Premium Aromatherapy Since 1993
A Family Story Since 1993
Living with the oils
Shepherding 100's of kilos of oil from their source to our customers over the years has been an epic journey.
We individually select oils from around the globe and hand pour every bottle that we sell, allowing us to grow familiar with the subtle aspects of each oil.
This experience enables us to provide a continuity of quality that is our service to you.
More than pure
Quality lives in every part of the journey.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of natural essential oils from aromatic plants for therapeutic purposes. It includes simply smelling the oils, but also other applications.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the volatile oils that are produced by aromatic plants. They are the quintessential expression of the plant. Imagine the growing season; the sunshine, rain, wind, soil and environment all combine to produce the oil in the plant.
How are Essential Oils Produced?
Ideally, aromatic plants are harvested when the essential oil is at its peak concentration in the flower, leaves, root, or peel depending upon where the plant stores its oil. After cleaning and sorting, the aromatic plant material is loaded into a still for the steam distillation process. Water is heated and rises through the plant material, helping to evaporate the essential oils that are carried out with the steam. As the steam condenses, the oil and water naturally separate. Typically, the oil floats and is skimmed off the surface of the water.
What makes the difference in quality?
What makes the difference in quality?
Medicinal quality essential oils are more than pure. Just because an essential oil is 100% pure doesn't mean it is meant for Aromatherapy. The truth is that purity is a relatively easy standard to meet, but the quality of pure essential oils depends on the following factors.
The Soil and Seed
The Soil
Plants grow best with an optimum pH balance and the right nutrients in the soil. The optimum soil mix is preferably attained through organic methods, but, commercially, is attained through chemical fertilizing methods.
The Seed
Seeds are harvested from plants. If a plant has a history of producing excellent, vigorous plants with good yield, those seeds will be preferred. Commercially produced seeds are subjected to chemical fertilizing and pesticides, if not the seeds themselves, the plants that produce them.
The Growth, Harvest and Preparation
The Growth
Plants must be protected from weeds, pests and disease. Rather than using chemical pesticides, the introduction of friendly insects, or birds, can be used to reduce the population of harmful insects
Disease resistance can be improved by meeting the nutrient needs of each plant. Weeding may be done by hand to avoid the use of herbicides.
The Harvest
Each plant has a peak time for harvest within the season, but is also particular to the time of day. The rose, for optimum yield, must be harvested during the dawn, before the sun rises. As soon as the sun rises, the rose naturally releases its fragrance into the air. The yield resulting from distillation of such roses is significantly reduced. Careful oversight by an experienced grower helps ensure a good harvest.
The Preparation
Plants may be harvested by hand or by machine. For an exceptional quality oil, harvested plant material is inspected and sorted as the still is loaded. Any dead or foreign material, unwanted plants, or portions thereof, are removed so that only the premium material is loaded into the still. The importance of this step cannot be overrated. The juniper berry, for example, yields the finest and the safest oil; however, juniper needles have a higher yield. If a portion of the distillation includes needles, the yield will be much higher, resulting in a lower priced, but inferior oil.
The Distillation, Handling and Distribution
The Distillation
Good distillation begins with good water from the earth and not from the tap. During distillation, temperature and pressure can be adjusted. High temperature and pressure are used commercially because the small loss of constituents from the heat does not outweigh the economic value of rapid distillation. Quality distillation requires a slower, lower temperature process that maintains the subtle and volatile components of the oil. The retention of the widest range of naturally occurring constituents fundamentally makes the difference between medicinal quality and commercial essential oils.
The Handling
After capturing the essential oil from steam distillation, commercial oils are often subjected to a standardization process. Essential oils have a worldwide market and are traded by the barrel commercially to large food and other manufacturers. These customers expect a consistent essential oil for their manufacturing process. They develop specifications for percentages of the main components that the suppliers must meet in order to make the sale. If a specification requires 42% linalol acetate in Lavender, for example, and the distillation produces 45%, then 3% is extracted and saved to be added to another batch whose linalol acetate is below 42%. Do you see how this oil is still 100% pure? Yet this standardization moves away from the natural state of the oil produced by the plant. When the oils are preserved in their natural state without standardization, they are referred to as “in-totum”. Medicinal quality essential oils are in-totum and while they may vary from batch to batch, they are presented as nature intended.
