Aromatherapy Newbies: 10 Tips
By:
Amie @Aromatherapy
Encyclopedia
I 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 you 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 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. Two of my favorites Are Colleen K Dodt’s The
Essential Oils Book, and Joy Bowles’ The A-to-Z of Essential
Oils.
2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
Forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past
discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. The Yahoo Group
Aromatherapy for Everyone is a friendly place for beginners, and
members range from novices to experts.
3. Do Some Research on the Internet
While it’s nice to have an aromatherapy book or two at your
fingertips, there are some excellent resources on the internet,
too. Be a critical reader, though, and consider your source.
Information offered by a manufacturer or affiliate seller may not
be as trustworthy as information offered by a more objective
source. Aromatherapy websites I refer to over and over include
AromaWeb and Wavelengths Natural Health Aromatherapy.
4. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five
or ten different essential oils. Essential oils 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.
5. 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.
6. 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, 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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!
Article
Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Amie is a Certified Aromatherapist who works
in health care. She is author of Amie’s Aromatherapy Encyclopedia (aromatherapyencyclopedia.blogspot.com/). Go to Amie’s
Aromatherapy Encyclopedia and submit your aromatherapy question to
Amie, and she may feature it on her Ask the Aromatherapist page. Her interests
include gardening, yoga, and journaling.
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