What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from various botanicals for healing. The aroma of these 100% pure therapeutic grade oils is believed to alter mood, reduce stress, and promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The name, aromatherapy, is well-fitting as this is a form of therapy using aromas. Read more about What is Aromatherapy, How it Works and the Top Health Benefits of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are extracted from leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark and other plant parts. These potent extracts form the foundation of aromatherapy. See detailed explanations of What are Essential Oils, Essential Oils & their Aroma Families and How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy.
How are essential oils used in aromatherapy?
Three of the more common ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy are by inhaling the aromas of the oils, applying the oils to the skin and ingesting the oils. Read the detailed explanation on How to Use Essential Oils in Aromatherapy.
Can I apply essential oils directly to my skin?
There are only a few oils that can be safely applied directly to the skin in their concentrated form. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts and most of them are too harsh to be applied directly. To avoid skin irritation, you must blend essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application.
Essential oils should NEVER be used in your eyes, nose or ears.
Before applying essential oils directly to your skin, read all about How to Use Essential Oils Safely.
Are essential oils safe for internal consumption?
There are only very few essential oils that can be ingested safely. Even then, they are safe only in minute quantities and heavily diluted. Because of their high concentration levels, they can be toxic in large quantities or if swallowed without diluting. Before consuming any essential oil, read all about How to Use Essential Oils Safely.
Are essential oils the same as fragrance oils and perfume?
Essential oils are completely different from perfume or any other fragrance oil. Essential oils are 100%, all-natural plant extracts while fragrance oils contain synthetic compounds and are manufactured in labs to use in perfumes, soaps, candles, colognes, and other fragrant products. Read more about What is the Difference Between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils.
What is an essential oil diffuser?
An essential oil diffuser is a special unit that allows the vapors of essential oils to fill the air in the room so users can breathe in the therapeutic vapors that come from essential oils. Essential oil diffusers are also known as aromatherapy diffusers. Learn more about Essential Oil Diffusers.
Which is the best diffuser for essential oils?
There is no one best diffuser for essential oils. There is a wide assortment of diffusers available, each with their own features and benefits. The best essential oil diffuser for you depends on the size of your room, the features you are looking for and your personal preference. Take a Look at the Different Types of Diffusers for Essential Oils.
What are essential oils used for?
The list of essential oil uses is seriously long. Essential oils can be used for physical, mental and emotional well-being, making your own all-nature skin and hair care products and making non-toxic cleaners for your home. Check out the Many Benefits of Essential Oils. Here you can find a comprehensive List of the Top Health Benefits of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.
What should I look for when buying essential oils?
Always read the label carefully before buying. When using essential oils for topical application, internal consumption or for health purposes in your diffuser always looking for 100% pure, therapeutic grade oils. For household cleaning purposes, the oil does not necessarily have to be 100% pure, therapeutic grade.
Where can I buy essential oils?
I have found that the best place to buy essential oils is online through Amazon. With Amazon you get lower prices and quick delivery. Another advantage is that you get to read reviews of users who have used and bought the different types of essential oils. This allows you to make a more informed decisions.
Which is the best essential oil brand to buy?
This is the most important factor to take into consideration when buying essential oils. There are a few good brands that have earned a reputation for the high quality of their oils.
My go to brand is Plant Therapy. Other equally good brands are ArtNaturals, RadhaBeauty, and Majestic Pure.
What is the best way to use essential oils for aromatherapy?
There are several ways to use essential oil for aromatherapy. The best way for you will depend on the benefits you are looking for. You can get the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy by using the oil in a diffuser, in a massage oil, in the bathtub or burning an aromatherapy candle. You will find some useful information here on Getting Started With Essential Oils for Aromatherapy.
How can I extend the life of my essential oils?
The key to extending the life of your essential oils lies in Knowing How to Store Your Oils for Best Results. Essential oils should always be stored in dark-colored glass bottles kept in a dark, cool place in the cupboard. Excessive exposure to the atmosphere and sunlight will cause the oil to deteriorate prematurely.
Are essential oils safe to use when I am pregnant?
There are conflicting reports about using essential oils when you are pregnant. I would prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid using any oils during this time. If you must use any oil, these are considered safe to use during pregnancy – tangerine, grapefruit, mandarin, geranium, neroli, and ylan ylang. Still, always check with your doctor before you use essential oils during pregnancy.