The Distribution
It is certainly important that no one in the chain of distribution adds any adulterants or diluents to the oils, but there are even more subtle factors that I believe can affect the quality of an essential oil. Essential oils have an uncanny intelligence to them. They have a manner of making their way into the hands of the right people. The best oils seem to engender personal growth in the people who come in contact with them. I have seen people who have a strong identity with their problems repel from the oils. Those who are ready to change are drawn to them.
Everything Matters
It is profound to contemplate the amount of energy that essential oils represent.
Beginning from only a seed, the elemental forces of the sun, water, wind and earth develop and shape the plant through its growing season.
Space, time and effort is spent by those devoted to growing, harvesting and distillation. A large amount of aromatic plant material is required to produce a relatively tiny amount of oil.
Finally, the oils come from all over the planet to one location and are attainable by almost anyone. It is simply amazing!
What a difference a cap makes!
Our new Top Hat bottle cap features a precision drip-edge insert that dispenses essential oil consistently — eliminating the too fast or too slow flow of a standard drop spout.
Organic & Wildcrafted
Imani Essential Oils
From individual plant species—the foundation of Imani products.
Undiluted Essential Oil Combinations
Imani Synergies
Small-batch blends crafted with purpose.
Ready to use for target areas
The Imani Formulas
Aromatherapy formulas for common conditions.
Simply Beautiful
Natural Skin Care
Elegantly Simple Blends of Premium Quality Natural Ingredients.
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Carrier Oils
Crystal Massage Oil—Good for the skin and essential oils can be added...
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Mouth Sprays
A powerful addition to every natural medicine cabinet. Made with...
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Dancing Muskie Bug Repellent
We love our great smelling natural bug repellent! The name was inspired...
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Empty Packaging
Here is an assortment of useful empty packaging. Perfect for...
Apothecary Overstock Essential Oils
Includes limited-run oils that we don't normally stock, overstock from our current inventory and oils that don't reach the desired benchmarks for our flagship Imani line.
Exceptional value — ideal for candle and soap making, natural diffusion, sprays, and DIY cleaners.
A few of our best sellers
For Maturing Skin
Queen Esther
Esther found favor and was provided with special foods and the prescribed beauty treatment including six months with oil of Myrrh.
Premium Facial Lotion
Morning Dew
A bright way to start the day!
In a class by itself, it is toning, moisturizing and brightening formulated particularly for facial skin.
Blended with the premium skin care oils of Helichrysum, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, Neroli and Blue Tansy
Refreshing - Light - Radiant
Tonifying Natural Formula
Frankincense Lotion
Tonifying and moisturizing natural body lotion with a generous amount of Frankincense essential oil.
Infection Fighting Liniment
Guardian Balm
This blend is warm and protective. Use on feet and hands or inhale to keep infection at bay.
Lymphatic Decongestant
LymphWorks
A target area blend for the feet and lymphatic massage. Helps reduce sluggishness of the lymph flow.
Anti-inflammatory Liniment
Kinesithone
An anti-inflammatory liniment to help relieve pain in the tendons, ligaments and joints.
Digestive Rub
Soother
This gentle blend is designed to help with digestion and abdominal tightness. Good for children.
Optimum Nutrition
Feed your immune system what it craves! Identify imbalances and deficiencies and adjust the diet to include quality foods and/or supplements that restore balance.
Reduce Toxicity
Liberate the immune system from being bogged down with toxins that could be avoided like refined sugars, preservatives, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Manage Stress
Stress is a killer. It amplifies any weakness in our immune system caused by poor nutrition and toxicity. When stress is not balanced with quality sleep, relaxation and exercise, it's a vicious spiral.
Imani means Faith
Our immune system is intelligently designed — built to keep us healthy despite the demands of stress, poor nutrition & environmental toxicity.
In natural healthcare, the focus is on strengthening the body's natural defenses by optimizing nutrition, reducing toxicity and managing stress.
