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Essential oils can relax, energize, or calm your emotions. They can help you concentrate on your goals, or bring you more focus and balance. I remember when I first discovered aromatherapy over 20 years ago. I fell in love with not only the aroma of the oils, but also the subtle energies and vibrational qualities. Each essential oil has its own individual frequencies and energetic properties and can be of great assistance in balancing your energy centers and your emotions.
Embracing the use of essential oils as an aid to meditation, affirmations, visualization and other techniques based on inner work can be very transformative.
Looking back, I realize there wasn’t as much information about aromatherapy available as there is today, and now with the internet there is an overwhelming amount of information. It is important to do your research because the safety of any essential oil usage depends largely on the person using it. I offer you the guidance I wish I’d had when I was an aromatherapy novice:
1. Use 100%, Pure, Unadulterated 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 aroma therapeutic value.
2. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
To avoid overwhelming yourself, 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.
3. 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. A good starter kit for newbies includes peppermint, lavender & lemon.
4. 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, grapeseed oil, and my favourite is fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil does not stain. Be sure to buy cosmetic grade carrier oils and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it's best to buy smaller quantities.
5. Store Your Oils Properly
Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed (they can evaporate if lid is not on tight). Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light.
6. 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.
7. Use Caution 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 may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children. Consult a professional about the use of essential oils with children and pets.
8. 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 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. Consult a professional for guidance before you make the decision to ingest essential oils.
9. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
Facebook Groups, Instagram pages and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. Be sure to check the qualifications and experience of your aromatherapy experts.
10. Explore Different Ways to Use Aromatherapy
If you’re looking to take charge of your emotions with the help of essential oils, using them consistently can be helpful. Oils can be used via directly inhaling them from the bottle, diffusing them, or using them topically on the skin and/or the soles of your feet. Be mindful and use essential oils safely. The safety of any essential oil depends largely on the person using it. One of the fundamental safety things to remember is to avoid using essential oils undiluted on your skin. This could lead to irritations, rashes, or skin burns. If you are taking any prescription medications, speak to your health professional prior to essential oils use.
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!
If you are looking to explore using essential oils to regulate your emotions for your family, check out our Aromatherapy Store. He are a few of our favourite beginners kits!
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