I remember when I first discovered aromatherapy as a novice many years ago. I was fascinated by essential oils and I got excited to try and use them. Looking back, I realize I should have done a bit more research before diving into aromatherapy. Here’s some good advice I wished had been around for aromatherapy beginners:
1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Beginners Books
Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest.
Here’s two that we would recommend to get you started on your journey:
2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
Facebook Groups, Instagram pages and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy beginners. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others.
3. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils. Essential oils can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.
Take a look at our article on our Top 12 Essential Oils to help you choose some oils. Set yourself a budget first, then try to think about oils that will be useful on a day-to-day basis.
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4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
All our essential oils come from well-known and reputable UK manufacturers. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils. They contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value, although they are great for oil diffusers and wax melts to set a mood in your living space.
5. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil
For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute your essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. You will only need a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil. Our carrier oils are cosmetic grade, tested for purity and subjected to rigorous quality control standards.
6. Store Your Oils Properly
Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities.
7. Learn How to Do a Patch Test
Essential oils can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or due to sensitization over time. A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.
8. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets
Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.
9. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils
Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this. Some essential oils that are fairly safe to use topically may be quite toxic if taken internally. In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.
As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore. Be safe and have fun!
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