Aromatherapy for beginners

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and in recent years it has recently been resurrected. Our ancestors used scents to promote their health and well-being. Essential oils have also claimed to provide some therapeutic properties for the treatment of some medical conditions. Therefore, if you are looking to get started in aromatherapy, being informed is extremely important.

Some of the aromatherapy materials include:

• Aromatic oils from plants or flowers.

• Essential oils extracted from plants through a distillation or steam process.

• plant infusions

• concentrations of herbs such as chamomile and lemon balm

• vaporizers made from raw herbs

As a beginner, it is highly recommended to purchase supplies from reputable dealers. There are some local health food stores that sell supplies, but they may not be of the best quality. Also, some reputable mail order companies offer better quality selections at more reasonable prices. Avoid buying items at craft shows or street fairs until you have gained more experience in judging the quality of the products.

To make sure the scents stay potent, they should be stored in a dark glass container inside a cool dark cabinet, box or chest. Light can affect the strength of the aroma and destroy certain ingredients. Never use plastic dropper caps or rubber stoppers, as they can ruin the oil.

The next step as a beginner is to consider finding recipes that appeal to you. The Internet or places that sell essential oils are excellent places to find interesting recipes. Understand that oils should always be diluted and not applied in concentrated form.

There are many ways to apply aromatherapy oils. The most common application is by direct inhalation. This is accomplished when the aromas are inhaled either through the nose or mouth (consult a physician before ingesting anything by mouth. Another way to apply essential oils is through topical applications. This is when salts are used bath, oils or skin lotions.

Beginners should understand the safety guidelines when considering aromatherapy practice. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful if used incorrectly. The most important safety precaution is to avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. This can cause skin irritations and health problems. Essential oils are highly flammable and should never be in contact with open flames.

Aromatherapy can be a fun and rewarding activity. Gather as much information as you can find and practice caution when necessary.