Aromatherapy Guidance

Aromatherapy is a gentle and beautifully supportive way to enhance everyday wellbeing when used correctly.

This page brings together some of the most common questions about essential oils, pregnancy-safe aromatherapy and safe everyday use to help you enjoy your aromatherapy experience with confidence.

Are essential oils safe?

Yes — when used correctly. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts taken from flowers, leaves, stems and roots. They are powerful natural substances, which is why they should always be used with care.

Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without dilution or ingested unless advised by a qualified professional.

All Freya Natural Therapy products contain carefully measured essential oil concentrations designed to be gentle, balanced and enjoyable when used as directed.

Can I use aromatherapy during pregnancy?

Only certain essential oils are considered suitable for use during pregnancy.

Our Simply Pregnant aromatherapy range has been specially formulated for use from the second trimester onwards, using carefully selected oils at carefully considered dilution levels to support wellbeing during pregnancy.

Are essential oils suitable for children?

For children over the age of 5, our Simply Pregnant aromatherapy range can be used as it contains a gentle concentration of essential oils.

For younger children, it is generally considered appropriate to diffuse essential oils around babies from 6 months in very small amounts (for example 1–2 drops in a diffuser) and to stick to gentle oils such as lavender and mandarin.

Avoid topical skincare products containing essential oils on babies and very young children unless specifically formulated for that age group.

Certain essential oils are best avoided around babies and young children, including:

Eucalyptus*, Peppermint, Cardamom, Ginger, Rosemary, Spike Lavender, Thyme (ct thymol), Anise, Clove, Cinnamon, Tarragon, Fennel and Lemongrass*.

*Essential oils high in 1,8-cineole may affect breathing in young children. Avoid use near the face of infants or children under 10 years of age (Tisserand & Young).

How should essential oils be used safely?

Although essential oils are wonderfully supportive, it’s important to remember that they are highly concentrated plant extracts and should always be used with care. In aromatherapy, less is often more.

As a general guide, adults should use a maximum dilution of around 2% essential oil, while lower dilutions are recommended for children.

2% dilution is approximately 6 drops of essential oil per 30ml of carrier oil.

General Safety Tips

• Avoid applying essential oils directly to the skin unless properly diluted with a carrier oil or cream.

• Lavender and tea tree are among the few essential oils traditionally considered suitable for limited neat application in certain situations, although dilution is still generally recommended.

• Avoid ingesting essential oils unless advised by a qualified professional.

• If you have sensitive skin, consider performing a patch test before use. Apply a small amount to the crook of the arm and leave for 24 hours while monitoring for any reaction.

• Always use additional care around babies, young children and during pregnancy.

Using Essential Oils in Baths

Essential oils should not be added directly to bath water without first being dispersed or diluted, as concentrated droplets may attach to the skin and potentially cause irritation.

For safe use in baths, essential oils should first be blended into a vegetable oil or suitable dispersing medium before adding to water.

Can I use aromatherapy if I have pets?

Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to many essential oils due to their highly developed sense of smell.

For this reason, it’s especially important to exercise care when diffusing essential oils around pets. Cats in particular can be sensitive to certain essential oils and products should never be applied directly to their fur.

Always ensure that:

• Your pet can leave the room freely if essential oils are being diffused.

• The room is well ventilated.

• Essential oils are used in moderation around animals.

When used thoughtfully and correctly, aromatherapy can be a wonderfully supportive part of everyday wellbeing — helping to create moments of calm, comfort and balance in daily life.