| Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to relax | | | | some that should only be used by specially qualified |
| yourself, whether through burning oils to accompany | | | | aromatherapy practitioners. Even most practitioners |
| meditation, or using it them in a wonderful massage. | | | | do not use them. |
| However, we must be careful with using essential oils | | | | 4. With oils, less IS More. Follow directions in home |
| as the wrong amount or the wrong mixture can bring | | | | kits. Usually, the smallest amount of essential oils |
| about some serious side effects. | | | | required will get the job done. If the label says use |
| Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids used in | | | | only a drop, for example, don't use more. |
| aromatherapy that can be harmful if not used | | | | 5. Children should never use essential oils without the |
| carefully. However, including aromatherapy and | | | | presence of an adult who is knowledgeable about |
| massage in your lifestyle shouldn't really cause undue | | | | their use. Children are often attracted to essential oils |
| paranoia or worry. The important thing to remember | | | | because of their wonderful smells. Some oils smell like |
| is to always treat essential oils as medicines. Follow | | | | food (like vanilla) and citrus oils can smell like |
| the suggestions given below as well so you can be | | | | something safe to drink. Always keep essential oils |
| on your way to calmly and safely enjoying the | | | | away from the reach or children. Again, remember to |
| numerous benefits that aromatherapy offers. | | | | treat these oils like medicines that are poison in |
| The safety guidelines that you are about to read are | | | | ignorant hands. |
| not a complete reference for the proper use of | | | | 6. If you are pregnant, or suspect you are, it is safer |
| essential aromatherapy oils. Use common sense; | | | | to avoid essential oils. Asthma sufferers, as well as |
| when in doubt about the oils used on you, always | | | | epileptics, should not use essential oils. People with |
| consult a trained aromatherapy practitioner or a | | | | other health conditions, such as allergies, should also |
| physician. | | | | consult a physician because some essential oils can |
| 1. Essential oils are flammable. When lighting a burner | | | | cause sensitization or severe allergic reactions. If you |
| to heat scented oils, do not leave the room unless | | | | are using a new oil for first time, do a skin patch first |
| the flame is put out. Always keep your burners at a | | | | on a small area of skin, like the inner arm. Apply a |
| safe distance from curtains, paper and alcoholic | | | | small amount of the diluted essential oil (again, never |
| substances. | | | | use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inner |
| 2. Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly on the | | | | arm and apply a bandage on it. Wait 24 hours and |
| skin. Some oils are exempted from this; however, | | | | check if there is any form of skin reaction. Even if a |
| only use undiluted oils if you have attained a | | | | common essential oil is not known to cause skin |
| significant education and sufficient experience with | | | | irritation, this step should not be overlooked. An oil |
| them. Lavender and tea tree oils are cited by a large | | | | may not irritate you, but it may still irritate someone |
| number of aromatherapy practitioners as being oils | | | | else. It is important that you always keep that |
| that can be safely used undiluted however this should | | | | difference in mind. |
| only be done very rarely as some individuals can be | | | | 7. Essential oils should not be swallowed or ingested. |
| severely sensitive. So to be safe, the rule of thumb | | | | Essential oils should only be taken internally if you |
| is to avoid use any undiluted essential oil. | | | | have received a detailed consultation and a |
| 3. Not all essential oils can be used for aromatherapy. | | | | prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy |
| Herbal oils from bitter almond, camphor, pennyroyal, | | | | practitioner with the knowledge of your physician. |
| onion, wintergreen, horseradish and sassafras are | | | | |