Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the process of using aromatic natural extracts from plants for health and well-being. The most popular approach to aromatherapy uses essential oils! When used for aromatherapy, essential oils can be applied topically or used aromatically (just to smell). Try our best selling essential oils in your next massage or put a few drops into the air with the help of a diffuser!
What are Essential Oils?
The moment you smell a flower, the scent of an orange as you peel it, or the smell of nature as you walk through the woods, your senses catch the aromatic particles in the air. These particles are stored in a plant’s cells, and when they are released we smell them as they evaporate. These aromatic essences can be extracted into a concentrated form which we then refer to as essential oils
Where do Essential Oils come from?
Essential oils come from various species of grasses, flowers, fruits, leaves, and trees. The oils are extracted from different plant parts using different methods. You can receive essential oils from the same plants all the way around the world. We’ve found that the best sources for each essential oil often comes from locations where each plant is native to the geography.
Why are Essential Oils called "Essential"?
An essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant and its fragrance, not that it’s “essential” to the plant. They used to be called a plant’s hydrophobic fraction–the part that doesn’t mix with water–or its distilled essence in reference to the extraction method.
What’s the difference between essential oils and fragrances?
Essential oils are named according to what plants they are extracted from. Our essential oils are 100% pure, consisting of only the extracts from their specific plant matter. Fragrance oils are synthetically designed to smell as close to a specific smell as possible. This means while they may have some essence of the original plant, they are not from 100% pure plant matter and may contain isolates, synthetic chemicals, animal compounds, etc.
Are essential oils safe for children?
Our oils are 100% pure and undiluted. This means they can be a little strong for sensitive skin. But they are still totally safe for kids! When using essential oils on children, always dilute with a carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil).
Are essential oils safe for pets?
We don’t suggest you put lots of oil on your skin and then lick it off.. So don’t let your pets either! If you have pets, you can still use our oil topically, but just be careful because some fish and tropical birds are extremely sensitive to essential oils. Essential oils can be applied topically on pets, but consult a veterinarian if you are concerned about using specific oils on your pet.
When do essential oils expire?
Essential oils are natural chemicals extracted from plants. Chemicals may change over time based on storage conditions, heat, water, light or air exposure, etc. These factors can cause oxidation and differences in smell, consistency, color, and potency. Because every single oil is a different set of natural chemical compounds, each ages uniquely. Clove oil becomes darker and richer after extended oxidation, citrus oils smell different after being left in a hot car for days, and some oils like frankincense continue to be found in the tombs of pharaohs with smells and potency comparable to modern day extractions. Some oils even age like cheese or wine, becoming more and more valuable with time.
If you want your oils to stay just the way they are, we suggest keeping them in cool, dark places with the lids tightly sealed. But don’t stress, we have the Forever Guarantee! If you ever become unhappy with the status of your essential oil, just return it. We got you!
How are essential oils extracted?
Once the plant matter is harvested, the essential oils are extracted using steam distillation, expression, or supercritical CO2. There are more extraction methods, but these are the only methods that leave you with 100% PURE and all-natural end products. We’ve made sure we only use the BEST extraction methods to get you the best essential oils available. Check out our Plant to Palm page to learn more!
What quality of oils does Nature’s Fusions produce?
We believe quality matters. Our oils are 100% pure and unadulterated. But don’t just take my word for it, look at the test results! We have all of our products third-party tested for purity and the test results are available on each product page! Because our products are used by customers ranging from aromatherapists to household enthusiasts, we ensure 100% pure, high quality, and ethically sourced essential oils. But it’s not just our single oils, our blends are there too! Scroll down to Testing Reports on ANY product page to see the CoAs, Country of Origin, SDS, or GCMS testing reports!
Where are Nature’s Fusions essential oils from?
All over the place! In line with our Plant to Palm initiative, we have made it a point to source our oils from the countries of origin where good, clean soils and pure growing conditions are in place. This is because each plant’s indiginous area usually proves to have prime soil, air, climate, and farming methods for a better crop. If we find an oil from a different source that proves to contain a better melange, quality, and quantity of key constituents we source the better product. Sources for each oil can be found on each product page! Go find out where your oils come from!
