10 Tips For Aromatherapy Newbies

I remember when I first discovered aromatherapy years ago. I was fascinated by essential oils, the medicinal properties they held and I was excited to start using them. I bought an entire display for my small shop and began experimenting with the samples that came with the display. After a few years, I realized I should have done a bit more research before diving into aromatherapy.

This was when I decided to take a massage and aromatherapy class at a beauty school that was close by. I was amazed at how much I learned and over the years I have continued learning about essential oils. I now offer you the advice I wish I would have had when I was an aromatherapy novice.

Table of Contents

Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books

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. I love books by Jeanne Rose. She has an entire section of book on her website, so check them out - and the information she provides is very reliable.

Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums

Forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. The Yahoo Group Aromatherapy for Everyone is a friendly place for beginners, and members range from novices to experts. I also like the group Jeanne Rose runs on Facebook "Hydrosols" - Herbs & Aromatherapy.

Do Some Research on the Internet

While it's nice to have an aromatherapy book or two at your fingertips, there are some excellent resources on the internet, too. Be a critical reader, though, and consider your source. Information offered by a manufacturer or affiliate seller may not be as trustworthy as information offered by a more objective source. Aromatherapy websites I refer to over and over include AromaWeb.

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. The essential oils that I suggest you start with are lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon.

Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils

When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils and they contain man-made chemicals that have no aromatherapeutic value. I like LorAnn Oils because they are high quality and easy for me to find locally. I have also tried several online brands that I have liked. Healing Solutions sells a very nice Kashmir Grade Lavender Essential Oil. I have also found an Australian Tea Tree Oil I like. Over the years I have learned how to distill my own essential oils from plants that I grow so I often do that now.

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, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin. You can also add essential oils to bath salts or even add a drop or two directly to your bath water. I like to add the essential oils to my hot bath water right at the end directly before I turn the water off. This allows the water to circulate the oils just enough that they disperse.

Store Your Oils Properly

Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it's best to buy smaller quantities unless you are using them frequently. I keep my homemade essential oils in the refrigerator in dark glass bottles that are sealed.

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. Even if you don't think you are allergic this is a good idea. I found out I am allergic to thyme essential oils even though eating thyme does not bother me.

Don't Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets

Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, donít use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children. Once you understand how essential oils work and all the precautions you need to take, then you can begin to dive into the various uses they have with children and pets. I have certainly used essential oils on my dogs collar, but this was after years of using them myself. Since my dog was unable to lick or chew on the collar there was no chance he would accidentally digest the essential oils.

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 fairly 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. As you learn more about using essential oils, you will find out you can cook with them. Please note this is quite different to use them in recipes than to take them internally as a medicine. Err on the side of caution.

As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore. The ways to use them are endless - air freshers, perfumes, healing and more. Go slowly and learn throughly about each oil and its use. There is a whole new world of fragrance out there that is good for you in so many ways. Just remember a drop or two is all you need. Essential oils are potent. Don't overdo it!

Are you struggling with the fact that you really don't know anything about how to use aromatherapy correctly?

Most individuals nowadays think aromatherapy as just a different indulgent exercise the privileged few enjoy. But upon taking the time to delve deeper, one is likely to find a whole new prospect relating to the really diverse uses of aromatherapy.

What if I can offer you asolution that will help you to attain knowledge and learn about the best ways to use essential oils?

In this book, you will learn about:

- Aromatherapy Basics

- Tips For Getting Started

- Choosing How To Use It

- Recipes

- many other useful things!

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