Over time, we've been asked so many times whether we carry essential oils that, this spring, we decided to take a bit of a leap and add a small variety of 100% pure essential oils to the Two Drunk Witches range.
So far, the oils aren't available on our website; rather, we soft-launched them at a recent event to get a feel for the response, and look forward to making them available at a couple more markets over the next weeks at a specially-reduced cost before we post them to our shop (that means you get first dibs, local friends!).
We've carefully select a handful of oils (ones used most frequently in our product range!) from reputable suppliers specializing in high quality essential oils sourced from ethical producers around the world - and we're excited to share more information about them with you!
But first! Essential oils are highly-concentrated and volatile botanical extracts said to be 50 to 100 times more therapeutically potent than their herbal counterparts. This means that it's critically important to take the time to educate yourself on how to incorporate them into your life in the safest way possible.
Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin (with a few exceptions, one of which we'll mention below), and should never be taken internally. Using them this way can have dramatic and hazardous effects on the body.
The gentlest way to bring essential oils into your life is by using an aromatherapy diffuser - a device which vaporizes a small amount of oil diluted in water. (But note, there are concerns about diffusing essential oils around pets, particularly with tea tree oil, so we can't stress it enough - do your research!)
To be applied topically, essential oils need to be diluted into a carrier oil. Some of our personal favourites include medium chain triglyceride (MCT) liquid coconut oil (which forms part of the base for our Femme Fatale Seductive Massage Oil and Rubeus' Beard and After Shave Oil!), sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.
Generally speaking, a safe ratio is 12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil - you can read more on dilution by visiting Mountain Rose Herbs. It's a good idea to do a patch test any time you're applying an essential oil to your skin for the fist time, just to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
And again, be cautious and do your research! Essential oils should be avoided if pregnant or trying to conceive, and we also suggest they be avoided around children or pets. Due to their high potency, they can also interfere with medications and are not recommended for people who are sensitive or allergy-prone.
Keep your oils well away from any open flames, and be sure to tighten the cap after you're finished using them to prevent evaporation and oxidization. And be sure to store your oils in a cool, dry place far away from any direct sunlight.
Without further adieu, meet our range of Two Drunk Witches 100% pure essential oils!
Bergamot
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia | Origin: Italy
Unlike most other essential oils, which are steam distilled, bergamot is made from the cold-pressed rind of the near-ripe citrus fruit of the bergamot tree. Bergamot is a familiar scent to many - it happens to be one of the main ingredients in earl grey tea (and reminds me of the Fruit Loops we used to enjoy as kids!).
Bergamot is known for its ability to rejuvenate the senses while promoting a feeling of calm. The scent instills a balanced, joyful energy and is said to help release feelings of grief, anger and frustration. Its bright, citrusy notes are lovely to help ease feelings of tension and worry.
Bergamot's antiseptic properties are known to help soothe inflamed skin, and the oil is also frequently used as an ingredient in natural bug repellants.
Note: Bergamot, along with other citrus essential oils, is phototoxic, which means it should never be applied directly to the skin, as exposure to the sun can result in a serious reaction. That said, we source furocoumarin-free bergamot, meaning the phototoxic constituents have been removed.
Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula officinalis | Origin: France
Lavender is one of the most well-loved scents for its ability to instil a deep sense of peace and promote a restful sleep. The scent is wonderfully calming to the nervous system, helping to dispel irritability and anxiety. Lavender's familiar scent evokes a nurturing, restorative energy that serves to comfort feelings of sadness or melancholy.
Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be used "neat" - meaning it doesn't require a carrier oil - and can therefore be added directly to a soothing bath (it's said to alleviate muscle pain and tension) or applied to the temples to help ease headache symptoms (though we recommend a less-is-more approach, as the scent is strong and can lead to headaches for some people when used in excess).
As an anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil is also a well-known treatment for minor burns, and can help cool the discomfort of sunburns (ouch!). It's another one used frequently in insect repellants and can also be applied to bug bites to combat itchiness and swelling.
