Treating common ailments naturally instead of with over-the-counter remediesW hile anyone can buy essential oils and start diffusing them immediately, learning in a systematic and methodical way can build a good foundation for those who want to dive deeper and explore aromatherapy safely. It doesn’t take long to start integrating essential oils into your regular routine; all it requires is a bit of basic knowledge and a willingness to forgo the temporary pleasure of instant gratification.
Knowing what you want and need is step one. As in so many areas of life, you need a goal for your aromatherapy practice. Second, you want to avoid becoming overwhelmed when you shop for essential oils and start using them. Third, you want to avoid common pitfalls, as well as use your oils in the safest, most effective way possible. Simply put, you need to create a plan that works for you.
This simple five-step approach will help you do just that:
1. Determine your needs.
2. Go shopping.
3. Prepare your recipes.
4. Use your oils safely.
5. Store your oils well.
Let’s look at each step in more detail.
What brings you to aromatherapy? What do you want to accomplish with your essential oils? These are two great questions to ask yourself to determine your needs, which will help you decide which essential oils to begin with. Some common reasons include:
Treating common ailments naturally instead of with over-the-counter remedies
Saving money on high-quality bath and body products
Reducing household chemical use and saving money
Interest in holistic health
If you’re hoping to treat a specific ailment or two, you should research which essential oils are best for addressing your concerns. Whether you’re looking for a way to increase energy naturally, enjoy better sleep, or get rid of tough headaches without reaching for pills, you’ll find solutions in this book.
The same applies to other applications. Want a way to clean your home and do your laundry without worrying about potential problems listed on chemical warning labels? Look for essential oils that offer strong antibacterial properties and you’ll be on your way to making effective, great-smelling household products.
For cosmetic concerns, research to see if an aromatherapy solution is available. The odds are high you’ll find at least one that appeals to you—without the exorbitant price tags that typically accompany commercial preparations.
Once you’ve determined which issues you’d like to address, check the ingredients needed so you can buy your supplies before you get started. Whatever your goals, you’ll soon discover that aromatherapy empowers you to improve your own health and handle some of life’s little hiccups with ease. Once you know which oils you want to try first, and how little you actually need to get started, you’re ready to take the next step.
You may feel tempted to buy all 15 oils in this book, and you might opt to do that if cost isn’t a concern. However, if you’re on a budget, use your goals to decide which ones are the highest priorities. You can simply make a list of oils from the list of “Must Haves” presented in chapter 1 (see here ) to create a foundation for learning. If you aren’t sure about your goals, or you just want to dip your toes in the water, I suggest you start with just one essential oil. Of all those available, lavender is the most versatile, with excellent benefits for your mind and body, such as the ability to help you get a naturally clean home, fresh-smelling laundry, and a good night’s sleep.
Once you’ve started, and as finances allow, you can decide how you’d like to expand your collection. Maybe you’ve noticed a recipe that appeals to you and you’re longing to try it. Perhaps you want to create some decadent bath salts or massage oil for yourself. Whatever the reason, use the following tips to select the best-quality essential oils at different price points.
Decide if you want to shop locally or online
Determine whether you want organic essential oils or conventional ones
Consider how much money you need to get started (smaller bottles are less expensive and can make higher-quality oils more affordable)
Check to be sure the essential oil is the only ingredient in the bottle, unless you are intentionally purchasing a prediluted product
Read some reviews to see what others have to say
Read the recipe’s ingredients and the instructions before you begin to be sure you have all the necessary tools, ingredients, and supplies. The recipes in this book are laid out in an easy-to-follow format, with practical tips for easy preparation.
If you’re not sure you want to commit to creating the full quantity of a recipe because of the amount of essential oil it requires, prepare a smaller “test batch” by reducing the amount of each ingredient by half.
If you’re new to aromatherapy, there are a few things to be aware of before you start formulating your first recipe. The following tips will ease your way and help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Always conduct a patch test (see here
) for each essential oil you plan to use before making a recipe. It is very disappointing to make a great-smelling massage oil and try it out, only to discover your skin is irritated by the blend you’ve created.
Choose a clean, well-ventilated place to work. Your kitchen should do the trick.
Make sure your tools are clean and dry before you start. Water can prevent your recipes from turning out the way you want them to.
Sanitize and dry all containers before starting. Bacteria can spoil your remedies.
Premeasure your ingredients so everything is ready to blend, especially if you’re making a more complicated recipe, such as a body butter or lip balm.
Be careful with your ingredients and cap your essential oils immediately after measuring your drops. This will prevent spills as well as keep your oils from evaporating.
Keep little ones occupied, or make your recipes while they’re napping.
Slow-moving essential oil won’t drip? Hold your bottle at an angle instead of straight up and down. It might take a few seconds, but the oil will flow with just a bit of patience.
Have an empty essential oil bottle? You can make a nice linen mist or body spray by warming about 2 cups of water and letting your essential bottle soak in it for at least 10 minutes. Bottle the water and enjoy it. Be sure to save your bottles for refilling later.
