9 Tips For Aromatherapy Newbies

1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books
   
   Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest.
   
2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums
   
   Facebook Groups, Instagram pages and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others.
   
3. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start
   
   Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils. Essential oils can be expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy.
   
4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils
   
   When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils; they contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value.
   
5. Buy at Least One Carrier of Oil
   
   For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you must dilute essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almonds, sunflower, and grapeseed. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.
   
6. Store Your Oils Properly
   
   Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities.
   
7. Learn How to Do a Patch Test
   
   Essential oils can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or due to sensitisation over time. A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.
   
8. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets
   
   Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.
   
9. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils
   
   Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this. Some essential oils that are relatively safe to use topically may be toxic if taken internally. In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more content using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have.

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