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the process of using aromatic natural extracts from plants for health and well-being. The most popular approach to aromatherapy uses essential oils! When used for aromatherapy, essential oils can be applied topically or used aromatically (just to smell). Try our best selling essential oils in your next massage or put a few drops into the air with the help of a diffuser!
WHAT MAKES NATURE’S FUSIONS’ DIFFERENT?
Our oils are significantly different from those currently carried in many retail stores. While both NOW, Aura Cacia, and others follow the industry standards of production, testing, and manufacturing, the oils chosen for their products are sourced and blended from multiple different locations based on need and pricing factors. Our oils are single-sourced from individual locations chosen for their potency – for example, our lavender comes from fields grown high in the Barreme mountain region of France, and our lemon oil comes from Sicily. Like the sometimes subtle, sometimes dramatic differences between artisanal olive oil grown from specific harvests/groves and mass-produced olive oil blended for texture and taste, there are major differences between Nature’s Fusions’ single-sourced oils and those from blended sources. Blending source components versus single sourcing is a significant differentiator.
Another major differentiator between Nature’s Fusions’ and competitor brands is our dedication to the end consumer in the form of The FOREVER GUARANTEE. While NOW and Aura Cacia allow for customer returns within a reasonable time frame, Nature’s Fusions’ guarantees anyone can return any essential oil, for any reason, FOREVER. This stems from our beginnings as a family-and-friends company, where we would give essential oils to family members & friends and they would exchange them for others if they weren’t satisfied with the results. Today, customers can purchase Nature’s Fusions’ essential oils without having to worry about whether they will be pleased with the results. If they purchase oils for any reason and are not satisfied, they can return the product for a full refund or exchange. The FOREVER GUARANTEE also extends to stores, essentially guaranteeing the sale of all products in the line, or full refund for any product unsold or broken.
A third differentiator is our transparency. Many essential oil companies conduct Gas Chromatography (GC) testing on each of their oils, but most do not make them available for public scrutiny. If a consumer wants to see the actual difference between one oil and another, they must pay for a gas chromatography test themselves … which rarely happens due to cost and difficulty in obtaining GC testing by the general public. While it may be comforting to some consumers to know that companies are testing according to internal standards, there is no method of determining what those standards are. Consumers are making choices based solely on trust. As can be seen in recent events, consumers and officials are less trusting of companies’ internal standards, with sometimes disastrous results to stores and reputations. Informed consumers want to know the actual compounds in their products, especially those who are seeking premium quality essential oils. At Nature’s Fusions’, we make test results available so that customers know what components are in their essential oils – which can often be the difference that makes a sale.
Answering customer concerns is another significant differentiator between Nature’s Fusions’ and competitor brands. Each store that carries the Nature’s Fusions’ brand is provided with a hotline that puts employees in direct contact with a specialist in essential oils who can answer questions posed by customers or provide training on essential oils and branding to store employees. Customers will often turn to a health food store representative with specific questions on usage, or have questions about brands. Nature’s Fusions’ offers direct contact for stores to ensure that customers have prompt, excellent service and can find the solution they need. We have found that answering questions through the hotline while a customer is still in the store dramatically increases customer retention and customer loyalty to individual stores. Customers who can get answers to their questions, even if they are unique or nuanced, return again as they come to trust a store that has the ability to help them meet their needs.
Another unique differentiator between Nature’s Fusions’ and competitor brands is in the development of essential oil fusions. Almost all essential oil companies base their blends off of customary aromatherapy traditions. For example, there are dozens of blends focused on the tradition of the 4 Thieves during European plagues to purify or ward off sickness. Lavender is touted as a potent burn agent due to the experience had by Gattefosse. But while traditional aromatherapy has its place, modern peer-reviewed medical research and the addition of previously unknown or unavailable essential oils coming from India, China, and other places worldwide has begun a new wave of aromatherapeutic blending. Nature’s Fusions’ is dedicated to bridging the gap between these two worlds – hence the name Nature’s Fusions’, with a word from the natural world and the scientific, blending the history of the past with the medical research of the present. Instead of crafting our proprietary fusions based exclusively on traditional aromatherapy, we combine peer-reviewed medical research, traditional aromatherapy, perfumery, and multi-year collaboration with naturopathic professionals, including instructors at a College of Midwifery, local massage therapists, and other naturopathic practitioners. Along with all those factors, we turned the essential oil norm upside down when we decided to blend for potency first, smell second. The result is a set of fusions that are extremely popular. Most of our consumers come to us because of our fairly priced, premium-quality individual oils. They stay, and become our lifelong fans, because of our unique fusions.
