When it comes to making changes in your health, there’s a lot of information that you need to know. Trying to research everything can become overwhelming, and you do not know where to start.
Combining the benefits of aromatherapy and using essential oils is a great place to start. There are some common mistakes with using essential oils that you need to avoid so you can see the benefits for yourself.
Read on to learn more!
1. Applying Essential Oils Directly to Skin Undiluted
It is important to take proper precautions as overusing or incorrect application of essential oils can cause adverse reactions. Essential oils need to be properly diluted using carrier oil to reduce irritation, such as grapeseed or rosehip oil.
Additionally, always be aware of dosing information as some essential oils use undiluted only in certain amounts. Internal use of essential oils can also be a mistake, as some oils are toxic at certain concentrations when taken orally and should be avoided.
Finally, users should keep in mind that essential oils are for external use only. Also, it should not be used to replace any medicine without proper consultation from a health care provider.
2. Consuming Essential Oils in Any Form
Using essential oils that have not been labeled as dietary supplements. And attempting to treat serious health conditions without speaking to a doctor first. It is especially important that essential oils meant to be taken orally are labeled as dietary supplements and that all directions are followed to the letter.
Additionally, those taking essential oils internally should speak with a healthcare professional and take only the recommended dosage. Lastly, the use of undiluted essential oils internally or on the skin is not recommended as it may cause:
- irritation
- sensitization
- adverse reactions
In short, proper dilution and usage of essential oils, following all label instructions, consulting professionals when necessary, and avoiding the undiluted application of essential oils are ways to avoid mistakes when consuming essential oils.
3. Use a Diffuser for More Than 10-15 Minutes
Essential oils are volatile and quickly evaporate, they can become less effective and detrimental to your health if you use them for an extended period. Remember to adjust the frequency to suit whichever oil you are using.
If you enjoy the scent and want to extend the use of the oil, use the adjoining intervals rule; diffusing for 15 minutes with a break of 15 minutes in between. This rule allows the oil time to work and dissipate before introducing a new scent.
Also, ensure that you are changing the water and cleaning the diffuser as recommended by the manufacturer. You can shop for diffusers online. But make sure to be aware that it is important to understand the quality and purity of the essential oils that you are buying. And lastly, don’t forget to read the instructions.
4. Utilizing Too Many Oils at a Time
A general rule of thumb is to use no more than three to five oils blended. Certain blends that contain over seven should be avoided.
Utilizing too many oils at a time can make the oils blend ineffective by diluting the overall potency, becoming overpowering, and causing skin irritation or a burning sensation. Additionally, too many essential oil combinations can overwhelm your sense of smell and make it difficult to determine which scent properties you prefer.
To avoid these dangers, start with a single oil or two and gradually increase the number as you become more confident in the oils you are working with. You can also consult with qualified professionals to make sure that your combination is balanced and feels safe.
5. Not Using High-Quality Essential Oils
Many people mistake fragrance oils or synthetic oils for pure essential oils, and these oils are not meant to be used on the skin as they can be irritating. Low-quality essential oils can also have chemicals, pesticides, or solvents and not bring the desired effects.
To avoid making this mistake, always do your research and only buy pure essential oils from a reputable, trustworthy company. Test each oil for purity before use and check, if possible, to make sure the oil is all-natural and not diluted or cut with anything else.
Additionally, purchase small sizes to test out the oil before investing in larger quantities. Through thorough research and practice, high-quality essential oil brands will provide the most effective results.
6. Not Observing the Recommended Ratios
This often happens when users underestimate the potency of essential oils and use too much without caution. It is important to be mindful of the dilution ratios to ensure a safe and therapeutic experience.
Before using essential oils, always consult books and reliable information sources, adhere to label instructions, and understand the dilution directions from the supplier. For topical use, it is recommended to use a 1-3% dilution ratio to avoid skin sensitization.
For diffusing essential oils, it is important to use the recommended number of drops per gallon. To make sure the aroma isn’t too strong or too weak.
7. Using Too Much of the Same Oils
It is important to use variety and moderation to ensure that you do not develop a sensitivity or allergic reaction to any particular oil. If you typically rely on the same few oils in your routine, you should try to find alternative or complementary oils to supplement your already existing ones.
Too much of the same oil can also deplete the emotional and physical benefits of essential oils, making them less effective over time. To avoid this, it is best to get in the habit of incorporating different oils when you are looking to create a blend or cover the same areas of focus.
A good rule of thumb is to not use more than 3 drops of the same oil in a blend. By switching up the oils in your routine, you will be able to reap the maximum benefits of essential oils.
Common Mistakes with Using Essential Oils
Using essential oils can have marked health benefits, but it’s important to remember to use them safely. Common mistakes with using essential oils include applying undiluted oils directly to the skin, not checking for allergies, and overuse.
To ensure that we can benefit from essential oils, do thorough research and dilute oils as recommended, and avoid making these mistakes. Learning to safely use essential oils can provide many health benefits, so get started today!
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