Essential oils have a well-documented history of fighting infection and reducing inflammation. They work in harmony with the immune system, not against it.
Essential oils are not a replacement for pharmaceutical medication. However, when the immune system is supported and the body grows stronger, the need for certain medications may change over time.
We believe God has blessed us with a host of beneficial botanicals whose intelligence and complexity cannot be replicated in a laboratory. We use essential oils every day — and we've experienced their benefits firsthand.
Inhalation & Diffusion
The simplest way to experience essential oils is also the most immediate — just open the cap and inhale.
Inhalation works because scent travels directly through the olfactory nerves to the limbic system, the part of the brain that governs emotion, memory, and stress response. This is why certain aromas can instantly calm, energize, or uplift.
Diffusion is an expanded form of inhalation that disperses oils into the surrounding environment — with the added benefit of cleansing and refreshing the air in a larger space.
There are two primary types of diffusers: evaporative diffusers use heat or airflow to evaporate the oil into the air, and are typically more affordable. Nebulizing diffusers use pressurized air to break the oil into ultra-fine particles — delivering a more concentrated and potent aromatic experience.
Cutaneous (Topical)
Cutaneous application refers to any use of essential oils directly on the skin — whether diluted with a carrier oil or applied "neat" (undiluted).
Common methods include applying a drop to the wrist or other pulse points, massaging onto the feet, full body massage, and adding oils to a bath. Each method offers a different level of absorption and intensity.
The most common reasons for cutaneous application are pain relief and relaxation — making it one of the most accessible and widely practiced ways to experience the benefits of essential oils.
Spinal & Reflexology Application
Two of the most powerful and intentional forms of topical application are spinal application and foot reflexology — each rooted in the body's interconnected systems.
Spinal Application involves applying essential oils along both sides of the spine. The spine serves as a direct pathway to the nervous system, making it ideal for oils with anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting, or stress-relieving properties. Oils are applied along the spine and gently feathered into the skin using light, sweeping strokes. The Imani Formulas are available in a rollerball that makes them particularly easy for spinal application — the precision tip allows for a smooth and controlled application directly along the spine without waste or mess.
Foot Reflexology is based on the principle that specific points on the feet correspond to organs, glands, and systems throughout the body. Applying essential oils and formulas to these reflex points allows the oils to be absorbed while simultaneously stimulating the corresponding area. The soles of the feet are particularly receptive due to their large pores, making this one of the most efficient methods of absorption. Our rollerballs make self-application on the feet effortless — simply roll onto the desired reflex points and massage gently.
Both methods are deeply relaxing and easy to incorporate into a daily wellness routine.
Mucosal
Mucosal application sits between topical and internal use — it is a more targeted method that requires a higher level of caution and understanding than standard skin application.
With proper knowledge, essential oils can be used for oral, nasal, vaginal, and rectal application. Most mucosal applications require dilution and should only be undertaken by those with a solid foundation in essential oil safety — or under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Internal Use
While much has been written about the topical use of essential oils, research conducted in France has focused on their internal use — particularly their ability to fight infection.
Internal use must be approached thoughtfully. Some oils should never be taken internally, and others should be avoided by people with certain conditions such as high blood pressure or epilepsy, or during pregnancy.
That said, you may already be using essential oils internally without realizing it — every time you flavor a dish with fresh basil or oregano, you're experiencing the benefits of these plants in a familiar, everyday way.
For oils that are GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe by the FDA), a common guideline is 1–3 drops, taken 1–3 times per day, for a period of 3 days to 2 weeks.
Anointing, Prayer & Meditation
For ages, oils have enhanced the practice of healing, meditation and prayer. Though contemporary practices don't often include anointing with oil, its value has not diminished.
Imani Three Kings Formula is a blend of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood — three oils with a rich, ancient tradition of sacred use — that is ready to use for anointing.
"Treatment comes from the outside, healing comes from within."Andrew Weil
Infection Fighting
Many essential oils are studied for their antimicrobial properties, including potential activity against viruses, bacteria, and molds. Unlike some conventional treatments, essential oils are not known to promote resistance in microorganisms — making them a compelling area of ongoing research.