ARE YOUR OILS SAFE FOR INGESTION?
Many professional organizations, including the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, suggest that individuals should not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a doctor and only in rare cases. Ingesting essential oils – even one drop - makes them less potent, as they have to be processed by the liver before being released into the bloodstream. In addition, ingesting essential oils puts stress on the lining of the throat, digestive tract, and liver and may, over time, cause damage. Applying oils topically bypasses the liver and allows them to enter the bloodstream through the skin. Our oils are suitable for internal use when used under the direction of a doctor following reputable medical direction.
WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM NOW, AURA CACIA, DOTERRA, WYNDMERE?
Our FOREVER GUARANTEE - Anyone can return any Nature’s Fusions’ Essential Oil at any time, for any reason, FOREVER! There is no financial risk for anyone to try Nature’s Fusions’ Premium Essential Oils. Usually the biggest difference between one company and another is in sourcing. We are a premium Brand of Essential oils not typically found in retail stores. We provide equal to or higher quality than the popular MLM brands with a lower price.
Many essential oils on the market today are 100% pure - which means they contain only essential oil. However, that oil is different depending on where the plant was grown, when and how it was harvested and how it was distilled. Just like apples and 100% pure apple juice can have very different qualities, so can essential oils. We source our oils from all over the world and do not mix oils from different locations, like many companies do. In addition, our business model is simple and passes on much of the discount we receive from buying bulk to our stores and customers. We believe in transparency and show our 3rd party lab tests that prove our products are pure and chemical free.
HOW PURE ARE YOUR OILS?
Our essential oils are 100% pure, which means that they contain only steam-distilled or cold-pressed essential oils from specific plants. In addition, we source our oils from locations where they have been grown for hundreds or thousands of years and test them to ensure that they have the right natural chemical compounds for health.
DO YOU ADD ANY DILUTANTS, THINNERS, ETC TO YOUR OILS?
We do not add any dilutants, thinners, or carrier oils to our oils or oil fusions. All oils and fusions arrive to the user in their naturally concentrated form. Many other companies sell expensive oils that have been diluted to make them appear less expensive. Some of them have only 3% essential oil and 97% carrier oil. Also, many “ready to use” blends contain as much as 95% carrier oil.
WHAT DO PEOPLE USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR?
Essential oils are a subset of herbal medicine and, like herbs, can be used in thousands of different ways. Every essential oil is different. The most common uses of essential oils are stress and pain relief, help avoiding and fighting infections, and improving skin and breathing conditions.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? HOW ARE THEY EXTRACTED?
Essential oils are volatile, non-water-soluble plant extracts. Citrus essential oils are cold-pressed from the rind of freshly peeled citrus fruits. The liquid expelled from the rind is separated into waxes, water soluble compounds, and essential oil. Other essential oils are steam- or hydro-distilled. In this process, plant matter is macerated and placed inside a stainless steel chamber. During steam distillation, water boils beneath the plant matter; during hydro-distillation, the plant matter is immersed in the boiling water. Either way, the vapor picks up volatile natural compounds in the plant matter. The vapor exits the chamber, where it is cooled down until it becomes liquid again. The liquid is left to separate naturally and creates two products – water-soluble liquids (like rose water or lavender water) and a thin layer of non-water-soluble essential oil. Hence, essential oils are the non-water-soluble volatile portions of a plant. Since the only pieces of the process are natural, essential oils, when properly distilled, are all-natural and have no contamination. Obviously, the plant matter itself may be contaminated, hence the importance of sourcing and ethical farming practices. Individuals can be sensitive or allergic to plants and their essential oils.
