I recall how excited I was when I first learned about aromatherapy several years ago. Essential oils piqued my interest, and I was eager to try them out. In retrospect, I should have done a little more research before jumping into aromatherapy.
I’ll give you the advise I wish I’d had when I first started using aromatherapy:
- Purchase one or two books on aromatherapy.
To begin your aromatherapy library, pick simply one or two books. Choose books that are general resources, as they will provide you with some fundamental information and assist you in identifying your areas of interest. - Participate in Aromatherapy Discussion Boards
Aromatherapy rookies might benefit from Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and other forums. Read through previous talks, ask questions, and pick up tips from others. - Begin with five or ten essential oils.
Though you may be tempted to purchase more, start with just five or ten essential oils. Because essential oils can be costly, you may want to start with a few and then expand your collection if you decide to study aromatherapy further. - Purchase essential oils that are 100 percent pure and unadulterated.
Choose a trustworthy and well-known manufacturer when purchasing essential oils. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils aren’t essential oils because they contain synthetic compounds and have no aromatherapeutic value. - Purchase a minimum of one carrier oil
Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil for practically all topical aromatherapy uses. Sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are all good all-purpose carrier oils. Use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil if using cosmetic grade carrier oils. - Keep Your Oils Safely Stored
Only dark glass containers should be used to store essential oils. Keep the lids tightly closed because essential oils are volatile. Heat and light should be avoided when storing essential oils and carrier oils. Carrier oils will ultimately get rancid, therefore it’s better to buy in modest quantities. - Find out how to do a patch test.
Essential oils can induce undesirable responses in people who are allergic to them or who have become sensitized to them over time. A patch test might help you figure out if you’re allergic to an essential oil. With each new oil you want to use topically, learn how to do a skin patch test on yourself. - Aromatherapy should not be used around children or pets.
Don’t use essential oils on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding, unless you’ve learned everything there is to know about them. Essential oils have the potential to harm cats in particular. Make sure essential oils are out of children’s reach. - Essential Oils Should Not Be Consumed
Despite the fact that there is contradicting information concerning consuming essential oils internally, you should avoid it. When consumed internally, several essential oils that are very safe when applied topically can be quite hazardous. Furthermore, some essential oils may interact with prescription and non-prescription medications.
You will gain confidence in utilizing essential oils as you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy. There’s a lot to see and do, so stay safe and have fun!