Pain Relieving
Discomfort and tension are common parts of daily life. Many essential oils are traditionally used to provide temporary soothing comfort, supporting the body's natural wellness and recovery processes.
Stress Reducing
Incorporate essential oils into your self-care rituals — add a few drops to a warm bath, blend with a carrier oil for a soothing massage, or simply apply to the soles of your feet before bed. Simple moments, elevated naturally.
Top, Middle & Base Notes
Understanding essential oil notes is an important foundation for intentional blending. Notes are ascribed to an oil based on how it behaves over time — how quickly it evaporates and when its scent is perceived after application.
Top Notes — First impression; evaporate quickly (1–2 hours)
Bright, fresh, and uplifting. These are the scents you smell first and dissipate more quickly. Recommended ratio: 20–30% of your blend.
Examples: Lemon, Bergamot, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Orange
Middle Notes — The heart; emerge after top notes fade (2–4 hours)
Warm, balancing, and grounding. These form the character of your blend and bridge top and base notes. Recommended ratio: 50–60% of your blend.
Examples: Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang
Base Notes — The foundation; longest lasting (4–6+ hours)
Deep, rich, and anchoring. These fix the blend and slow the evaporation of lighter notes. Recommended ratio: 10–20% of your blend.
Examples: Cedar, Frankincense, Patchouli, Vetiver, Sandalwood
A balanced blend typically uses 30% top, 50% middle, and 20% base notes.
Blending Concepts
Blending is fun. Understanding a few concepts will help you move beyond guesswork and blend with intention, consistency and confidence.
Aromatic Purpose
If you would like to create a blend where the aroma is the star, then pay the most attention to balancing top, middle and base notes. This helps to create a blend with a pleasant accord. Accord is achieved as a blend becomes a harmonious and unified aroma — when the single oils are less distinctive and perceived in the blend.
Functional Purpose
If you are creating a blend for a therapeutic purpose, such as pain relief or immune support, then selecting oils that compliment and enhance the function of the blend becomes more important than balancing the aroma with top, middle and base notes.
Start Small and Give it Time
Experiment in small batches — using only drops — before scaling up. Document your drop counts as you go so you can reproduce or refine your formula. Let a blend rest for 30 minutes or more before continuing to refine. This allows the oils to settle with each other, which can give a truer sense of the final aroma.
Balancing the Energy
Many factors determine the energy that each drop of oil contains — the distillation yield, the length of growing season required, compound density and the plant part that is used. The cost of producing the essential oil is dependant on these factors as well; therefore, price is a fairly reliable approximation of the energy. Higher priced oils generally containhigher energy. So it is naturally balancing to use less of the higher priced oils and more of the lower priced oils in a blend.
The Golden Ratio
We regularly use the Fibonacci Sequence of numbers when creating Imani Synergies. This includes both the number of oils that we use in the blend and the number of parts that we use of each oil.
Essential oil blending is an art that combines different oils to create unique aromatic experiences. We recommend starting with Crystal Massage Oil as your unscented base. A typical blend uses 15-30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Dilution Guidelines
Dilution is the process of blending essential oils into a carrier oil or other oil soluble base. Proper dilution ensures safety, extends your blend, and can enhance absorption. Generally, essential oils should not be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin.
Dilution Rates by Use (per 1 oz / 30 mL of carrier oil)
0.5% — 3 drops — Sensitive skin, facial applications, first-time blenders
1% — 6 drops — Sensitive skin, children (2–10 years), daily facial use
2% — 12 drops — General daily use for adults; massage blends, moisturizers, roll-ons
3% — 18 drops — Targeted application; sore muscles, localized tension, acute support
5% — 30 drops — Short-term use only; specific therapeutic applications on small areas
10%+ — 60+ drops — Professional use only; not recommended for general home blending
Choosing Your Carrier Oil
The carrier oil you choose shapes the feel, absorption, and overall experience of your blend.
