Terri Ramsey Beavers After purchasing a shiny new aromatherapy oil diffuser, many people are eager to dive into the world of essential oils. As marvelous as these diffusers are, it’s important to proceed with caution. Though essential oils are natural, they aren’t necessarily risk-free. There are a few things you should know to ensure that you use them safely.
1. Watch Where You Use Them
Every essential oil has specific intended uses. An oil that works well on one part of your body might be ineffective or even dangerous on other body parts. For example, cinnamon bark is highly effective on your legs and arms but far riskier on other areas, like your neck, chest, or privates. With this in mind, it’s essential to read up on any essential oils you’re considering adding to your routine.
2. Read the Ingredients
Some companies sell pure essential oils that contain no other ingredients. Others fill their products with additives. While added ingredients are not necessarily harmful, there’s always a chance that some extras might trigger allergic reactions, so always read the ingredients list before using an oil.
3. Avoid Older Oils
It might be tempting to think that oils don’t expire. After all, since they’re so simple and natural, how could they possibly go bad? Unfortunately, essential oils do have expiration dates, even if they’re not listed. Avoid using oils that are more than three years old as they tend to spoil due to oxygen exposure over the years.
4. Check With Your Doctor
Essential oils are medications like any other, so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you start using them routinely. A medical professional will alert you about potential side effects or drug interactions from your oil usage. They may also be able to direct you to specific supplements that could be helpful for your needs.
5. Only Use Oils On Healthy, Clean Skin
If any area of your body has suffered a burn, rash, cut, or any other kind of skin damage, avoid using essential oils in that region. Damaged skin can absorb oils at a dangerously fast rate, leading to annoying or even dangerous reactions.
6. Always Dilute Your Oils
Some companies sell oils in their pure, undiluted form. You should never use these essential oils straight as they are too strong to be used safely. Instead, make sure that you dilute them with other substances like bath gels or vegetable oils. The resulting solution from this mix should leave only a small portion of the essential oil, usually between 1% and 5%. The specific dilution process will depend on what kind of oil you’re using.
7. Keep an Eye On Your Reactions
For most people, essential oils can have undeniable benefits like reduced stress and improved sleeping patterns. However, some can have serious reactions to oil usage. Although it is relatively rare, some people have reported noticing boils or rashes after using essential oils on their skin. If you see these or any other reactions after exposure to essential oils, stop using them immediately as continued use can only make the issues worse.
There are plenty of reasons to love essential oils. As they have become more and more popular in recent years, countless people have reported life-changing benefits from them. However, just like any other medical therapy, it is vital to use oils safely and responsibly. Keep these essential safety tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying the benefits of oils without any of the risks.