ORGANIC CERTIFIED VS NON-ORGANIC CERTIFIED ESSENTIAL OILS?
All of our oils are grown using natural sustainable farming practices in locations where they’ve been grown for hundreds or thousands of years, and all essential oils are tested to ensure that no harmful chemicals were used. In addition, all oils are tested to ensure that they have the optimal potency of natural chemical compounds. Some are wildcrafted, others come from small farmers who grow organically but do not have organic certification. We do not carry organic certification for any of our essential oils.
WHY ARE SOME ESSENTIAL OILS SOMETIMES SOLID OR VERY THICK AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?
Just like Pure Coconut oil can become solid or very thick at room temperature, so can some essential oils. It is actually one of the ways you can know that you have a pure product. When this happens, simply place the bottle in a hot water bath until it melts back into the liquid state, and then be sure to shake before use.
WHY DOESN'T IT SAY HOW TO USE THEM ON THE BOTTLE? WHY DOESN'T IT SAY, “SAFE FOR INTERNAL USE?” WHY DOESN'T IT HAVE NUTRITION FACTS?
The FDA has ruled that essential oils can fall into one of three categories: food, cosmetics, or drugs, depending on their labeling. Essential oils marketed as food are for use only as food additives, and must be marked as such. Essential oils marketed with indications to help a specific condition, or with dosages, etc, are classified as drugs and subject to FDA approval. Because no essential oils are approved by the FDA, all such labeling is currently illegal. All other essential oils for aromatherapy are defined as cosmetics. We hope that someday the FDA improves the oversight of essential oils similar to homeopathic medicines, which are allowed to list conditions on the bottle itself. Until then, we strictly follow the guidance given by the FDA and encourage our customers to consult reputable published literature to determine usage.
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm127054.html
ARE YOUR OILS THERAPEUTIC? HOW COME IT’S NOT WRITTEN ON THE BOTTLE?
In 2014 the FDA published new guidelines in regards to Essential Oil Labeling.
https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm127054.htm
Under the “Is it a drug?” section, it says that in using the word ‘therapeutic’ on a label, the manufacturer is making a drug-related claim. A drug must be individually approved by the FDA. As of 2017, there are no FDA approved “Essential Oil Drugs”. So labeling as such is now illegal. Many companies are not FDA compliant with their marketing, which can lead to confusion in the marketplace.
All Nature’s Fusions’ oils are single sourced from countries where the plants are indigenous. We independently test every batch of oil to verify each product is 100% pure and unadulterated.
Understanding what makes one oil better or “more therapeutic” dives deep into the chemical analysis of each plant. For example, there are dozens of types of Lavender flowers grown throughout the world, all under the botanical name Lavandula angustifolia, and each different type contains a slightly different set of chemical compounds, leading to a variety of uses and effects for consumers. Most essential oils under a common name (such as Lavender), can be used interchangeably as long as they are processed correctly and cleanly. We guarantee that every oil we sell is pure.
Are your oils safe for ingestion?
Many professional organizations, including the international federation of professional aromatherapists, suggest that individuals should not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a doctor and only in rare cases. Ingesting essential oils – even one drop - makes them less potent, as they have to be processed by the liver before being released into the bloodstream. In addition, ingesting essential oils puts stress on the lining of the throat, digestive tract, and liver and may, over time, cause damage. Applying oils topically bypasses the liver and allows them to enter the bloodstream through the skin. Our oils are suitable for internal use when used under the direction of a doctor following reputable medical direction.
What makes you different from NOW, Aura Cacia, Doterra?
Usually the difference between one company and another is in sourcing. Most essential oils on the market today are 100% pure - which means they contain only essential oil. However, that oil is different depending on where it came from, just like a tomato from your local grocer tastes different from a tomato grown in your backyard. We source our oils from all over the world and do not mix oils from different locations, like many companies do. In addition, our business model is simple and passes on much of the discount we receive from buying bulk to our stores and customers. We believe in transparency and show our 3rd party lab tests that prove our products are pure and chemical free.
