Honoring a legacy in aromatherapy
To celebrate Oil Garden’s 40th anniversary, we talk to Pat Princi-Jones, aromatherapy specialist, educator at Heritage Brands and author of A Scented Life: Aromatherapy Reimagined.
Q: Your introduction to essential oils began with the captivating scent of jasmine more than 30 years ago. How did this encounter influence your journey into aromatherapy?
Yes, indeed. It all started with a trip to Bali and the intoxicating perfume of jasmine oil. I knew nothing about aromatherapy at the time. Yet it was during that island holiday that I discovered the beauty of scent and experienced both the pleasure of inhaling the aroma of a pure essential oil, along with the emotional and physical benefits it provided. That holiday, I bathed in scented water of chamomile, soaked my feet in peppermint, misted my face with rejuvenating orange blossom and massaged my body with jasmine and ylang ylang.
Not long after, I left my chosen career as a teacher and relocated to Melbourne, where I began educating in the aromatherapy retail sector. Looking back, I realise it was a seamless transition from teaching Shakespeare to extolling the virtues of basil oil.
Q: With over three decades in the industry, how have you seen the perception and use of aromatherapy evolve?
Today, more than ever, we long to reconnect with nature and use natural over synthetic on our body and skin. Aromatherapy has shifted from “feel-good” to supporting a healthy body and mind. Essential oils are now seen as a complementary therapy and are backed by scientifi c-based research. Unlike conventional treatments, which focus on the symptoms rather than the root cause of an illness, essential oils speak to the physical and emotional aspects of wellness. They are well established in the lexicon of natural health.
Q: As Oil Garden marks its 40th anniversary, what milestones stand out to you in the brand’s journey?
Oil Garden originated in a small organic tea tree farm on the outskirts of Byron Bay. Once the antiseptic properties of tea tree were scientifically proven, the farm grew in size and commenced sourcing a greater selection of oils. That legacy continues to inspire the team, which has enabled Oil Garden to grow into one of Australia’s leading aromatherapy brands, offering a repertoire of single note oils, lifestyle blends, mindful scents and natural remedies for common ailments. Today, as a proudly Australian-made and -owned brand, Oil Garden provides everyday Australians with the finest oils from around the globe.
Q: Can you share insights into how you help develop Oil Garden’s essential oil blends?
A great example is the Menopause blend, a TGAlisted natural remedy that includes uplifting orange, calming lavender, hormone-balancing geranium, cooling cypress, confi dence-boosting jasmine and nurturing rose. We began by identifying key symptoms — mood swings, hot fl ushes, fatigue, sleeplessness — and shortlisted 20 oils known to support these concerns, referencing our Essential Oil Master File and Library of Evidence built over years of research. We assessed how the oils interact and evolve when blended, ensuring synergy and therapeutic effi cacy. After sourcing highquality ingredients, we fi ne-tuned the ratios through several rounds of sampling and testing, confi rming the blend’s aroma, effi cacy and stability. Finally, before launch, every formulation undergoes shelf-life and stability testing to ensure it meets the high-quality standards customers expect from Oil Garden.
Q: How does Oil Garden ensure the integrity of its products from farm to bottle?
Quality and purity are key to aromatherapy practice. We believe true quality starts with where — and how — our oils are sourced. That’s why we partner with a trusted global network of suppliers who meet our rigorous standards for sustainability, traceability and ethical harvesting. Our oils are extracted with precision and care to ensure the active plant compounds remain intact, preserving the therapeutic benefi ts from fi eld to bottle. Every step of the process is carefully monitored to maintain the purity and efficacy of each essential oil.
Q: Reflecting on your career, what has been the most rewarding aspect of educating others?
Three decades on, I am just as excited about teaching a new group as I was years back. Each session is refreshingly different because participants respond uniquely to essential oils. Seeing the stages of learning and growth progress, especially the brand managers at head offi ce, is truly gratifying. And of course, a teacher is also always learning. That’s the greatest gift of all.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of aromatherapy in holistic health?
Integrative medicine recognises that health is the sum of a person’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. I’d like to see aromatherapy more integrated into complementary healthcare. Reputable companies with evidence-based practices and clinical trials can help bridge that gap. The practice of aromatherapy fi ts beautifully into this context — providing relief to the symptoms of common ailments, naturally.
For more, visit oilgarden.com.au.