Light absorption: Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed — good for facial and daily use
Medium absorption: Fractionated Coconut, Apricot Kernel — versatile for body blends
Rich & nourishing: Avocado, Castor, Rosehip — best for dry skin and targeted treatments
Imani Crystal Massage Oil is an ideal combination of Organic MCT (fractionated coconut) oil and Jojoba — its silky, lightweight formula absorbs beautifully without leaving a heavy residue, making it ideal for massage blends, body oils, and daily wellness rituals. Its neutral scent profile allows your essential oil blend to shine without competition.
Important Safety Notes— Perform a patch test before full skin application of any new blend. Citrus oils may cause photosensitivity; avoid sun exposure after application. Consult a qualified aromatherapist before use during pregnancy or with children under 2.
These guidelines are for topical use.
Blend Recipes
A great chef makes for a great perfumer!
These recipes are some nice beginning ideas to inspire your blending practice. Each is formulated at a 5% concentration in 1/3oz of carrier oil—which makes the Rollerball packaging ideal.
Morning Clarity Focus & Mental Energy
5 drops Peppermint — sharp and invigorating
3 drops Lemon — bright and clarifying
2 drops Rosemary — mental focus and memory
Apply to temples and wrists to start your day with intention.
Citrus Bloom Uplifting & Mood Brightening
5 drops Bergamot — joyful and balancing
3 drops Orange — warm and cheerful
2 drops YlangYlang — floral heart note
Apply to the chest and wrists for an instant mood lift.
Sacred Ritual Grounding & Spiritual Centering
5 drops Frankincense — sacred and uplifting
3 drops Sandalwood — warm and meditative
2 drops Patchouli or Vetiver — earthy and grounding
Use during meditation, prayer, or moments of quiet reflection.
Tranquil Evening Relaxation & Sleep Support
5 drops Lavender — base of calm
3 drops Cedar, Atlas — grounding anchor
2 drops Frankincense — deep stillness
Apply to pulse points or the soles of the feet before bed.
We recommend Imani Crystal Massage Oil as your carrier for most applications.
Measurement & Conversion Reference
Essential oils are concentrated plant energy — each drop is potent, and a little goes a long way. We recommend starting with drops when creating a custom blend. Keeping track of the number of drops can then be translated to "parts" — commonly measured in mLs — when scaling up to larger batches.
Common Conversions
1/6 oz = 5 mL = 100 drops = 1 tsp
1/3 oz = 10 mL = 200 drops = 2 tsp
1/2 oz = 15 mL = 300 drops = 1 tbsp
1 oz = 30 mL = 600 drops = 2 tbsp
3.3 oz = 100mL
8 oz = 240 ml = 1 cup
16 oz = 480 ml = 1 pint = 1 pound
32 oz = 960 ml = 1 quart
1 Kilo = 1000 ml = 2.2 pounds = 33.81 fluid oz of water
The above measurements are close approximations. Technically, 1 fluid ounce = 29.5735 mL, which is universally rounded to 30 mL for practical blending purposes.
Note: Drop size can vary based on the viscosity of the oil, the size of the bottle's dropper insert, and temperature. The conversions above are based on an average of 20 drops per mL and are a practical starting point. This variation is mitigated when drops (parts) are scaled up to mLs.
Dilution Quick Reference
1% dilution = 6 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil
2% dilution = 12 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil
3% dilution = 18 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil
5% dilution = 30 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil
Aromatherapy Safety
Safety Tips:
• Use caution if applying undiluted essential oils directly to skin
• Keep essential oils away from children and pets
• Avoid ingesting essential oils unless under professional guidance
• Some oils are photosensitive - avoid sun exposure after application
• Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before use
• Store oils in dark glass bottles away from heat and light
Golden Ratios
The Imani Synergies and Formulas are designed using Fibonacci numbers - from which the Golden Ratio is derived - to create blends with beauty and effectiveness in harmony with nature.
The Golden Mean Essay by Brian Skinness
Imani Synergies and Formulas are designed using the Golden ratio to create blends with beauty and effectiveness in harmony with nature.
