Essential Oils Toxic to Cats and Dogs: Which Oils, Warning Signs and Safe Use at Home If you love essential oils and share your home with a cat or dog, you have probably wondered which oils are dangerous. This guide lists the essential oils toxic to cats and dogs, explains why cats are especially sensitive,
French Marigold (Tagetes patula): Growing, Pest Control, Pet Safety and Traditions French marigold is one of the easiest flowers to grow, and it is surrounded by more garden lore than almost any other annual. This guide covers how to grow it well, what research says about its pest-control reputation, and whether it is safe around
Energy Cleansing: Traditions, Rituals and What the Evidence Shows Energy cleansing is the practice of clearing a person or space of unwanted or “negative” energy, using smoke, sound, water, scent or intention. This article explains where these rituals come from and what each tradition teaches. It also covers what research can and cannot show, and
Astral Parasites: The History of Astral Larvae, the Belief, and What Feeling Drained Can Mean Astral parasites, sometimes called astral larvae or “lyarvas”, are an esoteric belief about unseen entities that feed on human emotion. This article traces where the idea came from, from Roman ghost rites to Victorian Theosophy, and what research says about
The Astral Parasites You Don’t Know Are Draining You Read Post »
Cedarwood Oil: Types, History, What Research Shows and How to Use It Safely Cedarwood oil is one of the most familiar scents in perfumery and aromatherapy. Yet many bottles hide a surprise: they are not from cedar trees at all. This article explains where cedarwood oil comes from, how it has been used through history,
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Meaning, History and a Safe Meditation Practice The crown chakra, or Sahasrara, is the highest center in yogic and tantric thought. Yet much of what is written about it today is surprisingly recent. Here you will learn what the original Sanskrit texts say and where modern ideas like violet light came from.
Palo Santo Oil: Origins, Uses, Safety and Sustainable Sourcing Palo Santo oil has a warm, sweet, citrusy-woody scent that has made it a favorite for diffusers, yoga rooms and meditation corners. This guide explains where Palo Santo oil comes from and what is actually in the bottle. It also covers how the tree is used
Lavender Oil: Uses, Benefits, Research and Safe Dilution Lavender oil is the essential oil most people buy first, usually hoping for calmer evenings and better sleep. Here you will see where it comes from, how traditions use it and what research shows about its benefits. You will also learn how to dilute and store it
Frankincense Oil: History, Species, Research and Safe Use Frankincense oil carries more history than almost any other scent on the shelf, and more marketing claims too. This article covers where the oil comes from and how traditions have used it. It also covers what research actually shows and how to use it safely. You will
Patchouli Oil: Uses, History, Research and How to Use It Safely Patchouli oil has one of the most recognizable scents in the world. People either love its deep, earthy sweetness or find it overwhelming. Here you will learn where patchouli oil comes from and how traditions have used it. You will also see what research
Rosemary Oil: Benefits, Hair Growth Research, Safety and Traditional Uses Rosemary oil has become one of the most talked-about essential oils, mostly because of hair growth videos. This guide shows where the oil comes from, what traditions say about it, and what research actually found. You will also learn how to dilute it, who should
Tea Tree Oil: Uses, What the Research Shows, Safe Dilution and Pet Safety Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils, sold for acne, foot fungus, dandruff and household cleaning. This article explains where tea tree oil comes from, which uses have research behind them, and which rest on tradition. You will
Clove Bud Oil: Uses, Traditions, Research and Safe Dilution Clove bud oil is one of the oldest aromatics in the world, and also one of the strongest. This article covers where it comes from, how traditions have used it, and what research says about clove oil for toothache. It also shows how to dilute it
Turmeric Essential Oil: Uses, Traditions, Evidence and Safe Dilution Turmeric essential oil is sold with big promises, many of them borrowed from research on a different part of the plant. This article explains what turmeric essential oil is, how it is made, how traditions use turmeric, and what the evidence actually covers. You will also
Grapefruit Essential Oil: Uses, Research, Safety and Phototoxicity Grapefruit essential oil is loved for its bright, sharp citrus scent, and it is often marketed with big promises about weight loss and detox. This article explains where the oil comes from, how traditions and aromatherapists use it, and what research actually shows. You will also learn
Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Uses, Safety, Dilution and What Research Shows Sweet orange essential oil is one of the most popular and affordable scents in aromatherapy. Much of what is written about it, though, goes far beyond the evidence. This guide covers where the oil comes from, how traditions describe it, and what research actually
Bergamot Oil: History, Research, Sun Safety and How to Use It Well Bergamot oil gives Earl Grey tea its flavor and many classic perfumes their bright opening note. This article covers where bergamot oil comes from, what the research says about its effects, and the sun-sensitivity risk most people never hear about. You will also
Geranium Essential Oil: Uses, Research, Safe Dilution and Pet Safety Geranium essential oil has a rosy, green scent that has made it a perfumery staple for two centuries. This article covers where the oil comes from, what the research actually shows, and how traditions use it. You will also learn how to dilute it safely
Rose Oil: Uses, Benefits, Safety and What the Research Shows Rose oil is one of the most prized and most expensive essential oils in the world, and also one of the most often faked. This guide explains where real rose oil comes from, how rose otto differs from rose absolute, and what research says about
Sacred Oils and Scents: History, Ritual Traditions and Safe Use Sacred oils have perfumed temples, anointed kings and carried prayers for at least three thousand years. This article traces where the classic sacred scents come from and how each tradition used them. It also covers what modern research shows about aromatherapy and how to use
Tai Chi Benefits: What the Research Shows, Where It Comes From and How to Start Safely People hear about tai chi benefits for balance, joints and calm, then wonder how much is tradition and how much is proven. This article separates what the research shows from what the tradition teaches. It then walks you through
