Using Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Essential oil is one of the most basic ingredients in an aromatherapy kit. This after all is the one that provides the scent or the aroma that is said to relax the nerves and de-stress the person. In fact, aromatherapy wouldn't be aromatherapy without these oils. Some people even buy more than one type of essential oils. They go for different scents depending on their mood for that day. This practice is actually encouraged as each essential oil can have their own benefits and effects. Also, too much of something can also be bad for the health. So it is best that you alternate between three or four scents to avoid desensitization.
Essential oils come from plants. Unlike fragrant oils, which are chemical based, essential oils are extracted from naturally-growing plants. Oils may be found in different areas in the plants, from the branches and leaves, to the buds and the fruits. Some can even find oils in the roots. But because it is natural, there are also some cases when it can also be dangerous and hazardous to the health, especially when inhaled too much or when mistakenly taken from a poisonous plant. Remember, drugs like marijuana actually come from plants themselves.
That is why in using essential oils in aromatherapy, caution must be observed. Here are some tips on how to keep safe and yet get the most out of your essential oils.
Store Properly
Essential oils can also go stale. So if you have bottles of oils that you have not used for 2 years, throw them away. When stored properly, essential oils can last for just a year. If not, even less than that. The first thing to remember when storing essential oils is to always keep the bottle sealed tight. Oils can also evaporate and it can also get contaminated. It is also recommended that you store them in a cool dry place. Do not expose it to direct heat.
Use In Moderation
Essential oils must only be used in moderation. This means that do not overuse it when you don't need it. The same goes with putting too much on the candles or diffusers, or using more than what was indicated in the manual. Follow the instructions to the letter. Even though essential oils are natural, they can still be potent. Some oils may even be more potent when used in large amounts. So be careful when using these essential oils in aromatherapy.
Essential oils come from plants. Unlike fragrant oils, which are chemical based, essential oils are extracted from naturally-growing plants. Oils may be found in different areas in the plants, from the branches and leaves, to the buds and the fruits. Some can even find oils in the roots. But because it is natural, there are also some cases when it can also be dangerous and hazardous to the health, especially when inhaled too much or when mistakenly taken from a poisonous plant. Remember, drugs like marijuana actually come from plants themselves.
That is why in using essential oils in aromatherapy, caution must be observed. Here are some tips on how to keep safe and yet get the most out of your essential oils.
Store Properly
Essential oils can also go stale. So if you have bottles of oils that you have not used for 2 years, throw them away. When stored properly, essential oils can last for just a year. If not, even less than that. The first thing to remember when storing essential oils is to always keep the bottle sealed tight. Oils can also evaporate and it can also get contaminated. It is also recommended that you store them in a cool dry place. Do not expose it to direct heat.
Use In Moderation
Essential oils must only be used in moderation. This means that do not overuse it when you don't need it. The same goes with putting too much on the candles or diffusers, or using more than what was indicated in the manual. Follow the instructions to the letter. Even though essential oils are natural, they can still be potent. Some oils may even be more potent when used in large amounts. So be careful when using these essential oils in aromatherapy.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Different Kinds Of Aromatherapy Diffusers
One of the most common things that are needed for aromatherapy is a diffuser. This is an accessory that is used to diffuse essential oils that are primarily consumed in an aromatherapy session. Today, there are so many kinds of aromatherapy diffusers available on the market. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and types of materials.
However, not all diffusers are surefire hits in terms of safety. The following are just some of the most commonly used aromatherapy diffuses out there with their advantages and disadvantages.
1.Candle Diffusers.
These are considered as one of the cheapest and most convenient to use aromatherapy diffusers out there. It comes with a candle and a small plate where the essential oil should be placed. It comes in various sizes and colors.
- Advantages:
They are cheap. They come in many styles to choose from. They are available almost everywhere in health stores and aromatherapy shops. They do not consume electricity. You don't need to spend money to buy batteries.
- Disadvantages:
Utmost care is needed when using it because it can easily cause a fire. You need lots of replacement candles on hand to ensure sustainability. Candle diffusers can destroy the therapeutic properties of the essential oil especially when not used properly.
2. Fan Diffusers.
This is basically a small fan used to blow the essential oil into the air with the help of a pad or tray that is disposable. They come in different shapes, sizes, designs, and styles.
- Advantages:
You can choose from a wide range of styles and different brands. It is effective in diffusing the aroma of essential oils into large areas.
- Disadvantages:
They require large amounts of electricity. You need to replace pads very often. They are too noisy especially if it has accumulated lots of dust.
3. Electric Heat Diffusers.
This is quite similar to fan diffusers only it comes in a more convenient package.
- Advantages:
This is effective in diffusing fragrance in larger rooms. It can efficiently diffuse the aroma even of those hard to diffuse essential oils such as patchouli or sandalwood.
- Disadvantages:
You may not achieve the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil because heat can destroy some of its properties.
4. Clay Pot Diffusers.
They are made of terracotta and come in various. It comes with a cork and an opening for the essential oils.
- Advantages:
These are cheap. They are environmentally friendly. They are easy to use. You don't need electricity or batteries to operate them.
- Disadvantages:
The aroma is short lived. It can easily break if used too often.
However, not all diffusers are surefire hits in terms of safety. The following are just some of the most commonly used aromatherapy diffuses out there with their advantages and disadvantages.
1.Candle Diffusers.
These are considered as one of the cheapest and most convenient to use aromatherapy diffusers out there. It comes with a candle and a small plate where the essential oil should be placed. It comes in various sizes and colors.
- Advantages:
They are cheap. They come in many styles to choose from. They are available almost everywhere in health stores and aromatherapy shops. They do not consume electricity. You don't need to spend money to buy batteries.
- Disadvantages:
Utmost care is needed when using it because it can easily cause a fire. You need lots of replacement candles on hand to ensure sustainability. Candle diffusers can destroy the therapeutic properties of the essential oil especially when not used properly.
2. Fan Diffusers.
This is basically a small fan used to blow the essential oil into the air with the help of a pad or tray that is disposable. They come in different shapes, sizes, designs, and styles.
- Advantages:
You can choose from a wide range of styles and different brands. It is effective in diffusing the aroma of essential oils into large areas.
- Disadvantages:
They require large amounts of electricity. You need to replace pads very often. They are too noisy especially if it has accumulated lots of dust.
3. Electric Heat Diffusers.
This is quite similar to fan diffusers only it comes in a more convenient package.
- Advantages:
This is effective in diffusing fragrance in larger rooms. It can efficiently diffuse the aroma even of those hard to diffuse essential oils such as patchouli or sandalwood.
- Disadvantages:
You may not achieve the therapeutic benefits of the essential oil because heat can destroy some of its properties.
4. Clay Pot Diffusers.
They are made of terracotta and come in various. It comes with a cork and an opening for the essential oils.
- Advantages:
These are cheap. They are environmentally friendly. They are easy to use. You don't need electricity or batteries to operate them.
- Disadvantages:
The aroma is short lived. It can easily break if used too often.
Massage Using Essential Oils In Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy massage is great for removing the everyday stress and is especially great for the piled-up stress from work and other pressures from our daily lives. It is also being recommended for people with headaches, back pain, digestive problems, and premenstrual syndrome.
