ESSENTIALS OF ESSENTIAL OILS: 15 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
(pp 24-26 2015. Althea Press. Fall River Publishers, Essential Oils Natural Remedies http://amzn.to/2FmbQPu)
Essential oils, along with regular medical care and self-care, are effective in improving a positive emotional state. Science proves over and over that one’s emotional state positively or negatively affects one’s body chemistry. These changes directly affect the immune system.
Aromatherapy, when used properly and in alignment with your specific needs, can increase your over-all sense of wellness. Due to their positive and non-invasive traits, essential oils, along with regular medical care and consistent self-care, are effective in improving a positive emotional state. Science proves over and over that one’s emotional state positively or negatively affects one’s body chemistry. These changes directly affect the immune system.
Aromatherapy, when used properly and in alignment with your specific needs, can increase your over-all sense of wellness. Following are 15 things to keep in mind when beginning to use these oils for wellness:
1. Essential oils aren’t oils at all.
Despite their appearance that oil is part of their name, the substances we call “essential oils are not technically oils, as they do not contain fatty acids. Instead, essential oils are concentrated organic elements with potent medicinal qualities.
2. Fragrance oils are not essential oils.
Even if a bottle is labeled as natural fragrance, it is not an essential oil if it also contains the terms fragrance oil, fragrance, or perfume.
3. Essential oils are highly concentrated.One hundred pounds of lavender produce a single pound of lavender essential oil, and two tons of Bulgarian roses produce just one pound of rose essential oil. A single drop of essential oil may contain the power of several plants.
4. If you are pregnant, skip essential oils altogether during the first trimester. In addition, many essential oils are emmenagogues which stimulate blood flow in the uterus, brining on menstruation. Specific safety details about all essential oils are included in chapter five of the creators of the New York Times bestselling book from which this is copied, The Complete A-Z reference of Essential oils for Health and Healing Essential Oils Natural Remedies.
5. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
While certain essential oils are ideal for use by everyone in the family, many are not suitable for use by children, and several are toxic if swallowed.
6. Conduct a patch test prior to using an unfamiliar essential oil.
To prevent painful skin irritation, conduct a patch test prior to applying an unfamiliar essential oil or a product that contains something you haven’t used in the past. Combine a single drop of the essential oil with ½ teaspoon of the carrier oil of your choice, then rub it on the inside portion of your upper arm. Wait a few hours to ensure no itching or redness develops.
7. If you are allergic to a plant, you are allergic to its essential oil.
8. Watch out for adulteration.
When purchasing an essential oil from an unfamiliar source, check to ensure it is pure before using it for aromatherapy. To do this, place a single drop of the oil on a piece of paper. It should evaporate within an hour at the most, and it should not leave a ring of oil behind. This test works for all oils except myrrh and patchouli, and absolutes such as jasmine, rose and vanilla. Always purchase essential oils from reputable sources
9. Heat and sunlight destroy essential oils over time
10. Essential oils generally retain potency for five years or longer.
11. Dark colored glass works best.
12. Save by starting small.
13. Because they are natural, essential oils cannot be patented.
14. Opinions concerning the recommended use of essential oils vary.
15. Apply essential oils as soon as symptoms arise or an injury occurs.