Frankincense
Botanical Name: Boswellia serrata | Origin: India
Frankincense essential oil is derived from the hardened sap - or resin - of the Boswellia tree, and has been used over the centuries for religious and spiritual purposes. The essential oil is said to help deepen one's breath and aid meditation, visualization and spiritual attunement. The oil is often used in ritual to purify and anoint, and offers an extremely calming scent that works to promote a sense of peace and balance. It makes a great addition to any home yoga practice!
Used topically, frankincense's anti-inflammatory properties are said to soothe and tone the skin, alleviate acne and combat signs of aging by improving cellular function.
Peppermint
Botanical Name: Mentha arvensis | Origin: India
Peppermint is another essential oil well-known by many, and is regularly used to help promote a sense of memory and alertness (I remember having a teacher in high school who used to hand out peppermint lifesavers during exams!).
Peppermint is an invigorating scent that relaxes the nerves, creating a sense of groundedness. It's also frequently used to overcome nausea and clear the sinuses.
Applied topically, peppermint's cooling effect can help to improve blood flow, and it can be applied in a carrier oil to the back of the neck, temples and forehead to help ease headaches and cool the body. On a spiritual level, peppermint is said to clear negative energies and promote good fortune!
Ylang Ylang
Botanical Name: Cananga odorata | Origin: France
Ylang ylang essential oil comes from the tropical plant Cananga odorata, and imparts a richly floral scent that is a favourite of perfume companies. Ylang ylang is probably best known for its aphrodisiac qualities, and said to be strewn onto the beds of newlyweds in Indonesia for its ability to encourage sensuality and self-confidence.
I like to think of ylang ylang as representing the three E's: euphoric, exotic and erotic! It is a highly-sensual scent that works to open the heart, release negative emotions and produce feelings of ecstatic harmony.
Ylang ylang is also said to balance the male and female energies on a spiritual level, and for this reason is often incorporated into love and sex magic (rawr!).
Note: Ylang ylang can irritate the skin when used in excess, so use this one with a less-is-more approach.
Spiritually Awakened: Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Lavender
Our uplifting Spiritual Awakening blend combines the refreshing, calming essence of bergamot and the soothing properties of lavender with the brightness of sweet orange, resulting in a lively combination!
Sweet Orange essential oils is known for instilling a sense of peace and relaxation and inspiring cheerfulness, creativity and feelings of abundance! Combined with bergamot and lavender, these three oils work together to create feelings of joy, clarity, and balance.
Soulmate: Sweet Orange, Neroli, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang
Our Soulmate Blend combines the floral sultriness of ylang ylang with the sweet earthiness of patchouli, mixed with the jubilance of sweet orange and romantic excitement of neroli. Soulmate is a bright and aromatic combination designed to tantalize the senses, promote self-confidence and centre the mind. Featured as an ingredient in our much-loved Self-Pleasure Bath Bomb, you could say this combo's the perfect way to get the engine revin'!
And, coming later this month, we'll also have two brand-spanking-new blends to add to our range!
Colony of Hippies: Patchouli, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Lavender
Yep, that's right, friends! We've turned our much-adored Colony of Hippies Calming Spray into a unique essential oil blend you can now add to your home diffuser!
White Magic: Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary
You might already be familiar with the famous "Four Thieves" blend! Based on popular lore, during the Black Plague of the 1300s, former spice merchants began breaking into the homes of those who'd died of the plague to rob them of their belongings. It's said that to protect themselves from the risk of infection, they covered themselves in a unique blend of vinegar and herbs. Eventually, the King of England got word of the thieves goings-on and demanded they share the recipe or be burned at the stake. Alas, Four Thieves was introduced to the world!
The combination of antibacterial essential oils contained in our White Magic blend are said to help protect against airborne bacteria and illness, making it a great way to arm yourself during the bug-ridden winter months! This blend can also be applied topically with a carrier oil to the feet, chest and lungs to help clear congestion, and can be added to DIY cleaning recipes as a natural disinfectant.