How pure are your oils?
Our essential oils are 100% pure, which means that they contain only steam-distilled or cold-pressed essential oils from specific plants. In addition, we source our oils from locations where they have been grown for hundreds or thousands of years and test them to ensure that they have the right natural chemical compounds for health.
Do you add any dilutants, thinners, etc to your oils?
We do not add any dilutants, thinners, or carrier oils to our oils or oil blends. All oils and blends arrive to the user in their naturally concentrated form.
What do people use essential oils for?
Essential oils are a subset of herbal medicine and, like herbs, can be used in thousands of different ways. Every essential oil is different. The most common uses of essential oils are stress and pain relief, help avoiding and fighting infections, and improving skin and breathing conditions.
Organic Certified VS Non-Organic Certified Essential Oils?
All of our oils are grown using natural sustainable farming practices in locations where they've been grown for hundreds or thousands of years, and all essential oils are tested to ensure that no harmful chemicals were used. In addition, all oils are tested to ensure that they have the optimal potency of natural chemical compounds. Some are wildcrafted, others come from small farmers who grow organically but do not have organic certification. We do not carry organic certification for any of our essential oils.
Why doesn't it say how to use them on the bottle? Why doesn't it say, “safe for internal use?” Why doesn't it have nutrition facts?
The FDA has ruled that essential oils can fall into one of three categories: food, cosmetics, or drugs, depending on their labeling. Essential oils marketed as food are for use only as food additives, and must be marked as such. Essential oils marketed with indications to help a specific condition, or with dosages, etc, are classified as drugs and subject to FDA approval. Because no essential oils are approved by the FDA, all such labeling is currently illegal. All other essential oils for aromatherapy are defined as cosmetics. We hope that the FDA someday improves the oversight of essential oils similar to homeopathic medicines, which are allowed to list conditions on the bottle itself. Until then, we strictly follow the guidance given by the FDA and encourage our customers to consult reputable published literature to determine usage.
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Products/ucm127054.htm
Why is Thyme sometimes solid?
Thyme: As per our website, “It should also be noted that the active ingredient Thymol may crystallize in temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. The more Thymol present, the greater it's propensity for altering states. We would recommend placing the bottle in a hot water bath and changing/heating the water until it is back in the liquid state, then be sure to shake before use.”
Our Thyme is a high quality Thyme and contains high amounts of Thymol, ranging between 40-70%. Anything above 45% tends to become crystallized at room temperature. Frequently Asked Questions
Talk to me about the quality of Nature’s Fusions essential oils?
Nature’s Fusions 100% pure essential oils are steam-distilled using state-of-the-art equipment operated around the world. Sandalwood from East India, Lavender from the mountains of France, and citrus from Italy’s Amalfi Coast represent the highest tier in essential oil quality. Each source plant is grown in its indigenous habitat, then carefully harvested to achieve maximum quality. Once distilled, we select individual oils according to their natural chemical profile, then test them to ensure they’re good enough for the FOREVER GUARANTEE.
What is the FOREVER GUARANTEE?
Investing in a new product is always a risk – for consumers, retailers, and distributors. It’s hard to be certain that a product is going to work the way you want it to. We are certain that you will find what you want in the Nature’s Fusions line of premium essential oils. To prove it, we back all of our products with the FOREVER GUARANTEE.
Simply: Anyone can return any product For any reason Forever
Are your essential oils diluted?
Nature’s Fusions essential oils are never diluted, adulterated, or sold mixed with carrier oils. All blends use only 100% pure essential oils. Want proof? All of our oils are GC/MS tested for purity and our tests are available for anyone upon request.
What are the uses of essential oils?
As completely natural plant extracts, essential oils have thousands of uses. We at Nature’s Fusions commit to provide the highest quality essential oils however you plan to use them.
All Nature’s Fusions essential oils are extremely potent. Please use with care.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the process of using aromatic natural extracts from plants for health and well-being. The most popular approach to aromatherapy uses essential oils! When used for aromatherapy, essential oils can be applied topically or used aromatically (just to smell). Try our best selling essential oils in your next massage or put a few drops into the air with the help of a diffuser!
