Aromatherapy: 9 Tips For Aromatherapy Newbies
07/10/22 00:01 Filed in:
AromatherapyI remember when I first discovered aromatherapy several years ago. I was fascinated by essential oils and excited to try using them. Looking back, I realize I should have done a bit more research before diving into aromatherapy. I offer the advice I wish I’d had when I was an aromatherapy novice:
1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
Choose just one or two books to start our aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give us home basic information and help us discover the areas in which we 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 Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
Though we may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils. Essential oils can be quite expensive, so we may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if we decide to pursue aromatherapy further.
4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
When buying 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, we will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower 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 Our 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 we might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on ourselves with each new oil we want to use topically.
8. Don't Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets
Until we 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—peppermint. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.
9. Don't Ingest Essential Oils
Though we will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, we 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 interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.
As we experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, we become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!
