For centuries, people around the world have relied on essential oils to do everything from relax after a stressful day, eliminate scars, promote fertility, fight allergies, treat ADHD symptoms, and understand what is a VoIP number (OK, this last one is a joke, but you get the basic idea: essential oils are very useful and target a broad range of problems and goals!).
If you’re eager to explore the benefits and rewards of essential oils, then here are 5 DO’s and 5 DON’Ts to help ensure that your experience is rewarding instead of regrettable:
Essential Oil DO’s:
DO use high quality essential oils. Low-grade essential oils can become rancid over time.
DO dilute essential oils with a high-quality carrier oil. Some popular options include jojoba oil, almond oil, sesame oil, fractionated coconut oil, and many others.
DO test essential oils in small doses to ensure that there is no adverse reaction. Different people can respond to the same essential oil in various ways. What works for someone else may not work for you (or may not work for you in the same amount/dilution ratio).
DO store your essential oils in dark glass bottles, and out of the sun. Also make sure that bottles are tightly capped, and keep them away from any flames or combustibles (e.g. candles, incense, etc.).
DO wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling essential oils. Contact with your eyes or mucous membranes could be dangerous.
Essential Oil DON’Ts:
DON’T use some essential oils if you’re pregnant, namely: bitter almond, basil, clary sage, cedarwood, clove bud, cinnamon, rosemary, wintergreen, marjoram, peppermint, rose, sage, thyme, cypress, hyssop, myrrh, juniper, geranium or fennel. For any other essential oil, always get advice from an expert before usage (topically or through hydrotherapy).
DON’T drink or ingest essential oils. Yes, they smell delightful. But they aren’t food grade and may be toxic. Remember: essential oils are highly concentrated. One drop of peppermint essential oil in a cup of water is equivalent to drinking 40 cups of peppermint tea!
DON’T continue using essential oils if you experience any kind of rash, burning sensation, or discomfort. Consult with an expert, who may advise you to reduce the dilution ratio or recommend a different essential oil.
DON’T assume that bottled fragrance oils are essential oils, even if they are sold in the same area of the store (or online) and for the same price. Fragrance oils are synthetic, even if they have the word “natural” in them.
And to wrap-up, here’s a bonus DO and bonus DON’T: DO feel empowered and encouraged to experiment (safely of course!), and DON’T hesitate to ask experts for advice and guidance.
Good luck, and may your journey with essential oils be amazing!
