Reflecting on my beginner experiences with aromatherapy, my intrigue with essential oils was almost overwhelming. With hindsight, I wish to share some guidance for those stepping onto the path of aromatherapy.

Establish an Aromatherapy Reference Collection with a Couple of Books

Start by acquiring a pair of comprehensive guidebooks. Such resources will familiarize you with the basics of aromatherapy and help pinpoint your areas of interest.

Engage in Aromatherapy Online Discussions

Active participation on social media platforms like Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and other online forums will impart a wealth of information. They are optimal environments for beginners to learn from previous discussions and increase their knowledge through interaction.

Begin Your Journey with a Selected Few Essential Oils

Hold off on buying extensive sets right from the beginning. Start your journey with a select few essential oils, keeping in mind that they can be expensive. Experiment with these initially, then grow your collection as your interest in aromatherapy deepens.

Rely on 100% pure and unadulterated essential oils.

When purchasing essential oils, choose a trustworthy and reputable manufacturer. Stay wary of synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils, as they are not true essential oils. They contain artificially-made chemicals and do not possess therapeutic benefits.

Acquire at least one carrier oil.

You'll need to blend essential oils with a carrier oil for numerous topical aromatherapy applications. Sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are versatile carrier oils worth considering. Make sure you purchase cosmetic-grade ones. Just a few drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil is sufficient.

Store oils properly.

Both essential and carrier oils need to be stored in dark glass containers, tightly sealed and kept away from heat and light to maintain their quality. Carrier oils can become rancid over time, so purchase them in smaller quantities.

Master the technique of patch testing.

Essential oils may provoke allergic reactions or cause sensitization throughout usage. Conducting a skin patch test lets you determine if a particular essential oil could react adversely with your skin. Make it a habit to perform this test for every new oil intended for topical application.

Apply restraint with children, pets, and pregnant or nursing women.

Until you have a thorough understanding of essential oils and safety measures, refrain from using them on children, pets, or women who are pregnant or nursing. Particularly, cats may be highly sensitive to essential oil exposure. Always keep oils out of children's reach.

Avoiding essential oils

Despite various viewpoints, it's recommended to avoid oral consumption of essential oils. Some oils considered safe for external use may pose harm if ingested and could potentially interfere with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

As you advance and accumulate more knowledge about aromatherapy, your confidence and proficiency in using essential oils will flourish. With an extensive range to discover, maintain safety vigilance and embrace the journey to mastering the art of essential oils!