This month is all about orientation: who’s who, what’s what, and why you should care.

We’ll kick things off with a clear-eyed look at what essential oils actually are—and more importantly, what they aren’t. Spoiler alert: they’re not harmless potions or one-size-fits-all cure-alls. They're powerful plant concentrates that demand respect (and safe handling).

You’ll learn how essential oils are made, and why that matters. Not all oils are created equal, and a pretty label or “therapeutic grade” badge doesn’t mean squat if the distillation is sloppy or the plant material was sprayed with garbage. A product is the sum of all its parts, including how it’s grown, harvested, and processed.

We’ll dive into the actual science of how these oils work in the body. Yes, Virginia, there is science. From olfactory receptors to the bloodstream, we’ll explore how essential oils interact with your body—when used correctly.

Then we’ll get practical: how to store them safely (hint: your sunny windowsill is not the move), and what to do when it’s time to say goodbye to a bottle. Did you know there are environmental and safety regulations around EO disposal? Yep. And you don’t want to be the person pouring them down the drain like a villain in an eco-horror flick.

Speaking of BS detectors: MLM companies are always making outrageous claims!

We’ll also train your BS detector with some helpful tools for evaluating EO companies. What should you be looking for? Transparent sourcing, third-party testing, and an utter lack of wild, unsubstantiated claims.

Next up: sustainability. Because let’s be honest, essential oils don’t grow on trees (ok, some do, but you get the point). This industry has a massive footprint, and we’ll talk about how to navigate it ethically so you’re not wrecking ecosystems while trying to chill out.

You’ll also get a handy list of independent aromatherapy organizations: the real-deal folks who’ve been doing this work long before TikTok influencers turned oils into MLM bait.

Finally, we’ll introduce you to the gentler sibling of essential oils: hydrosols, also known as hydrolats. These aromatic waters are wildly underrated, beautifully versatile, and much safer for little ones, sensitive folks, and topical use. You'll fall in love.

Buckle up: it’s gonna smell great, feel empowering, and hopefully keep you from lighting your armpits on fire with straight-up cinnamon oil. Let’s go.

Because Your Nose Deserves Bliss Without the Burn!

So you're dipping your toes (and nose) into the world of essential oils and wondering where to start. You want something that smells good, supports wellness, and won’t send your nervous system, or your toddler, into DEFCON 1.

You're in the right place.

Welcome to your recommended starter pack of gentle, effective, and beginner-friendly essential oils, perfect for cautious adults, curious kids, and pregnant people who don’t want to gamble with their olfactory system.

These 10 oils are:

Versatile, Gentle, Backed by tradition (and science) , Safe when used properly (we’re still diluting, y’all) .

A Quick Note on Substitutions (Yes, We’ve Curated This List Carefully)

Some essential oils are too much for little bodies or sensitive situations: especially things like Peppermint, Eucalyptus globulus, or Clove.

They can be neurotoxic to small children, cause breathing issues, or mess with your mucous membranes. Ew.

That’s why this list features kinder, gentler cousins that deliver similar benefits without the drama.

Welcome to the nose-first approach to essential oils, aka AROMAtherapy! In this unit, we’re diving deep, right into your sinuses. Inhalation is not only one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of essential oils, it’s often the safest and most versatile. Whether you're seeking emotional balance, respiratory support, or just trying to make your house smell less like a gym sock and more like a serene forest glade, inhalation has got you covered.

This unit will explore why inhalation is often the superior route of essential oil use (think faster results, fewer side effects, and direct access to your brain’s control center via the olfactory system). Yep, your nose is basically a backdoor to your limbic system. We’ll talk all about that.

We'll also cover the many methods of inhalation, from direct palm sniffing (yes, that’s a thing) to steam tents, diffuser jewelry, and a whole smorgasbord of diffusers. You'll get the lowdown on the tools of the trade: what's worth investing in, what’s DIY-able, and what’s just overpriced aesthetic nonsense.

By the end of this unit, you’ll know how to make the most of your oils, one breath at a time. So take a deep inhale… and let’s get started.

Welcome to our second method of safely using essential oils: topical application! This is where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the oil meets your skin. In this unit, we’ll dive into the art and science of applying essential oils to the body, safely and effectively.

Topical use can be luxurious (hello, massage oils), therapeutic (roll-ons for headaches or sore muscles), and even functional (natural deodorants, salves, or first aid blends). But hold your carrier oil, we need to talk safety first. There are more lessons in this unit than the inhalation one because it is more risky and dangerous.

We’ll start by looking at why dilution is absolutely necessary (your skin will thank you), and the two ways to do it right. Then we’ll stir things up with herbal product-making, where essential oils add potency to balms, lotions, and other skin-friendly concoctions.

We’ll also take a detour into the bath (or the pedicure basin), because yes—your tub is not just a fancy diffuser. But caution: water and essential oils don’t mix the way you might think.

