WE BREAK MYTHS AND DISCOVER PROVEN TIPS

The world of increasingly popular essential oils is fragrant and fascinating. These aromatic plant extracts have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and wellness benefits. Every day, more and more people discover the world of aromatherapy and decide to include essential oils in their lives.

If you're one of those individuals, we've decided to come to your aid and find out what you can or can't do as a beginner (and later a loyal lover) of essential oils. First, it is imperative to use essential oils with caution and knowledge; they are your best friends on this fragrant journey.

That's why, below, we bring a few valuable and easy-to-remember tips that will make entering the world of aromatherapy incredibly easy and pleasant.

WHAT CAN AND SHOULD YOU DO AT THE BEGINNING OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS?

There are a few things that every beginner should do before actively using essential oils in their daily life. What exactly is it about, and what it implies? Read further in the text.

Research and education are your best friends regarding essential oils. Take the time to study how, in what proportion, and for what purpose to use essential oils. Explore the different types of essential oils, their properties, and recommended uses.

There are many books, online courses, and reputable websites that can provide you with valuable information. The knowledge you gain will help you decide when to choose essential oils and the safe way of using them, which is very important due to the intense concentration of essential oils and potential adverse skin reactions.

At the beginning of use, start with only a few essential oils. It's very tempting to go to the nearest drugstore and immediately buy every essential oil. Still, you can use a small amount in the beginning.

Start with a few basics to avoid confusion and ensure effective use of essential oils. Lavender, Tea tree, and Peppermint are excellent choices for all beginners. These essential oils have many benefits and are relatively safe when used correctly.

Although essential oils can be found in almost every store these days, their wide availability only guarantees equally high-quality products. That's why we suggest you invest in high-quality essential oils. These are all pure, 100% natural essential oils that are often certified organic.

Try to avoid synthetic or adulterated essential oils as much as possible, as they may not provide the therapeutic benefits you're looking for and can potentially be harmful.

Always, always use your essential oils in combination with base oils. Essential oils are powerful and, in most cases, should not be applied directly to the skin. They can cause different reactions due to their strength, so it is recommended to combine them or dilute them with base oils.

Jojoba, coconut, or almond are popular to reduce the risk of skin irritation or hypersensitivity. A standard dilution ratio for beginners is 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Do a patch test before using a new essential oil on a larger skin area. Apply a diluted amount of the oil combination to a small area on the inside of your hand and wait 24 hours to see any side effects, such as redness, itching, or irritation.

Since we have already emphasized the importance of using essential oils correctly, the next tip will be familiar to you, but it is still worth noting. Essential oils have particular guidelines for use that are important to follow. Some essential oils are safe for topical (direct) application to the skin, such as Lavender. In contrast, others are best suited for inhalation or use in a diffuser. It is necessary, but you must read and follow the recommendations before using the oil.

In addition to correctly using essential oils, properly caring for them is equally important. Hence, they are of the same quality for as long as possible. Essential oils are sensitive to light and heat, which can cause them to degrade over time. Store your essential oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

WHAT NOT TO DO AND AVOID IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER IN USING ESSENTIAL OILS?

Similar to the recommendations for what to do, what you shouldn't do is even more important to point out, given the potential dangers that can arise with improper and uninformed use of essential oils.

We do not need to point this out to you but do not ingest the content of essential oils without proper advice. While some essential oils are safe for internal use, most are not. Therefore, only eat essential oils with the advice of a certified aromatherapist or healthcare professional. Improper consumption of essential oils can be hazardous and harmful to health.

Another critical point that we should point out is that you should not use essential oils on pets. Animals have different physiological reactions to essential oils than humans, and some can be toxic. Use caution when diffusing essential oils around pets, and never apply undiluted oils to their fur or skin without consulting your veterinarian.

Likewise, do not use essential oils during pregnancy or on infants without expert advice. Pregnancy and infants are sensitive periods, and since essential oils should be used cautiously even in "normal" circumstances, this advice should be no surprise to anyone. Many oils are contraindicated during pregnancy, and particular dilution ratios should be used for infants. However, if you want to use essential oils during these periods, consult a qualified aromatherapist or doctor before using them.

It is important to remember that you should never, ever apply essential oils near the eyes, ears, and mucous membranes. Essential oils can easily irritate these sensitive areas, so it is better to avoid the risk. However, if accidental contact occurs, wash the area with carrier oil, not water.

Also, use essential oils sparingly because more is not better, contrary to what many think. Excessive amounts of oil can lead to hypersensitivity, allergies, or skin irritation, so following the recommended dilution ratios and guidelines for use is essential.

At the very end, we will point out that you should avoid buying essential oils from unverified sources. Choose reputable brands that provide detailed information about each product, such as oil source, purity, and testing. Counterfeit oils or oils of low and questionable quality can be ineffective and, in the worst cases, very harmful.

After looking at a few basic rules for using essential oils, we want to wish you luck and hope that essential oils delight you just like millions of others worldwide who continue to enjoy all their benefits.

However, use them wisely, be informed, and do not take their use lightly because as much as they can beautify and improve your life, they can also harm you. Stay safe!