9 Tips For Working With Essential Oils.
When I discovered aromatherapy based essential oils. I didn’t know quite what the big deal was, what they entailed and how to use them. However once I found out that essential oils could help me manage my anxiety, I wanted to know more. Although, I still consider myself a novice, I can offer you some suggestions and tips to get you started.
9 Tips For Utilizing Essential Oils For Aromatherapy
1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest.
2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
Facebook Groups, Instagram pages and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others.
3. Choose Three- Five Essential Oils to Start
Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just three or five different essential oils.
Pick two or three energy vibrations you may wish to invite into your home or energy field. If you wish to work on anxiety and rest you may wish to try a Lavender oil which typically brings in an energy of relaxation.
A lemon oil can be utilized if you are looking for cleansing. Lemon oils are wonderful if you wish to create your own home cleaning agents. Lemon oils are great for making furniture polishes and all purpose cleansers.
A peppermint oil may be your choice if you are looking for a bit more vigor or a boost to your energy. Putting a few drops on a cloth or some lava bead jewelry and periodically smelling these things can give you a mid day boost if you notice your energy levels are fading.
Oils overall can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.
4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils; they contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value.
5. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil
For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.
6. Store Your Oils Properly
Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it's best to buy smaller quantities.
7. Learn How to Do a Patch Test
Essential oils can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or due to sensitization over time. A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.
8. Don't Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets
Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don't use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.
9. Don't Ingest Essential Oils
Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this. Some essential oils that are fairly safe to use topically may be quite toxic if taken internally. In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.
As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!
Now tell me will you start using essential oils? If you are already using essential oils what are you favorites?
