Aromatherapy: How to use essential oils without mistakes

Simran recently purchased a large amount of essential oils as she was planning to venture into aromatherapy. She had heard a lot from her peers about the benefits of aromatherapy and how it has helped people during the pandemic and explore their inner wellbeing. However, she has no idea how to use these products.

There are some common mistakes to make and avoid, but first let’s know what clinical aromatherapy is.

What is Clinical Aromatherapy?

Clinical aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils for therapeutic benefits. It goes beyond simply smelling the scent or creating a pleasant atmosphere. Aromatherapy preparations are made by steaming different parts of the plant, including flowers, bark, leaves, and fruits. This is done to capture the essence and therapeutic benefits of the plant by distilling different parts of the plant to capture the aroma-inducing mixture.

Essential oils not only produce a scent, but they can also help relieve symptoms like stress, anxiety and headaches, promote deeper relaxation and restful sleep, and can be used by inhalation or topical application.

When using or preparing these essential oils for aromatherapy, you should avoid the following mistakes.

1. Assuming all essential oils are equal

Make sure the oil is made by a reputable manufacturer. Not all products with additives are bad, but some can cause allergic reactions, so be careful.

2. Dilution is key

Never use undiluted essential oils. Undiluted essential oils are very potent when used as is. The higher the percentage of essential oil, the higher the chance of a skin reaction, so it is always recommended to dilute it with a cream or carrier oil to get a solution that does not contain much essential oil.

3. Using photosensitive oils in sunlight

Do not expose your oils to UV light, as too much heat can affect the quality of the oil and make it less effective. Also, be aware that heat and sunlight can change the chemical composition of the oil.

4. Child Safety

If you use essential oils on children under the age of 12, they should be further diluted to avoid skin reactions.

5. Proper use of essential oils is essential

You should never use essential oils near open wounds, as broken or injured skin may absorb more essential oil than necessary and cause unwanted skin reactions.

6. Improper oil storage

Don’t forget to throw away old oil bottles, as old oils are prone to degradation from exposure to oxygen and may no longer work as well or cause skin reactions (stored properly, essential oils can last for years). Always put the lid on the bottle tightly after use to prevent the oil from evaporating.

7. Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to use essential oils as they may have adverse effects on the early development of the fetus.Animals are generally sensitive to essential oils so should never be exposed to them.

The last word

Due to the pandemic, people’s screen time has increased significantly, which often leads to migraines. Aromatherapy is great for relieving migraines. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and rosemary mixed in a small bottle can help relieve headaches.

Similarly, there are many other ailments that can be alleviated through aromatherapy, which always uses oils that are 100% organic, have excellent healing properties, are carefully crafted, and are designed in an eco-friendly environment.

Essential oils can improve your mood and lift your spirits just by smelling them. Essential oils have many uses, but you should be aware of how different oils and methods can benefit you.

Everyone responds differently to aromatherapy and different oils are suitable for them. To avoid skin reactions, it is always recommended to use essential oils that are best suited for you and are from a reputable source. Do not overdo aromatherapy. Just as we do everything in limits, the same goes for essential oils.