Great Aromatherapy

Before deciding on what aromatherapy essential oils you want to be rubbed down with, it would help if you knew what each one did for your body. Different massage therapists will recommend different things to their clients based on whatever mood the client is in and what the client wants to get out of the session. Everyone is different and what might relax one person may not be as effective on another. Masseuse’s have to rely on the client knowing which scent works best for them or what the client hopes to achieve from the massage.

Aromatherapy essential oils can be broken down into two different groups. The first is relaxing and the second is stimulating. Just as the name implies, that is the intended purpose of that aromatic oil. You can also break down oils by their cost factor. Oils such as lavender and peppermint are considered low cost oils, whereas oils such as jasmine and sandalwood are considered high cost oils due to their availability and production costs.

Now for a bit of essential information about a few of the more common oils and scented body lotions and what they can do for you. Lavender is widely known as a fragrance that relaxes. Peppermint is known to stimulate the senses. Jasmine is known for its relaxing, romantic scent. Lemon is an essential oil that is considered to be energizing and cheering. The list goes on and on for the different flowers and herbs that are used to make essential oils. There is everything from rose petals to vanilla beans that can be used to create a fantastic blend of an essential oil to delight the senses. Always go with a fragrance that you like rather than one that is recommended. It stands to reason that scents that appeal to you will have more effect than scents that, though they are touted for a particular use, will make you enjoy the experience less.

If you know how to render the plants and can get the supplies that are needed, then you can make aromatherapy essential oil in your own home. That way you can make the oil to your exact specifications. If you want it more concentrated for a candle, then you can that as well. You are the one who has the power to determine that. You can find some great help and/or kits online to help you out.

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Many people mistakenly assume that since aromatherapy essential oils are natural, that they are automatically safe. The truth is that aromatherapy essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if they aren’t used properly. You have to treat them and use them as if they were medicines in order to stay safe. If you follow some basic steps, you can use essential oils safely and enjoy their benefits without putting your health in danger.

Dilute Your Aromatherapy Essential Oils

A safe rule of thumb to follow is to never use any aromatherapy essential oils undiluted. Some aromatherapy practitioners say it is okay to use tea tree oil and lavender undiluted but even these oils can cause allergic reactions in some people so it’s best to be safe and avoid using any undiluted oils. You can make an exception for aromatherapy practitioners, who are qualified to use undiluted oils in some instances.

It is important to do a skin patch test anytime before you try new aromatherapy essential oils because some individuals can develop allergic reactions to some oils. The way to do a skin patch test is to place a drop of the diluted oil on the inside of your elbow and cover it with a bandage. If you wait 24 hours and there is no reaction, it is okay for you to use it but otherwise, you should avoid using it. Even if a certain essential oil is considered to be non-irritating you should always do a patch test because you can never really know.

Use Aromatherapy Essential Oils Sparingly

When it comes to aromatherapy essential oils, it is your best bet to use them sparingly. Less is more in the case of essential oils because they are so potent. Don’t overuse oils when you are following recipes. The smallest amounts will do what you need them to do.
It is important to avoid the use of aromatherapy essential oils if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, or suffer from any other health condition. In these cases you should only use essential oils under the supervision of an aromatherapy practitioner.

You should also never let children use essential oils unless they are under the supervision of someone who is very knowledgeable about aromatherapy. Keep all aromatherapy essential oils out of the reach of children. Treat them like poisons because they can be toxic when misused. Many essential oils smell delicious and edible, such as the citrus oils. You have to be extra careful about keeping them under lock and key if you have children.

It is also important to remember that aromatherapy essential oils are flammable, and that not all oils are appropriate for use in aromatherapy. Wintergreen, bitter almond, and sassafras oils are dangerous for example and should only be used under the supervision of an aromatherapy practitioner, if ever. Furthermore, you should never ingest any aromatherapy oil orally unless you receive a detailed consultation and prescription from a practitioner.

In conclusion, using aromatherapy essential oils can be a pleasant experience but you must take some basic precautions in order to stay safe. If you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy all that essential oils have to offer without worrying about any harmful side effects.

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