This article was originally submitted as part of Kamrin MacKnight's final project for the Diploma in Aromatic Science at the Tisserand Institute. Ticks and the diseases they transmit present significant health challenges to humans and other animals. Indeed, ticks are...
Essential Oils
Essential Oils and Cognitive Function
Some time ago a research paper that looked at the brains of perfumers caught my curiosity. I knew that smelling essential oils could have a profound impact on our psychological wellbeing, and I wanted to see if there are actual, physiological changes that happen in...
Could essential oils be the answer for fighting anxiety?
This article was originally submitted as part of Jenna Puumalainen's final project for the Diploma in Aromatic Science at the Tisserand Institute. It is very common to feel anxiety in certain situations, like before a dental appointment or surgery. The Cambridge...
Dilution for essential oils
With thanks to Hana Tisserand for her input. You probably know that most authorities advise dilution of essential oils before use, especially if applying to the skin. There are many reasons to dilute, and we will go through them here, along with an explanation for...
Mosquitoes and essential oils – all you need to know
“If you feel like you are insignificant, try spending a night with a mosquito in the room.” ~various They are hard to avoid, in nature and in the news, and they are a cause of annoyance at best, and of a serious health caution at worst. Mosquitoes, or to be more...
Phototoxicity: essential oils, sun and safety
Photoxicity from essential oils is one of the most predictable and incontestable toxic reactions. So much so that even those who tried so hard to tell us that allergic reactions to essential oils were impossible, and were in fact signs of detoxification (they are...
Immortelle oil – to coagulate or not to coagulate?
I know I am not the only one puzzled by two seemingly contradictory properties that are claimed for Immortelle oil (Helichrysum italicum). Side note: you may know this as Helichrysum oil, but I am averse to co-opting a botanical name when there are several really...
Does Frankincense oil contain boswellic acid?
There are several boswellic acids (BAs) found in some Frankincense species (notably Boswellia serrata and B. sacra), and the BAs are credited with possessing, among others, antitumoral properties, with 11-keto-β-boswellic acid being one of the most useful...
Adverse reaction as a teachable moment
As you may know, the Tisserand Institute manages an Adverse Reaction Database where we collect mostly skin reactions caused by using essential oils. Anyone can submit a report, ideally with photos of the reaction. While we’re not trying to collect all adverse...
Eight green and red flags when looking for your ideal essential oil supplier
When you love essential oils, and you get more into the art and science of using them, one of the things you absolutely want to be sure of is that you are getting the good stuff, and hopefully from a good company. But how can you tell? There are a few basics to...
Sign up for our Newsletter to keep in touch!
You'll be the first to read our articles and learn about new learning opportunities.