What’s Inside Our Conjure Oils?

Not long ago, a customer wrote to us in a bit of a panic. They thought there was a worm floating in their oil. Of course, there wasn’t, it was a piece of dandelion root. They also mentioned it smelled of alcohol, but our oils contain no alcohol whatsoever. What they were smelling was pure frankincense essential oil—a rich, resinous scent that can be sharp to an unfamiliar nose. That question reminded me that not everyone knows what goes into authentic conjure oils. So let’s open the bottle, so to speak, and talk about it.

Roots and Botanicals

In Southern folk traditions, roots and herbs are the backbone of any good formula. They are chosen not for fragrance alone but for their spiritual power. Dandelion root, angelica, galangal, High John, burdock, and dozens more have a reputation earned through generations of use. When you see these botanicals in your oil, know they are there with purpose. They are not filler, and they certainly are not worms.

Stones and Minerals

Some oils carry the strength of the mineral kingdom. Small stones, crystals, or mineral fragments may be nestled in the blend to lend their qualities—stability, clarity, or protection. Their presence amplifies the working and anchors the intention.

Dirts and Powders

Certain formulas call for dirts, ashes, or powders. Destruction Oil, for instance, contains sulfur, which gives the oil a cloudy or yellow, murky look. That appearance is not a flaw; it is a hallmark of authenticity. When the work requires fire and brimstone, you’ll see it in the bottle. These types of oils should never be used on your body.

Essential Oils and Their Scents

We use pure essential oils—not alcohol, not chemical perfumes. Essential oils are highly concentrated and may not smell like the diluted versions found in mass-market products. Frankincense, for example, has a sharp, resinous scent that some may mistake for alcohol if they aren’t familiar with it. These pure oils carry both fragrance and power, connecting the senses to the sacred.

Why It Looks the Way It Does

Not every oil is clear and pretty. Some sparkle in the sunlight, others look earthy and stormy. Some smell sweet, while others carry the resinous or pungent tones of roots and resins. The variation comes directly from the traditional ingredients. What you see—and smell—in the bottle is part of the magic. It’s a sign the oil is alive with the materia of the work.

Using Conjure Oils Safely

Most conjure oils are made to be worn as ritual perfumes, dabbed on the body, or used to anoint candles, charms, and sacred tools. Oils for blessing, love, money, and protection are perfectly safe to wear on the skin in small amounts. However, some formulas—particularly those crafted for cursing, crossing, or other left-hand works—are not meant to touch your body. Oils like Destruction, Crossing, or D.U.M.E. are designed for ritual deployment, not for personal adornment. In those cases, the oil should be handled with care and used only on candles, tools, or in ritual space, never as a perfume.

Authentic Formulary

When we say our products are authentic, this is what we mean. We follow the old ways, working from recipes and practices passed down through folk magic tradition. The roots, stones, dirts, and powders you see are not decorations, and the scents you notice are not additives. They are the heart of the oil itself, linking you to the living heritage of conjure.

So, if you find a root at the bottom of your bottle, or a sharp resinous scent in the air, take it as proof: your oil is the real thing.