Essential Oils 101

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the concentrated essence of plants, most often made through steam distillation or cold pressing. Each oil contains natural chemical constituents that give it its aroma and therapeutic qualities. Because everyone responds differently, we at Harmony Naturals list the main constituents in every oil for transparency and safety.

Plants create these essences to attract pollinators, defend against disease, and protect themselves—essentially acting as their immune system. In essential oil form, they can offer similar benefits to our health and well-being.

From Lavender blossoms to Grapefruit peels and Cedarwood trees, each oil carries the unique character of its source. Carefully sourced from around the world, our essential oils are pure, potent, and designed to support balance in your everyday life.

Wait—What About Carrier Oils?

People often wonder: Are carrier oils the same as essential oils? The short answer is no—they serve very different purposes.

• Essential Oils – Highly potent, aromatic extracts from flowers, woods, peels, and other plant parts. They evaporate quickly and can irritate skin when applied undiluted.

• Carrier Oils – Mild, nourishing base oils such as Jojoba, Argan, Coconut, Apricot Kernel, or Sweet Almond that dilute essential oils and “carry” them into the skin safely.

Because essential oils are so concentrated, carrier oils make them safer, gentler, and more effective for topical use. Blending the two not only prevents irritation but also helps essential oils absorb beautifully into the skin.

How to Use Essential Oils

Using essential oils doesn’t need to feel complicated. Start by exploring different aromas and noticing which ones you naturally connect with. Do you feel drawn to sweet florals like Ylang Ylang, or grounding woods like Cedarwood and Sandalwood? Let your sense of smell guide you as you begin weaving oils into your daily routine.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils have been part of aromatherapy for thousands of years. When inhaled, their aromatic compounds travel through the olfactory system and directly influence the limbic system—the part of the brain that regulates emotions and memory. This is why Lavender can feel so calming, while Peppermint may uplift and energize.

Diffusing

Diffusion is one of the simplest ways to enjoy essential oils. Think about the atmosphere you’d like to create—peaceful, refreshing, or energizing—and choose oils that support that mood.

• Ultrasonic Diffusers: Add water and 10–15 drops of essential oil to the tank. Ultrasonic vibrations disperse the aroma without altering its natural chemistry.

• Passive Diffusers: Subtle and low-maintenance, these options (like reed diffusers) slowly release scent into smaller spaces such as bathrooms or bedrooms.

Topical Application

When diluted with a carrier oil, essential oils can be applied to the skin, where their compounds absorb and offer localized support. Always dilute before applying:

• Body Use (3–5%) – 18–30 drops per 1 oz carrier oil.

• Facial Use (1%) – 6 drops per 1 oz carrier oil.

Fractionated Coconut Oil is a wonderful carrier, but you can also explore Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and others. For more details, view our Dilution Chart →.

Everyday Surroundings

Essential oils go beyond self-care rituals. They can freshen the air, purify your space, repel bugs, or even serve as natural surface cleaners.

A Note on Ingestion

At Harmony Naturals, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils. These highly concentrated extracts are very different from fresh herbs or fruit you might cook with, and they can irritate or even harm sensitive internal tissues. Oils are best used externally unless you’re working with a qualified medical professional trained in aromatherapy.

How Essential Oils Can Benefit You

Essential oils have a remarkable way of supporting both body and mind. From rest to focus, skin care to stress relief, they can be woven into daily life in simple, powerful ways.

Sleep & Relaxation

Sleep is vital for our health, yet many of us struggle to get enough. Essential oils can help quiet the mind and relax the body, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep. Our Sweet Dreams blend is a customer favorite, with a fresh, soothing aroma that eases restlessness and encourages deeper sleep.

Mental Clarity & Focus

Essential oils can also sharpen the mind. Rosemary, in particular, has been linked in studies to improved memory, focus, and test performance. Sage, another member of the mint family, has shown promise in supporting short-term recall. A few drops of these stimulating oils can help you feel more alert and clear-headed throughout the day.

Radiant Skin

Packed with natural antimicrobials and antioxidants, essential oils are incredible allies for the skin. They can help reduce blemishes, calm irritation, and repair the damage caused by environmental stressors. That’s why we’ve blended some of the most nourishing oils into our skin care line—to support healthy, glowing skin naturally.

Healthy Hair & Scalp

Adding essential oils to hair care is an easy way to nurture strong, healthy locks. Rosemary is often used to promote growth and reduce dandruff, while Tea Tree’s cleansing properties help balance the scalp. Just a few drops mixed into a carrier oil can make a noticeable difference.

A Naturally Clean Home

Essential oils don’t just freshen the air—they can also purify surfaces without the harsh chemicals found in many cleaners. Our Natural Cleaning blend is a go-to for its antibacterial and antiviral activity, while Lemon and Eucalyptus help clear away odors and leave your home smelling bright and fresh.

Respiratory Support

When congestion or coughs make breathing difficult, essential oils can help open the airways. Eucalyptus, rich in 1,8-cineole, is known for its ability to ease inflammation, loosen mucus, and fight respiratory pathogens. Other cineole-rich oils like Saro and Ravintsara can be supportive during cold season.

Aches & Discomfort

Whether it’s muscle tension, joint stiffness, or everyday soreness, essential oils offer natural comfort. Peppermint and Eucalyptus provide cooling relief, while blends like Massage Therapy can be used in carrier oil for soothing massages. For headaches, Peppermint’s menthol content helps ease tension, and our Head Ease blend combines multiple oils known for bringing relief.

Stress Relief & Emotional Balance

Life is busy, and stress can weigh heavily on both body and spirit. Lavender, one of the most studied oils, has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote calm through its effect on the limbic system. Other oils like Clary Sage, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Bergamot also bring comfort and peace. For an uplifting boost, Lemon and Peppermint are refreshing, invigorating choices—helping brighten mood and ease fatigue.

Countless More Uses

The beauty of essential oils is their versatility. They can be used to support digestion, boost immunity, ease everyday discomforts, or simply bring joy through scent. No matter the purpose, there’s an oil to help enhance your wellness naturally.

Production, Quality, and Safety

How To Determine The Quality Of Essential Oils

Before you can enjoy the full benefits of essential oils—their rich aromas, natural properties, and therapeutic effects—it’s important to understand quality. Not all oils on the market are the same. Some are diluted or mixed with synthetics, and while the label may say “essential oil,” the product inside may not be pure.

At Harmony Naturals, we believe transparency is essential. Every oil we offer is carefully sourced, rigorously tested, and clearly labeled, so you can feel confident knowing you’re getting only the best nature has to give.

Here are some key things to look for when evaluating essential oil quality:

Natural Purity

Steer clear of products labeled as “fragrance oils.” These often contain artificial ingredients and lack the therapeutic benefits of true essential oils. A quality essential oil should list only the botanical source—no fillers, additives, or synthetic perfumes.

Dark Glass Bottles

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can erode plastic. They’re also sensitive to light, which can alter their chemistry. High-quality oils should always be packaged in dark, non-reactive glass bottles to preserve their potency.

Native Sourcing

Plants grow best in their natural environments. When oils are sourced from regions where the plant thrives, they tend to carry richer aromas and stronger therapeutic properties. That’s why we list each oil’s origin—because the source matters.

GC/MS Testing

The gold standard for verifying purity is GC/MS testing (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry). This analysis confirms authenticity and detects any adulteration, pesticides, or fillers. At Harmony Naturals, every batch is tested and verified by third-party experts.