Years ago, I worked in cosmetic retail and that was when I was introduced to aromatherapy. I was sent on a trip to Germany for product training where I learned about the many uses of essential oils.
Aromatherapy has the benefit of reaching past the blood-brain barrier to make an impact on your health and well being. It’s not just the scent that is working its magic, but the tiny molecules we absorb through inhalation that make a difference. Not only can it be used to enhance your mood, but it can also be used cosmetically to treat skin and address health issues.
But before you run out to buy oils and start using them, here are some basics you should know about using essential oils.
- Some oils are photo-sensitive; direct application of them on your skin can cause irritation when it gets exposed to sunlight. This is especially true with citrus oils.
- Some oils are safe to use directly on the skin without dilution. But many are not. Essential oils are extremely potent, so dilution for safe-use is necessary to avoid skin irritation.
- The maximum ratio you should use is 3% essential oil to carrier oil. A carrier oil can be sweet almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and many more. To calculate the amount of essential oil to use, note that every 10 drops of oil is approximately 1 ml, so for 3%, use 30 drops in 97 ml of carrier oil. Do not try to dilute essential oils in water. If you have an accident and the essential oil is causing a burning sensation on your skin, apply carrier oils to the affected area immediately.
- Refer to an aromatherapy reference book or website to check for contraindications. Although essential oils are natural, they can interfere with medication and sone oils should be avoid for specific reasons, such as pregnancy.
- Essential oils have different levels of evaporating rates, resulting in what perfumers call Notes (top, middle and base notes). For example, top notes such as lemon, it’s aromatic fragrance will not last long on its own as a perfume or home fragrance. So it is necessary to anchor the top note oil with middle and base notes.
I really enjoy aromatherapy, as I have a large collection of essential oils. But I often come across unsafe practices of its use. I hope this will help you to get into aromatherapy and make the most of it. Feel free to leave comments if you have any questions I could answer for you.
Another way you can enhance your mood at home is having beautiful artwork on your walls. Check out my photography prints here.
Leave a Reply