What are essential oils?
The moment you smell a flower, the scent of an orange as you peel it, or the smell of nature as you walk through the woods, your senses catch the aromatic particles in the air. These particles are stored in a plant’s cells, and when they are released we smell them as they evaporate. These aromatic essences can be extracted into a concentrated form which we then refer to as essential oils.
Where do essential oils come from?
Essential oils come from various species of grasses, flowers, fruits, leaves, and trees. The oils are extracted from different plant parts using different methods. You can receive essential oils from the same plants all the way around the world. We’ve found that the best sources for each essential oil often comes from locations where each plant is native to the geography.
Why are essential oils called “essential”?
An essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant and its fragrance, not that it’s “essential” to the plant. They used to be called a plant’s hydrophobic fraction–the part that doesn’t mix with water–or its distilled essence in reference to the extraction method.
What’s the difference between essential oils and fragrances?
Essential oils are named according to what plants they are extracted from. Our essential oils are 100% pure, consisting of only the extracts from their specific plant matter. Fragrance oils are synthetically designed to smell as close to a specific smell as possible. This means while they may have some essence of the original plant, they are not from 100% pure plant matter and may contain isolates, synthetic chemicals, animal compounds, etc.
Are essential oils safe for children?
Our oils are 100% pure and undiluted. This means they can be a little strong for sensitive skin. But they are still totally safe for kids! When using essential oils on children, always dilute with a carrier oil (like Fractionated Coconut Oil).
Are essential oils safe for pets?
We don’t suggest you put lots of oil on your skin and then lick it off.. So don’t let your pets either! If you have pets, you can still use our oil topically, but just be careful because some fish and tropical birds are extremely sensitive to essential oils. Essential oils can be applied topically on pets, but consult a veterinarian if you are concerned about using specific oils on your pet.
When do essential oils expire?
Essential oils are natural chemicals extracted from plants. Chemicals may change over time based on storage conditions, heat, water, light or air exposure, etc. These factors can cause oxidation and differences in smell, consistency, color, and potency. Because every single oil is a different set of natural chemical compounds, each ages uniquely. Clove oil becomes darker and richer after extended oxidation, citrus oils smell different after being left in a hot car for days, and some oils like frankincense continue to be found in the tombs of pharaohs with smells and potency comparable to modern day extractions. Some oils even age like cheese or wine, becoming more and more valuable with time.
If you want your oils to stay just the way they are, we suggest keeping them in cool, dark places with the lids tightly sealed. But don’t stress, we have the Forever Guarantee! If you ever become unhappy with the status of your essential oil, just return it. We got you!
How are essential oils extracted?
Once the plant matter is harvested, the essential oils are extracted using steam distillation, expression, or supercritical CO2. There are more extraction methods, but these are the only methods that leave you with 100% PURE and all-natural end products. We’ve made sure we only use the BEST extraction methods to get you the best essential oils available. Check out our Plant to Palm page to learn more!
What quality of oils does Nature’s Fusions produce?
We believe quality matters. Our oils are 100% pure and unadulterated. But don’t just take my word for it, look at the test results! We have all of our products third-party tested for purity and the test results are available on each product page! Because our products are used by customers ranging from aromatherapists to household enthusiasts, we ensure 100% pure, high quality, and ethically sourced essential oils. But it’s not just our single oils, our blends are there too! Scroll down to Testing Reports on ANY product page to see the CoAs, Country of Origin, SDS, or GCMS testing reports!
Where are Nature’s Fusions essential oils from?
All over the place! In line with our Plant to Palm initiative, we have made it a point to source our oils from the countries of origin where good, clean soils and pure growing conditions are in place. This is because each plant’s indiginous area usually proves to have prime soil, air, climate, and farming methods for a better crop. If we find an oil from a different source that proves to contain a better melange, quality, and quantity of key constituents we source the better product. Sources for each oil can be found on each product page! Go find out where your oils come from!