We’ll cover maximum dermal applications, the spicy truth about hot oils, and the little-known dangers of phytotoxicity—when sunlight and certain oils do not play nice.

By the end of this unit, you'll be slathering smarter—not harder. Let’s oil up (safely)!

Welcome to the "don't try this at home" portion of our essential oil journey. This unit is all about the ways essential oils can go wrong. Because yes, even natural, plant-based things can cause big problems when misused.

Essential oils are powerful, Like, concentrated-plant-soul-in-a-bottle powerful. But too many folks have been led astray by influencers with zero training and a terrifying amount of confidence. We’re here to clear the air (literally and figuratively) and help you avoid the biggest pitfalls.

In this unit, we’re diving into:

Ingestion: Spoiler alert—your liver didn’t sign up for that.

Insertion: Vaginas and buttholes are self-cleaning and sensitive. Don’t make them mad.

Mucous Membranes: Your eyes, nose, mouth, and nethers are not EO-friendly zones.

Failure to Dilute: Essential oils aren’t salad dressing. You need a carrier. Always.

Exceeding Max Dermal Limits: Some oils are what we call “hot”—and not in the sexy way.

Using the Wrong Oil: Just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s right for the job.

Using the Wrong Oil on the Wrong Person: Babies, pregnant folks, elders—this ain’t one-size-fits-all.

Wrong Context: Not every EO belongs at a public event, around pets, or on your pillow.

Our goal here isn’t to scare you. It’s to empower you. With solid knowledge and a few horror stories to keep it spicy, you'll learn how to wield your EO know-how responsibly, ethically, and safely.

Let’s dive in, and keep your Peppermint far, far away from your privates, yeah?

Holistic medicine thinks differently, and so do we at Haven Herbs. We're not about a one-size-fits-all approach. Because while a headache might be a headache, the person experiencing it is a whole universe of factors: diet, stress, sleep, hormones, and more. Essential oils are powerful allies, but their magic truly shines when we consider the entire beautiful human using them.

So, let's dive into how this "person first" mindset applies to some very special populations. For more in-depth info, read the individualized lessons!

Pregnancy: Nurturing the Journey

Lactation: Feeding Your Little One, Safely

Children 10 and Under: Tiny Humans, Tiny Doses (or none at all)

The Elderly and Immuno-Compromised: Gentle Care for Sensitive Systems

People with Respiratory Issues: Breathing Easy, Safely
A Note about Frankincense and Cancer: Let's Get Real

Your Journey, Your Rules (with Smart Guidance)

At the end of the day, your journey with essential oils is deeply personal. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge to make smart, sassy, and safe choices that honor your unique body and circumstances. Because when you treat the whole person, the wellness truly follows. You got this!

So, you've fallen hard for essential oils, huh? Diffusing, dabbing, feeling all zen.

And now you're looking at your beloved fur-baby (or feather-friend, or scale-pal) and thinking, "Hmm, maybe Fluffy needs some frankincense?" STOP RIGHT THERE, BUB. While we love a good plant-powered boost for humans, when it comes to animals, essential oils are less "natural remedy" and more "potential disaster waiting to happen."

Seriously, what's good for your soul might be toxic for their liver. Let's get real about why you need to tread very carefully.

Let's dive deeper!

Essential Oils: Potent Power, Not a Panacea

Overuse, improper dilution, or ignoring your body's signals can lead to skin irritation, headaches, or just plain overwhelm. They're powerful, and with great power comes great responsibility (and dilution charts).

Beyond the Bottle: A Holistic Approach to Your Wellness

Okay, so we've gently (or not-so-gently, depending on your tolerance for sass) reminded you that essential oils aren't the be-all and end-all. But don't throw your diffuser out the window just yet! The beauty of a truly holistic approach to yourwellness is that it's vast, varied, and wonderfully adaptable. Essential oils are just one very potent piece of that puzzle, and honestly, sometimes they're not even the most effective or appropriate piece for what you're trying to achieve.

Think of your wellness journey like a magnificent, overflowing toolbox. You wouldn't use a hammer for every single task, would you? (Unless you're really committed to chaos...) So, if you're looking for natural ways to feel better, calm your mind, boost your energy, or support your body, there are a gazillion other incredible options to explore before you reach for that tiny, expensive bottle.

The point is, there's a whole universe of plant wisdom and self-care practices out there that are often gentler, more accessible, and just as effective (if not more so) than relying solely on essential oils. So go forth, explore, and build a wellness toolkit that truly serves you, in all your glorious complexity! If you are interested, check out another of our courses, The People's Medicine Course.

The Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Diversify.

Here's the plain truth: "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe" or "the only answer." Your unique body chemistry and current needs dictate what works best. Essential oils can be a powerful ally when used wisely and sparingly, but they are not a substitute for a balanced lifestyle or professional medical advice. Prioritizing your well-being means being smart, being curious, and sometimes, just saying yes to a wider, gentler array of natural options.