3 quick tips on the safe use of essential oils
The use of aromatherapy is growing exponentially these days in its reach to the general public. There is a wave of people beginning to see the real therapeutic benefits of using essential oils to help their overall wellness. They can help you get a good night’s sleep, reduce anxiety, and have many other benefits. However, the constant problem is that there is so much misinformation being spread by people trying to sell them that real knowledge of how to use these oils safely can be hard to find, especially on the internet. Here are some guidelines to follow to help filter out the noise and start using your oils safely and with confidence.
1. You really can’t go wrong when using essential oils by inhalation. The general consensus is that even if you inhale an oil or blend for long periods of time, the worst that can happen is a headache or possibly nausea. Inhaling through the use of an essential oil diffuser, or by placing a few drops on a tissue or cloth is always a safe way to use.
2. The topical use of essential oils on the skin is where we start to see a lot of negative information. You should never use these oils directly on your skin. That can have some very negative effects, starting with skin rashes and ending with some extreme sensitivity issues and even liver and kidney problems. When using them on your skin, you should always dilute them in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil. When diluted, topical use is also a very safe way to reap the benefits it can provide. There is still the possibility of a skin reaction or rash, so a good rule of thumb is to do a nickel-sized patch test on the inside of your forearm to assess how your skin might react.
3. It is becoming more and more common to see many articles recommending the ingestion of essential oils in a capsule to help with various problems. It cannot be stressed enough that this is a very dangerous practice. Ingestion of essential oils can cause liver and kidney failure. Our bodies process these compounds very slowly and they can be toxic. Just as you wouldn’t use prescription medications without a doctor’s advice, you shouldn’t ingest essential oils without expert advice. In the US, hardly anyone has the proper knowledge to use oils in this way. If someone claims to be an expert, proceed with caution. Ingesting essential oils can potentially be very helpful when used correctly. Find a certified clinical aromatherapist if you’re looking for help with this type of use, and consult your doctor as well.
Aromatherapy is taking its rightful place as a daily part of people’s lives. A world that smells good is something anyone would want, and improving how you feel at the same time makes it even better. We hope this guide helps you feel confident using essential oils in your life. It won’t be long before you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!