• 411 Main Street
    Quincy, CA 95971
  • Call Us
    530-283-4545
  • Open Hours
    Mn - Fr: 9:30AM - 6:00PM

Essential Oils

We are proud to sell Plant Therapy Essential Oils at Quincy Pharmacy!  We have a huge selection of essential oils with over 100 different oils to choose from.  We also carry most of Plant Therapy’s line–from household cleaning products to bath bombs.  We love and trust Plant Therapy, and are excited to share their products with Plumas County!
JoAnn Sheridan is our full time Aromatherapist, and has 4 years of experience consulting customers with all of their essential oil questions.  JoAnn wrote our Aromatherapy 101 Guide and Top 7 Essential Oils below to help our customers get started in their aromatherapy journey!  

If you have any questions please stop by the pharmacy anytime and ask for JoAnn, or contact her below. 
(530) 283-4545 or joann@quincypharmacy.com

Aromatherapy 101

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for the mind, body and spirit.
Essential oil: fluid extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Oils are effective because of our olfactory nerves’ connection to our lymbic system
Mind: when stimulated, the lymbic system releases chemicals that affect the central nervous system
Body: Oils are quickly absorbed through the skin, into individual cells, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and our skin’s natural emollients
Spirit: Scent is our strongest sense and can engage emotional memory
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
Always dilute essential oils (Tea Tree and Lavender are the exception and may be applied undiluted). Do not use essential oils on mucous membranes such as in the mouth, nose, or other tender absorbent areas.
For kids, the elderly, and pregnant women, dilute essential oils at least 50% more than recommended for adults. 
Test essential oils on a small area of skin for irritation, sensitivity, and photosensitivity before applying large amount of unfamiliar oil.  
If irritation occurs in eyes, mouth, or sensitive area, rinse with full fat milk or pure vegetable oil. Not water. For hand or general body irritations use gentle soap and water.
How to Store Essential Oils
Only use dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt) and store in a cool, dry place. Essential oils will lose potency if exposed to UV rays and will break down plastic.
How to Test Essential Oil Purity and Quality
Test 1
Place a drop of essential oil in a cup of water. If the oil dissolves, turns clear, or turns milky, it contains emulsifiers (moisturizers/oils) for cosmetic purposes.
Test 2
Place a drop of oil on a piece of paper and let it evaporate completely. This will take a few hours. If it leaves a residue, it has been extended with something. Note that some essential oils will stain the paper but residue will feel greasy, goopy, runny, or grainy.
As you get familiar with essential oils you will be able to smell the difference between pure and adulterated oils. Your nose is your greatest asset!
How to Buy Quality Essential Oils
Do not purchase essential oils in clear glass or plastic and be wary of aluminum bottles (they should be lined). Pure, authentic essential oils are expensive; fakes are cheap. Fake oil is flat and very sweet; real oil is crisp and clean. If it is greasy to the touch, it was extended with vegetable oil.
Stay away from labels with words like “fragrance oil”, “potpourri oil”, or “perfume oil.” The Latin name of the plant from which the essential oil is extracted should be present on the label.

 

Top 7 Essential Oils

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Diffuse for inhalation to promote calm and relaxation.  Apply diluted in a carrier oil to reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, or to soothe sunburns, burns, wounds, and rashes. Mix into facial washes, moisturizers, toners, or scrubs to help soothe and balance sensitive, troubled, oily, or dry skin.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea Tree is antibacterial, deodorizing, antiseptic, and anti fungal. Add to household cleaners to get rid of musty or steamy rooms or to disinfect countertops and bathrooms. Diffuse to improve air quality and aid immune system regulation.
Dilute with witch hazel and use as a spot treatment for acne. Apply topically in a carrier oil to soothe sunburns, poison ivy, and insect bites. Apply to minor cuts/scrapes to prevent infection and minimize scarring. A few drops in your shampoo will help clear up and prevent dandruff and itchy scalp.You can even use it in a foot bath with Epsom salts to fight and prevent foot odor.
Lemon (Citrus x limon)
Lemon is antibacterial, stimulating, and uplifting. Diffuse or inhale for a burst of energy and to support a healthy immune system. Add a few drops to your household cleaners or baking soda to refresh and sanitize.
Use sparingly in facial spot treatments to fight acne or dilute in witch hazel and use a toner to energize tired skin. Use steam distilled instead of cold pressed to avoid photosensitivity.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Peppermint is stimulating, uplifting, and enhances alertness. Diffuse to help clear sinuses or to energize yourself.
It eases stomach upset and supports healthy digestive and respiratory systems. Add a few drops to a personal spray to combat hot flashes. It is cooling to aching muscles and can relieve cramps and muscle pain.
Spray around areas infected with pests such as vermin or insects for a natural repellent.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)
Eucalyptus stimulates mental focus and brings warmth to the body. Apply in carrier oil or a bath for aching muscles and joints. It can act as a great topical pain reliever.
It stimulates circulation and is a decongestant. Diffuse during Cold/Flu/Allergy season to aid in your respiratory process and break up congestion. Apply it in carrier oil to your chest to ease cough and break up mucus.
Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)
Orange is uplifting and calming. Diffuse it to alleviate nervous tension, anxiety, or sadness, to refresh a stale room, or to fight seasonal illness.
It helps support normal functions of the immune system. It has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, making it great in household cleansers.
It blends well with other essential oils to mask less enjoyable smells. You can still enjoy the benefits of every oil despite any unwanted scents!
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis ct 1,8-Cineole)
Rosemary is stimulating, warming, and refreshing. Diffuse it to encourage alertness, boost memory retention, eliminate odor, and aid in the respiratory process.
Add a few drops to your shampoo to fight dandruff and buildup for a healthy scalp and hair growth. Use in a personal inhaler or in massage oil applied directly on abdomen for occasional stomach upset. Use in massage oil for increased circulation and warmth for underlying muscles. It can be a great pain reliever when applied topically or added to a bath.