Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you get your oils?
Because it is imperative to have only the highest quality oils, we have carefully researched the best places to purchase 100% pure essential oils. Each oil is grown in its most natural habitat. Our oils come from all over the world to ensure that they are produced in their most optimum environment. For example, we get our Peppermint oil from farms in the United States, while our Lavender is wild-crafted in France. We select only ethically farmed, Certified Organic, Wild Crafted, and Organic (uncertified but farmed with organic methods and principles) essential oils. Because there is little consistency in organic certifications in various countries and various regions, it is not always possible to only buy certified organic oils. Our supplier carefully chooses each farm to guarantee only the best oils that meet our quality standards are selected. In addition to ensure the quality of our products, all of our essential oils are GC/MS (Gas Chronometer and Mass Spectrometry) tested and analyzed. They are 100% unadulterated with zero traces of pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, pollutants, fillers or anything artificial.
What does 'Wild Crafted' mean?
Wild Crafted means that the crop is uncultivated, grown, and harvested by hand in the wild without disturbing the its natural environment.
What is the difference between the Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri) and Frankincense (Boswellia Frereana)?
Personally, we have found no difference. Brianne and I have have used both species and have been impressed with the results of using Carteri and Frereana. They have both exhibited superior anti-inflammatory and antidepressant qualities as well as have both worked wonders on respiratory and skin conditions. (And more, I'm sure)
With that said, we have not been able to find any (independent, peer reviewed) research showing a large difference between the two. For instance, look at this table showing the difference between the several different types of boswellia:http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/140509/tab3/
We have found several articles showing the benefits of each separate frankincense. Generally it looks like if a researcher is going to research Frankincense they will do their research on either one or the other (Carteri or Frereana).
For example:
Frereana: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19943332
Carteri: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19296830
They both are wonderful oils. We urge you to pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance when making choices for yourself or your family. We firmly believe they are both superior quality Frankincense oils or we would not carry them in our store.
With that said, we have not been able to find any (independent, peer reviewed) research showing a large difference between the two. For instance, look at this table showing the difference between the several different types of boswellia:http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/140509/tab3/
We have found several articles showing the benefits of each separate frankincense. Generally it looks like if a researcher is going to research Frankincense they will do their research on either one or the other (Carteri or Frereana).
For example:
Frereana: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19943332
Carteri: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19296830
They both are wonderful oils. We urge you to pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance when making choices for yourself or your family. We firmly believe they are both superior quality Frankincense oils or we would not carry them in our store.
Will essential oils interact with my prescription drugs?
According to Shirley & Len Price in Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, (2012), p. 71, I quote: "Essential oils are known to be active: they gain access to cells by virtue of being fat soluble and are metabolized by the body. As active agents they my react with other drugs present in the body, although there has been no evidence so far that would imply any significant adverse reaction, and essential oils have been used together with allopathic drugs successfully in hospitals."
Further, Dr. David Stewart in The Chemistry of Essential Oils, (2010), p. 396, 396 says,
"One resource that actually presents observations on humans of an interaction between drugs and oils is the book by Jean Valnet, MD (27). On page 39 he mentions that "Some essences have been found to complement the action of antibiotics." He gives niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) as an example of an oil that "will increase the activity of streptomycin and penicillin." Valnet also mentions that some oils containing aldehydes and ketones can "inactivate antibiotics." Other than these examples, Valnet does not discuss any other essential oil/drug interacitons.
Further, Dr. David Stewart in The Chemistry of Essential Oils, (2010), p. 396, 396 says,
"One resource that actually presents observations on humans of an interaction between drugs and oils is the book by Jean Valnet, MD (27). On page 39 he mentions that "Some essences have been found to complement the action of antibiotics." He gives niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) as an example of an oil that "will increase the activity of streptomycin and penicillin." Valnet also mentions that some oils containing aldehydes and ketones can "inactivate antibiotics." Other than these examples, Valnet does not discuss any other essential oil/drug interacitons.
The fact that Valnet only briefly mentions them while Penoel and Friedmann, two other medical doctors, do not mention them at all in their books, suggests that adverse interactions between drugs and oils is not a serious problem - hardly worth mentioning."
We have seen people use both allopathic drugs and oils together without any adverse effects; but we do not have any personal experience in this area. In almost all cases they have been able to slowly back off of the drugs they have been using. Unfortunately we can only recommend that the decision to use both together lies solely with the discretion of the user.
Some thoughts on NICOTINE, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY, and EXCESSIVE BLOOD THINNING with essential oils:
Dr. Stewart continues by saying that "Essential oils as agents for transdermal transfer of drugs is mentioned in several of the references. Pharmaceutical patches for nicotine addiction or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been shown to be more effectively absorbed when essential oils are applied to the skin where patches are applied. This would be a form of drug-oil interaction that is considered useful and beneficial in the minds of allopaths."
We have seen people use both allopathic drugs and oils together without any adverse effects; but we do not have any personal experience in this area. In almost all cases they have been able to slowly back off of the drugs they have been using. Unfortunately we can only recommend that the decision to use both together lies solely with the discretion of the user.
Some thoughts on NICOTINE, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY, and EXCESSIVE BLOOD THINNING with essential oils:
Dr. Stewart continues by saying that "Essential oils as agents for transdermal transfer of drugs is mentioned in several of the references. Pharmaceutical patches for nicotine addiction or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been shown to be more effectively absorbed when essential oils are applied to the skin where patches are applied. This would be a form of drug-oil interaction that is considered useful and beneficial in the minds of allopaths."
"...Coumarin compounds in essential oils are confused with Coumadin(R), a synthetic anticoagulant drug whose generic name is sodium warfarin. many practicing aromatherapists have thought that oils containing coumarins could be contraindicated when a person is taking anticoagulant drugs on the theory that coumarins are also anticoagulants and might cause too much thinning of the blood that could result in hemorrhages. However, coumarins in essential oils are not anticoagulants and pose no such hazards."
"Wintergreen and birch oils might pose a risk of excessive blood thinning in combination with anticoagulant drugs, since they are both mainly composed of methyl salicylate, which has aspirin-like properties. However, such an occurrence would only be possible with large oral doses of these oils. They pose no such hazards when inhaled or applied to the skin."
To close, I will finish with another quote from Dr. Stewart:
"While there is scientific evidence that oils can and do sometimes interact with drugs, modifying their effects, there are no human studies with whole therapeutic grade oils that have ever demonstrated a negative reaction that should be cause for concern. These are the facts."
