FAQ

What is an essential oil?

Essential Oils (Aromatherapy Oils) are highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. The purest essential oils come from carefully cultivated and wild grown plants from climatic and geographic regions throughout the world.

What is a carrier oil?

Carrier oils are also referred to as vegetable oils and base oils. They have extensive applications in Aromatherapy because they are used to dilute Essential Oils or absolutes for application. They are also used in the manufacturing of cold-process soaps and for massage. Each Carrier Oil has different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.

Are your Oils Organic?

All of our oils are 100% pure and of the highest quality. Over 98% of our oils have met the specifications for what constitutes as 100% organic oil. Due to the lengthy and expensive process to certify every single part of our supply chain for each oil, we have not yet submitted for the USDA-branded stamp.

Are your products tested on animals?

We do not test any of our products on animals. Our family are proud to use the products we sell. So we are your testers ;-)

What are the different methods of extraction?

Steam Distillation: The most common process of extracting an essential oil is by distillation, a process that isolates the aromatic, volatile element of the plant with steam.

Cold Pressed: Expression or cold pressing, is used primarily for citrus fruits like orange and lemon, where the essential oil is obtained in tiny pockets in the peel or rind. Oils extracted by cold pressing are the most volatile of essential oils and can evaporate quickly when exposed to air.

Solvent Extraction: Flowers too delicate to be processed with heat or pressure are soaked in a spirit of solvent that extracts the volatile elements. The solvent is then evaporated at high temperatures, leaving only the most fragrant constituents behind. This process produces what is called an “absolute”.

CO2 Extraction: The CO2 extraction method yields a greater number of aromatic compounds than any other distillation process. In certain conditions at a low temperature Carbon Dioxide or CO2 can be pressurized to become a liquid. This liquid then acts as a solvent and is used to extract the oil from plants. After extraction is completed, the extraction vessel is brought back to normal temperature and the CO2 rapidly converts to gas leaving behind a high quality oil that is free of solvents.

What are the different ways to use essential oils?

There are many ways that essential oils can be used:

Massages: Massage is one of the most beneficial methods of using essential oils because it combines the therapeutic powers of the essential oil with the benefits of touch therapy.

Inhalation: Inhalation is on of the quickest ways to experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. This method is highly beneficial for helping respiratory ailments. Persons with asthma or epilepsy should avoid inhaling essential oil.

Baths: Adding essential oils to a hot, soothing bath can create a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Essential Oil Diffuser: Diffusers and Aromatherapy go hand-in-hand. Adding essential oils to a diffuser effectively introduces the therapeutic properties and fragrance to any environment.

Compress: Compresses are an effective way to apply essential oils directly to areas where they are needed the most.

 

Can your oils be ingested?

Our Essential and Carrier Oils are pure, and in many cases, food grade. However, we do NOT recommend the ingestion of essential oils. They are highly concentrated and have the capacity to cause serious damage if used internally without the necessary expertise required in administering it. This is supported by the International Federation of Aroma therapists that does not recommend ingestion of essential oils unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical aromatherapy as practiced in France.

Why should certain oils be avoided during pregnancy?

Certain essentials oils are considered too powerful for use during pregnancy as they may stimulate the production of certain hormones, and can encourage bleeding. Please consult your doctor or reputable aromatherapist before using any essential oil. Some essential oils to refrain from using throughout pregnancy include: Ajowan, Basil, Camphor, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper Berry, Marjoram, Rose Geranium, Rosemary and Thyme to name a few.

 

Do you have a physical store that we can visit?

We do not have a retail store.

Disclaimer

 Before purchasing please note that all information contained within Outer Beauty Supply LLC dba Tropical Holistic store and this page are for reference purposes only and are not intended to substitute the advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or any other licensed health-care professional. Our products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.  All our products are for external use only.  Unless your Medical Doctor allow you to use this product it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. The information on this page has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. Although every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this page is correct and up to date, Tropical Holistic cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information presented, and accepts no liability in respect of any omission or error.  The customer should always satisfy themselves as to the ultimate suitability of a product for an intended application. Tropical Holistic accepts no liability in the unlikely event of an adverse reaction occurring when using one of its products. All facts, details & recommendations on our page are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, prescribe or replace the advice of professionals.  Our products are not a medication, and we can only make recommendation for suitability of our products in certain conditions. Any recommendations accepted by a purchaser are accepted entirely at the purchaser’s risk. By purchasing our products you accept responsibility to check with a professional before using any products that may interfere with drugs or medical conditions. By purchasing our products you recognize and accept the fact that that some natural ingredients, essential oils in particular, may still cause sensitivity in susceptible individuals and that Outer Beauty Supply LLC and brand "Tropical Holistic" will not be held responsible for such occurrences. We encourage those with sensitive skin to make a patch test on the skin for possible reactions. Outer Beauty Supply LLC accepts no responsibility for incorrect use of information or products.