The Golden Mean
By Brian Skinness
This journey into the Golden Mean begins with Leonardo Fibonacci da Pisa. Fibonacci was a mathematician born in Pisa, Italy around 1180 A.D. Although not widely known, the contributions of Fibonacci to the progress of mankind is remarkable. It was his "Book of Calculations," the Liber Abaci, that offered an alternative to the awkward Roman numeral system. In Liber Abaci, Fibonacci further developed the numeric symbol system of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, known as the Hindu-Arabic system used today. With the spirit of renaissance, Fibonacci laid the groundwork for widespread advancement in the fields of physics, astronomy and engineering.
Fibonacci Sequence
Leonardo Fibonacci da Pisa is credited with the discovery and application of a sequence of numbers known today as the Fibonacci Sequence. The Fibonacci Sequence begins with one (1) and adds the previous to get to the next in an infinite progression. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, to infinity~
The Golden Ratio of Phi
The Fibonacci Sequence introduces the Golden Ratio of Phi. Phi is irrational, meaning that it cannot be precisely expressed as the ratio of any two numbers, and there is an endless series of non-repeating digits past the decimal point. Although not precise, an approximation of Phi is produced by dividing any Fibonacci number by the Fibonacci number preceding it. Phi = 1.618033988... 377 / 233 = 1.618025751 6765 / 4181 = 1.618033963 As the Fibonacci numbers approach infinity, the quotient of each successive division alternates above and below true Phi drawing nearer to it in a Golden Ratio.
Something Unique
This is the only ratio where alternating the numerator and denominator yields the same digits past the decimal point.
610 / 377 = 1.618 : 377 / 610 = .618 Converting the ratio of .618 into a percentage yields 61.8%. The compliment of 61.8% is 38.2% since they equal one (1) when added together. Both 61.8% and 38.2% are used to employ the Golden Mean in creative expression.
The Golden Rectangle
Dividing a line into segments of 61.8% and 38.2% produces a Golden Section.
A rectangle whose short sides are 61.8% the length of the long sides is a Golden Rectangle. The Golden Rectangle is among the most pleasing shapes.
Squares and Golden Rectangles
By dividing the Golden Rectangle in a Golden Section, a square and smaller Golden Rectangle are formed. The square has 61.8% of the square area of the larger Golden Rectangle and 161.8% of the area of the smaller Golden Rectangle. The smaller Golden rectangle has 38.2% of the area of the larger Golden Rectangle and 61.8% of the area of the square. The smaller Golden Rectangle can be divided repeatedly in a Golden Section.
The Golden Spiral
A Golden Spiral is formed by drawing a quarter circle in each square of the segmented Golden Rectangle.
The Golden Mean in Nature
Golden Ratios are ubiquitous in nature, showing up in the length of our arm divided at the elbow and wrist in Golden Sections, to the seed distribution of sunflower seeds or barrel cacti, to draining water, the nautilus shell, pine cones, to spiral galaxies. The Golden Mean is indeed a Universal Principle of Organization.
Missions - Your orders help make the world a better place
Proceeds from Imani orders have funded several projects in Burundi, Africa.
Your orders help make the world a better place!
Our friend Salomon
Food
New Water Well
Goats for widows
Flood Relief in Burundi
Rabbits for Widows
In March 2024, we were able to supply 150 rabbits to 75 widows in a new project encouraged by the Burundian government to help develop a sustainable source of food for those in rural areas.
Supplies and Food
In December, 2024, we were able to supply another gift of food and necessities to a number of Widows in Burundi.
School Supplies
In 2025, we were able to supply a gift of school supplies to a number of children in the area.
Supplies and Food
Also In 2025, we gifted bags of food and supplies to another group of widows.
The art of stacey t - Our companion website featuring Stacey's art
We invite you to view our companion website featuring Stacey's art.
A moment alone
I was born a preacher's daughter.
It was confusing and alienating.
My peers would shield me from their blue jokes,
saying, "Don't let her hear that, she's a preacher's daughter."
I felt like I was living under a microscope,
with distinct expectations from my family and friends.
I would hide under my bed
to feel a moment alone.
I guarded and nurtured my inmost being,
keeping it hidden, without judgement.
I was born a preacher's daughter,
but I wouldn't want it any other way!
