Essential oils are the new trend in wellness. Today, people use them for relaxation and skin care or even as home remedies for common ailments. Like every other strong natural product, essential oils, too, have to be handled with caution. The guide below will help one understand what essential oils are, safe usage, and best practices to get the most out of their benefits.
What are Essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that take the essence of the plant, including its scent. They are extracted from the various parts of a plant, such as flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots, and have been used for thousands of years in aromatherapy, traditional medicine, and cosmetics.
Most of the oils extracted are usually through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. Such oils are potent; hence, a small quantity is enough. These possess different properties. For example, lavender soothes; and peppermint revives for more about this you can just check out The Bulk Cart
DOs and DON’Ts of Essential Oils
The right dos and don’ts on essential oils may help save you from irritation and allergic reactions, or even worse, on your skin. Here are some important guidelines:
DOs:
- Do Dilute Before Using Topically: Essential oils are very concentrated. If applied undiluted directly to the skin, it can cause irritation or burns. The proper way is to dilute them using carrier oils of coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. A safe ratio is 3-5 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Do Perform a Patch Test: Before applying essential oils to larger areas of your skin, always do a patch test. It involves applying a small amount of diluted oil to your forearm and waiting 24 hours to see if you develop any irritation.
- Do Store Them Properly: Store them properly because essential oils could degrade upon exposure to sunlight. The best place to store them is in a cool, dry place in dark glass bottles. It assures of their effect as well as efficiency, thus not becoming harmful to human health.
- Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy: Diffusing essential oils in the air is one of the safest ways to enjoy their benefits. The easiest way would be to apply a few drops directly to a bowl of steaming hot water and thereby let the fragrance circulate in the steam, helpful either in relaxing the brain or your respiratory health.
- Do Research Individual Oils: Not every essential oil is considered the same. Some can be used on your skin for topical application, but severe reactions will develop from others when applied to the skin. Tea Tree Essential Oil oil, for example, is an excellent antibacterial but irritating if used excessively. Thus, always do research before using any essential oil.
DONT”s:
- Do Not Ingest Essential Oils Without Professional Guidance: Essential oils should not be ingested. Even though some people promote ingesting oils like peppermint or lemon, doing so without medical supervision can harm your digestive system and organs.
- Don’t Use Essential Oils Near Eyes or Sensitive Areas: Essential oils should never be applied near your eyes, ears, or mucous membranes. These areas are highly sensitive and can easily become irritated or damaged by oils.
- Don’t Use Essential Oils on Pets Without Vet Approval: Some essential oils are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. For instance, tea tree and eucalyptus oils are harmful to pets if inhaled or applied to their skin.
- Don’t Use on Infants or Pregnant Women Without Consulting a Doctor: Many essential oils are not safe for pregnant women or young children. Oils like rosemary, sage, and wintergreen should be avoided, as they can trigger health problems. Always check with a healthcare provider before using oils in these cases.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
Now that we’ve covered the dos and don’ts, let’s dive deeper into how you can safely and effectively use essential oils.
Start Slow
If you’re new to essential oils, it’s best to start with milder options. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and sweet orange are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause adverse reactions. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with these, you can gradually explore stronger oils like eucalyptus or rosemary.
Use Proper Dilution Ratios
For topical applications, always dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil. A general guide is to mix 3-5 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil. For sensitive skin or young children, use a weaker dilution, such as one drop per tablespoon.
Follow Recommended Usage Amounts
More is not always better when it comes to essential oils. Overusing them, even in a diffuser, can cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Stick to the recommended usage amounts. For a standard diffuser, 3-5 drops of essential oil are enough to scent a room.
Rotate Oils to Avoid Sensitivity
Using the same essential oil repeatedly on your skin can lead to sensitivity or allergic reactions. It’s a good practice to rotate between oils and give your skin a break between applications.
Avoid Sun Exposure After Using Certain Oils
Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils like lemon, lime, and bergamot, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can lead to sunburn or discoloration. If you’ve applied these oils to your skin, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours.
Keep Out of Reach of Children
Essential oils should be stored out of reach of children. Even though they smell pleasant, essential oils are not safe for kids to ingest or handle. Accidental ingestion or misuse can lead to poisoning or skin injuries.
Use Essential Oils for Specific Needs
Essential oils can be very effective when used with intention. For example, if you’re looking for better sleep, lavender is a great choice to diffuse before bed. If you need a pick-me-up, use energizing oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Don’t randomly mix oils without knowing their properties.
Conclusion
Essential oils are potent and beneficial when used correctly. Whether you’re looking for natural ways to relax, enhance your skincare routine, or even create a calming environment at home, Essential oils can help. However, safety should always come first.
Be sure to dilute oils properly, avoid using them near sensitive areas, and store them safely. Never ingest essential oils unless advised by a professional, and always patch-test before using them on your skin.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy the full benefits of essential oils without the risks. Remember, natural does not mean risk-free, so always use essential oils responsibly and with proper knowledge.