FAQs

Well, it's not a bad idea.

Essential oils are combined with a carrier oil to slow their absorption into your body’s cells. By slowing down the absorption rate, carrier oils help prevent any reactions or sensitization the essential oils might have on your body.

Check out our blog post on how to dilute your essential oils - it's got a handy chart at the bottom for dilution rates and percentages!

A hot oil is harsh on your skin and could even burn you if you don't dilute it. Some popular hot oils are Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Oregano and Peppermint. Some are "hotter" than others, so it's important to follow the recommended dilution rate for these oils.

We've labeled our hot oils on their packaging and product pages. Remember to double check if your oil falls in that category and if it does, always dilute it!

Lots of essential oils are labeled as Therapeutic Grade. This phrase is generally thought to be the highest standard for essential oils (i.e. the safest, most pure, most effective oils).

But there's a problem with this label - there is no independent standard or certification for Therapeutic Grade that is universally recognized. So anyone can say it. Many companies promote their own grade standard, calling it therapeutic. Now, that doesn't meant the oil is automatically "fake", but it's not automatically "good" either. This grade varies depending on the company and their own standards. Don't take "therapeutic grade" for granted. You might have to do a little research to see if it truly is a good quality oil.

We don't call our oils "therapeutic grade" because we think it could be misleading. Instead, we show you the quality of our oils by providing GCMS reports for each oil to show its purity and quality. Check out our quality standards here!

Whatever you do, don't throw them away! Our cardboard tubes are the best way to store and protect your essential oils.

Most essential oils are sold in an amber or cobalt colored glass bottle to block sunlight from damaging the oil.

But this doesn't protect your oil...

The truth is most essential oils do not react to the visible light spectrum, they react to the ultra-violet (UV) range of light. Glass, regardless of color, does not protect against the high-energy UV light that damages essential oils.

Because of this, we sell our oils in clear glass bottles with complete light-blocking cardboard tubes to both protect and display the quality and natural color of the oil.

Store your oils in our cardboard tubes at a steady, cool room temperature. Make sure their caps are tightly sealed to prevent oxidation.

Here are some general storage tips:

• Keep at a steady cool, room temperature (50-70°F) – changes in temperature can speed up the oxidation process
• Keep tightly sealed with as little air room as possible – especially citrus oils as they are the most susceptible to oxygen
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Flammable – do not store or use near open flame or sources of ignition
• NEVER store undiluted EO’s in plastic – some essential oils will eat away the plastic while others may absorb the plastic’s toxins.

Essential oils do not spoil or go rancid in the same way as other plant oils (carrier oils), instead they oxidize. This is why essential oils still have shelf lives.

An oxidized oil can cause skin reactions when used topically, and has a noticeably different smell. The three factors that may oxidize essential oils are heat, light, and oxygen. Essential oils should be stored at a steady, cool temperature, away from light (in our cardboard tubes!), and tightly sealed with as little room for air inside as possible.

Here are some tips to remember...

1. Smell them - Before they oxidize, essential oils will smell “off” and not as fresh or bright as they originally did

2. Clean with them - Oxidized oils unsuitable for topical or aromatic use can still be used effectively in cleaning

The following is a shelf life by category:

• Citrus 9-12 months
  • Exception: Lime 3 years, Bergamont 3 years
• Floral 2-4 years
• Herbal 2-4 years
• Spice 3-6 years
• Wood & Resin 4-6+ years
  • Sandalwood & Patchoulie 6+ years
  • Conifer Needle oils 2-4 years

Some essential oils have benefits that contradict or enhance the effects of pharmaceutical drugs. If you are taking any medications, you should consult your physician about any possible interactions before using essential oils.

Below is a list of oils that should not be used with heart medication. If you have a specific question about essential oils and medication, send us an email at questions@verdantoils.com. One of our Aromatherapist would love to answer any questions!

Avoid with Heart Medication (blood thinners) Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus (globulus), Ginger, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

Common sense and great care should be taken when using essential oils for childres. Since they are much smaller than adults, it's best to use gentler essential oils and a higher dilution rate.

Here is a list of oils considered safe for children at different ages. But remember to follwo the suggested dilution rate for the appropriate age.

