Luna’s Tail of Scent & Safety

An Introduction to Essential Oils, from the Lap of Maggie — with a Touch of Research

Hello, moonbeam.

It’s me—Luna.

I spend most of my evenings right here, on Maggie’s lap, where it’s warm, still, and just a little bit patchouli. That scent follows her like a second shadow—earthy, deep, and calm. It clings to her shawls, her fingers, the pages of her journal. It’s the smell of home.

Maggie works with something called essential oils. Tiny bottles of scent she opens with care, as if each one carries a secret. Lavender, eucalyptus, sweet orange… and always, patchouli. It’s her favorite.

When she blends, it’s like watching someone light a candle in the dark—not flashy, but real. She doesn’t rush. Every drop is measured, every breath considered. And I’ve noticed something: when people visit, they seem to relax the moment they step into our home.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing, capturing the plant’s aromatic compounds and storing them in small, potent bottles. These oils often contain hundreds of individual chemical constituents, each contributing to the oil’s therapeutic properties.

When inhaled or applied topically (always diluted!), essential oils can support:

• Relaxation and stress reduction (lavender, bergamot)
• Improved focus and mental clarity (rosemary, peppermint)
• Immune support (tea tree, eucalyptus)
• Mood elevation (sweet orange, lemon)
• Skin care (frankincense, geranium, patchouli)

These effects are not just imagined—the limbic system, the part of the brain involved in emotion and memory, responds directly to scent molecules (Herz, 2009). That’s why a simple aroma can spark comfort, calm, or even courage.

From Maggie’s Hands to the Heart

One winter night, I watched Maggie blend a calming oil for her friend who had trouble sleeping. She used lavender, sweet marjoram, and a touch of cedarwood—blending them into hempseed oil and whispering care into every swirl.

Her friend returned a week later, smiling. “I slept through the night,” she said. Maggie didn’t boast. She just nodded and refilled the bottle.

That’s the kind of magic she believes in—the kind that is gentle, personal, and rooted in care.

Important Tail Note from Luna

Essential oils are for humans.
We cats don’t process them the same way.

Unlike humans, our livers lack certain enzymes—especially glucuronyl transferase—needed to safely break down many essential oil components. As a result, even small amounts can build up in our systems, leading to potential toxicity (Reisfield, 2020). Oils with high levels of phenols, ketones, or citrus compounds are especially dangerous.

Some oils to avoid around pets (especially cats):

• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Maggie knows this. She never diffuses oils when I’m close. She blends in a separate space and stores her bottles high and sealed tight. “Safety,” she says, “is part of love.” And I agree.

From Our Home to Yours

So while she blends, I dream.
While she stirs, I settle.
And while you read this, I hope you feel what I feel—Maggie’s quiet magic.

If you choose to explore essential oils, do so thoughtfully. Learn about the plants, honor the power of their chemistry, and always remember that care is the heart of the craft.

From her lap to your space,
— Luna

References

Herz, R. S. (2009). The emotional, cognitive and biological basics of olfaction: Implications and considerations for scent marketing. Business Research Quarterly, 12(3), 163–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1138-4891(09)70024-5

Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy science: A guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press.

Reisfield, M. (2020). Essential oils and pets: A brief literature review. Journal of Animal Complementary Therapy, 5(2), 45–53.