FAQ
What Are Natural Substitute Essential Oils?
A natural substitute essential oil (also called a natural reconstitution) is not the same as a genuine essential oil distilled from the original plant. Instead, it is created by blending naturally occurring aromatic compounds extracted from other plants to closely replicate the aroma and chemistry of a more expensive essential oil.
Rose as an Example
True Rose Essential Oil is extracted from rose petals by steam distillation, while Rose Absolute is produced using solvent extraction. Both methods obtain the naturally occurring aromatic compounds that give rose its distinctive fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Because genuine rose essential oil is one of the world's most expensive essential oils, manufacturers sometimes create a natural rose reconstitution. This is made by combining naturally occurring constituents extracted from other plants that contain similar aromatic molecules.
For example, compounds may be sourced from plants such as:
- Geranium
- Palmarosa
- Ylang Ylang
- Lavender
These naturally derived constituents are carefully blended to recreate an aroma that closely resembles true rose essential oil.
Is It the Same as Rose Essential Oil?
No.
While a natural reconstitution may smell remarkably similar and is made entirely from naturally derived plant constituents, it is not genuine Rose Essential Oil. It does not contain the complete natural profile found in rose petals and should not be labelled or sold as pure rose essential oil.
At Aromaflex, we believe it is important that customers understand the difference between pure essential oils, absolutes, and natural reconstitutions, so they can make informed purchasing decisions.
Can Essential Oils Be Taken Internally?
In most circumstances, no. We do not recommend taking essential oils internally.
Essential oils are highly concentrated natural substances and should not be swallowed or added to drinking water. Taking essential oils internally without appropriate clinical knowledge can cause irritation, toxicity, medication interactions, and other adverse effects.
On rare occasions, internal administration may be considered by a practitioner with advanced training in Aromatic Medicine after a thorough assessment of an individual's medical history and current medications. Even then, essential oils are used in very low, carefully calculated doses and may be administered using specialised methods such as capsules, pessaries, or suppositories—not by adding drops to water.
At Aromaflex, we recommend using essential oils through safe, evidence-informed methods such as inhalation or appropriate topical application, unless you are receiving care from a suitably qualified healthcare practitioner with advanced training in Aromatic Medicine.
Never add drops of essential oil directly to water for drinking. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, which can increase the risk of irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
Can Essential Oils Cure Cancer?
No. Essential oils do not cure cancer.
Despite claims you may see online, there is no scientific evidence that essential oils—including frankincense—can cure or treat cancer.
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, meaning it is used alongside conventional medical treatment, not as a replacement for it. When used appropriately and under the guidance of your healthcare team, aromatherapy may help support wellbeing by easing symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, stress, poor sleep, and promoting relaxation. For example, some people find mandarin essential oil helpful in managing feelings of nausea during chemotherapy.
At Aromaflex, we believe that medical treatment comes first, with complementary therapies providing additional support where appropriate.
Over the past 30 years, Shelley has supported many clients living with cancer. Sadly, she has also seen the harm that misinformation can cause when vulnerable people are encouraged to reject proven medical treatments in favour of unsubstantiated "natural cures."
Our commitment is to provide honest, ethical, and evidence-informed aromatherapy education and products, supporting your wellbeing while encouraging you to work closely with your medical professionals throughout your cancer journey.