Safe oils for children:

3 days to 3 months - lavender, mandarin, and roman chamomile

3 months to 5 years - bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, mandarin, sweet marjoram, sweet orange, roman chamomile, rose, rosemary (ct verbenone recommended), sandalwood, tea tree, thyme ct linalool, ylang ylang

5 years to 12 years - all oils considered safe for adults

*Eucalyptus smithii and rosemary should not be used on or near the face of children below the age of 10

Topical dilutions for children:

3 days to 6 months - 1 drop EO in 20mL of carrier oil (3 drops per 1/4 c of carrier oil)

6 months to 2 years - 1 drop per 10mL of carrier oil (6 drops per 1/4 c carrier oil)

2 years to 5 years - 1 drop per 5mL of carrier oil (9 drops per 1/4 c carrier oil)

*Dilutions are only for the recommended oils for that age

*Sweet Almond oil is the recommended carrier oil for babies

Diffusing:

For children under the age of 5, it's best to diffuse for only 2 to 4 hours at a time

You should never give essential oils orally to children, and great care should be taken to ensure proper dilution. Children should never be allowed to handle essential oils due to risk of ingestion or imporoper dilution. Always avoid use around the eyes, as essential oils can damage the eye-immediately flush with carrier oild to dilute and remove EO from eye.

There is a lot of debate about ingesting essential oils. Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated substances and the delicate mucous membranes lining your mouth, esophagus and stomach are very sensitive. Topical dilution and aromatherapy are often safer and just as effective ways to expose your body to an oil’s benefits.

In general, we don't suggest ingesting essential oils since our bodies and health needs are all very different. Some oils can be used safely and effectively to help accomplish a health goal or need, but it's important to do your research on how that specific oil may interact with your body, situation and lifestyle.

If you have a question about ingesting a specific oil for your personal health goal, reach out to us! One of our certified aromatherapists can point you in the right direction.

Check out our blog post on ingestion and essential oils to learn more!

Research about safely using essential oils while pregnant or nursing is not complete. ALWAYS consult your obstetrician before using any oils during pregnancy and nursing. In general, the basic rules for using essential oils during pregnancy are:

• Completely avoid oils during the first trimester that have abortifacient properties and stimulate or increase menstruation
• Never ingest oils while pregnant or breastfeeding
• Always dilute oils to their recommended or higher rate when using them topically

Essential oils can be used during pregnancy and nursing, but only with caution and common sense. It is very possible that essential oils cross the placenta to the fetus. Because of this, great care should be taken in their use.

Avoid completely during pregnancy/nursing:

Aniseed (anise), Basil (ct methyl chavicol/estragole), Blue Cypress, Camphor, Carrot Seed, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Leaf, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Mugwort, Lavandin, Myrrh, Oregano, Ravensara, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Tansy, Taragon, Thyme, Wintergreen and Wormwood

Use with caution at very small doses during pregnancy/nursing under aromatherapist's supervision:

Bay Laurel, Citronella, Clove Bud, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Melissa, Nutmeg, Spanish Sage, Spike Lavender and Ravintsara (ct camphor)

These lists are not exhaustive. We encourage you to research for yourself which essential oils are safe during pregnancy.

We process orders within 1 business day, excluding holidays.

Once your order has shipped, it generally takes 3-5 business days to arrive.

Our shipping charge is a flat $5 for orders under $50. Orders over $50 automatically qualify for free shipping.

We also offer free pick-up for local orders at our warehouse in Blue Springs. Billing address must be in MO/KS to qualify for local pickup.

If you don't love them, send them back! We'll refund your purchase and cover the shipping cost. 

We do free returns on any purchase! If you're not happy with your order, we'll refund you (excluding the shipping cost) and send you a prepaid shipping label for your return. Follow the steps below for a quick and hassle free return!

1.  Fill out the contact form on the "Contact" tab or our website

2.  Type "Return Order" in the message text box along with anythign else you would like to tell us

3.  Click "Send"

Be sure to check your email! We'll contact you ASAP with your refund info and a prepaid return shipping label for you to send your purchase back.