Aromatherapy Dos & Don’ts

New to Aromatherapy? Confused by the sheer number oils and their uses? Feeling overwhelmed with too much information? So was I. Then I took an online course offered through Tito’s Learning Center and was given a basic list of Dos and Don’ts by the instructor, Doris Payne. It has definitely helped me, and I wanted to share some of this new-found knowledge. My intention is that this list of Aromatherapy Do’s and Don’ts will make your journey into this fragrant world simpler.

1. Don’t buy perfumed oils. They do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. If you want to practice Aromatherapy or simply want to use oil for its healing powers, make sure you buy only authentic, pure grade essential oils. They will be more expensive but the results will be worth it.
2. Purchase your oils only from a reputed store or mail order company. Not everyone who claims to sell undiluted and pure aroma oils does so. Ideally, you might want to also avoid buying essential oils from limited-time events such as fairs, trade shows, etc., as vendors here know that even if the oil turns out to be impure, you won’t be able to trace them. Think “Snake Oil.”
3. Store your oils properly. Oils are best kept in a cold dark place, preferably in dark blue, brown or black bottles since prolonged exposure to light and heat can damage and degrade the quality of the essential oils.
4. Never ever use undiluted oils directly on your skin. Remember to always mix essential oils with carriers (like almond or vegetable oil) before applying them to your skin. Your only safe work-around is learning the specific side effects and possible reactions by taking a course or extensively researching the oil in question.
5. Look for allergic reactions. With some individuals there may be an allergic reaction to an essential oil; therefore, it is important to do a patch test before using any oil on you. You can do this by applying the diluted oil you wish to check on your elbow. If you do not spot any rash or other allergic reaction within 24 hours, the oil in all probability is safe for you.
6. Study, study, study. Before using any oil, you need to study the oil’s benefits, warnings and side effects in detail, as some oils are not suitable for pregnant women and people with a history of asthma, bronchitis and epilepsy.

There are more than just a handful of oils about which beginners need to be extra weary, including wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras. If you are determined to use any of these when just beginning, invest the time and money to meet with a certified aromatherapist to ensure that in fact these oils are in your best interest at this time.

As much as I know about oils, I am far from an expert. I’ve taken courses, but before using any oil—even a gentle one like Lavender—I refer to my Essential Oil encyclopedias to double check not only is the oil the right one for what I need, but also what might be the best application and any potential side effects. And when my books or the Internet do not satisfy my comfort level, I reach out to my instructor. Essential oils have many healing benefits for our physical bodies, emotional states, and mental and energetic health when used properly. This list of Dos and Don’ts above is a great beginning point for working with oils, but I strongly recommend taking the time and making the investment in your education to receive proper training before jumping in with both feet.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen