If you are looking for a more natural way to freshen up a room, soothe an ache or ease anxiety, it’s time to try essential oils. Essential oils are natural extracts from the stems, leaves, bark and flowers of special plants, obtained through distillation or cold pressing. The oils themselves are very strong, so they are then mixed with a carrier oil, to be used safely. They are called “essential” oils because they capture the plants flavour and scent, also known as its “essence”. Natural essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, a form of alternative medicine to support health and well-being, but there are many ways to use them. Wondering how to safely use essential oils for adults? No worries, here’s everything you need to know about essential oils!
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Adults?
Good news – all essential oils are safe for adults and seniors. However, it is recommended that women who are pregnant and in their first trimester do not use them during this time. There are many different oils to choose from, but it comes down to your preferences in scent, and what you want to achieve from your oils. Of course, incorrect use of essential oils can be dangerous, and there are different rules for every individual oil, so make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle label for your safety and for best results.
How To Use Essential Oils
There are four common ways to use essential oils: applied topically, inhaled directly from the bottle, diffused or applied to items that are close to you, like bracelets or pillowcases. Again, depending on what you want to achieve, you might find that you prefer one method to another. Go ahead, mix it up, there is no right and wrong. That being said, there are a few simple rules to follow with all your oils.
1. Do Not Ingest Essential Oils. Although you may breathe them in, essential oils are not meant to be ingested and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested. There are some oils on the market that are edible, but this will be very clearly labelled on your bottle. If you’re not sure, don’t ingest it!
2. Perform a Patch Test. Before you jump in and massage a new essential oil into your body, it’s important to perform a patch test. Patch tests allow you to see how your skin reacts to a particular oil before you perform a full application. Wash your skin, pat dry and apply a small amount of oil. After 24 hours if your skin is red, itchy, blistering, or swollen, do not continue using.
3. Never Apply An Undiluted Oil To Your Skin. All essential oils for adults are very concentrated, and when applied directly to the skin without a carrier oil, you risk severe irritation or even burning your skin. Typically, the natural essential oils you buy in small bottles are already diluted. If you have an undiluted oil, be sure to mix with a carrier – there are guides you can reference online if you’re unsure how much to use.
This article is penned by Ally for Aquableu Essential Oils.