Essential oils are natural, but they’re also extremely powerful. It’s important to approach working with them respectfully. If essential oil gets into your eyes, flush them continuously with a saline solution. If an oil gets onto mucus membranes, immediately flush the area with vegetable oil or cold milk (not water). Always seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
You learned some basic safety measures in chapter 2 (see here ); answers to more in-depth safety questions are found here.
Q: HOW OFTEN CAN I DIFFUSE?
A: It’s fine to diffuse essential oils daily, but it’s a good idea to rotate oils throughout the week to avoid sensitization.
Q: CAN I USE DIFFERENT ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS ALL AT THE SAME TIME?
A: You can use multiple essential oils throughout the day, but pace yourself. You should give each oil enough time to do its job. If you’re using heavily diluted essential oils in bath and beauty products, it’s fine to enjoy them one after another as you would normally do with other body products.
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE TOO MUCH ESSENTIAL OIL?
A: Yes: Unless you’re treating an acute condition over a period of several days, you should use no more than 3 to 4 drops of each essential oil over the course of a given day, and you shouldn’t use strong topical solutions unless necessary. Overuse can lead to allergies and hypersensitivity. If this happens, you’ll get an unpleasant reaction each time you use the oil in the future.
Q: SHOULD I TAKE A BREAK FROM MY ESSENTIAL OILS?
A: It’s fine to use highly diluted oils daily—for example, in soaps and shampoos. If you’ve been using stronger remedies, give your body a one-week break for every two weeks of topical essential oil use.
Q: SHOULD I SWITCH APPLICATION SITES TO AVOID SENSITIZATION?
A: Yes, if you tend to use the same oil over and over again, and particularly if you use oils neat. Overuse can cause rashes, and in some cases serious skin irritation can develop.
Safety Tips for the Entire Household
Keep essential oils and remedies out of reach of children and pets.
Read all warning labels.
Learn about each new essential oil before using it.
If you take prescription medications, have a chronic illness, or have a compromised immune system, check with a knowledgeable practitioner before using essential oils. Certain oils may be contraindicated.
Contact poison control and seek immediate medical treatment for a child who has consumed essential oil. Take the bottle when you go to the emergency department.
Always conduct patch tests before using new essential oils.
Keep essential oils away from flames and heat sources.
Avoid getting essential oils in your eyes and mucus membranes.
Do not put essential oil in your ears.
Always wash your hands after using essential oils.
Wear gloves when using household cleaners for an extended length of time.
Storing essential oils properly preserves their therapeutic properties. While essential oils don’t go rancid the same way carriers can, they are subject to oxidization when exposed to heat and light. Citrus oils start to lose their potency about six months after opening, so make use of them when they’re at their freshest. The good news is, when properly stored, most essential oils have a shelf life of at least one year, and many will stay fresh for two years or longer. Some, such as patchouli, actually improve with age.
The best way to store your essential oils is to keep them in a cool, dark area with a stable temperature. An insulated case is ideal, and a padded cooler can do the trick. Never store your essential oils in direct sunlight, as this causes rapid deterioration.
Once blended, most remedies keep for about six months, depending on the ingredients and the storage conditions. Make small batches if to avoid waste, or share your products with others. Refrigeration can greatly extend shelf life, too.
It’s time to replace your oils and blends when their scents weaken or start to smell a bit off. Your nose is an excellent tool for detecting oils that are no longer suitable for aromatherapy.
Q: MY DIFFUSER ISN’T WORKING PROPERLY. IS THERE A SOLUTION?
A: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning. Be sure to unplug your diffuser before servicing it.
Q: I’M TILTING MY ESSENTIAL OIL BUT IT STILL REFUSES TO DRIP.
A: Try warming the essential oil bottle in your hands for 30 to 60 seconds. If stubbornness persists, remove the orifice reducer and carefully measure the oil for your recipe.
Q: I HAVE VERY SENSITIVE SKIN AND I CAN’T USE TOPICAL REMEDIES. CAN I STILL USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
A: You can try inhalation methods that don’t put your skin in direct contact with essential oil vapors; diffusion may be suitable. Start with just 1 drop of essential oil at a time to see how you respond. Be sure to wear gloves when dispensing your essential oil. Stop use immediately if you feel uncomfortable, and seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Q: I DON’T HAVE THE EXACT CARRIER RECOMMENDED IN A RECIPE. CAN I TRY A DIFFERENT ONE?
A: Yes, carriers are interchangeable. Some, such as rosehip and calendula oils, have beneficial properties that improve the recipes they’re used in. Feel free to substitute, but your results might be different than those made with the original recipe.
Q: I BOUGHT ESSENTIAL OIL BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE AN ORIFICE REDUCER FOR “DROPPING” THE OIL FROM THE BOTTLE. WHAT CAN I DO?
A: You can purchase a package of orifice reducers from a store that carries essential oil supplies. Several options are available online.