drops in 100ml of pure water in a spray top bottle. Spray in the air as a room freshener.

VAPOURISER/DIFFUSER:
Add 6-8 drops in water over a candle lit diffuser or add 6-8 drops to the water in a electric vapouriser.

TOPICAL USE:
Applying essential oils topically is a safe, effective way to yield the benefits that essential oils hold for the skin and other aspects of the human body. Due to their chemical makeup, essential oils can easily penetrate the skin and offer a localised benefit to the applied area. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Carrier oils are lipid-based substances that can be used to dilute essential oils. The carrier oil will help to ‘carry’ your essential oil to the desired area. Examples of carrier oils are Coconut oil, Almond oil, Jojoba oil, Sweet Apricot oil and Olive oil, etc. These allow you to effectively apply an essential oil topically without altering the potency of the oil. When you dilute an essential oil, it enhances absorption by increasing the surface area of absorption and also helps prevent skin sensitivities.

COMPRESS:
Add 6 drops of essential oil to 9 oz. of water. Use ice water for cold compresses and warm water for hot ones. First pour the water into a bowl and then add the oil. Saturate a clean piece of unbleached muslin (or similar cloth, such as clean cotton) in the mixture, wring out, and apply.

BATH:
Add 6-8 drops to a bath filled with warm water and soak.

MASSAGE:
Mix 10 drops in every 2 tsp. of carrier oil and massage over effected area.

NEAT:
Apply 1 drop directly onto skin. (Not all essential oils can be applied directly to skin. Please read our Safety Guidelines on the last page of this booklet for details).

PILLOW:
Apply 1 drop to either side of a pillow before sleeping.

TISSUE/HANKY:
Apply 1-2 drops directly on a cloth, tissue or hanky and inhale as required.