You may be wondering when to use essential oils. There are many uses for them and some myths about them that you should know about. Read on to learn about some of the most common uses, and safety precautions to take before using them.
Myths about essential oils
When it comes to using essential oils, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions. It’s important to know what you’re doing so you can reap the benefits.
Essential oils are natural substances extracted from plants. They are known for their potency and unique properties. Some have medicinal applications, while others are used for cleaning purposes. Regardless of their use, each one contains a slew of compounds. These components make the various oils useful for different applications.
One of the first things to understand is that there are several forms of essential oils. The most popular ones are derived from herbs, citrus, and distilled plant extracts. To determine which oil is best for your needs, check the labels.
Most essential oil starter kits include six to ten essential oils. Choosing the right one for you isn’t as difficult as you may think. Make sure you choose something that will stand up to the test of time. While some are meant to last forever, others will have a short shelf life.
You should also remember that there is no magic number for essential oil dosage. Each individual will have different needs and require a different dose. If you have sensitive skin, you might need a lower dilution.
However, some oils can be dangerous in large amounts. For example, you should avoid using cinnamon on your face if you have a rash. Cinnamaldehyde, which is a component of the bark, is particularly high.
When in doubt, do a little research and you’ll be surprised at what you find. There are a few companies that have made it their mission to provide consumers with accurate information. This includes a Facebook page for Essential Oil University.
Be sure to follow safety guidelines when using essential oils, especially if you are a novice. Doing so could mean the difference between a successful healing session and a disastrous outcome. In addition to this, make sure you test your oils before applying them to your skin.
The best way to do this is to buy a good quality kit and sample several different brands. Once you do, you’ll be able to compare brands and make an educated decision on which ones are most effective.
Common uses for essential oils
Essential oils are used for a variety of purposes. The most common ones include cooking, cleaning, and aromatherapy. In fact, they are now a popular natural remedy for first aid.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that are extracted from plants. They are very potent, making them useful for a wide range of uses. However, they may also cause damage to the skin and other bodily systems if used incorrectly. So, it’s important to choose the right essential oil for the job.
Some of the common uses of essential oils include aromatherapy and first aid. These oils have been around for centuries. However, their uses have gotten more sophisticated over the years.
For example, helichrysum oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties, helping to protect against free radical damage. It also has antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiseptic properties.
There are also many more uses for essential oils. You can use them to clean surfaces, freshen your breath, or even boost your immune system. Other essential oils have been known to alleviate bug bites. If you’re a fan of perfumes, you might want to try a spritz of lemon or grapefruit essential oil.
Essential oils can be purchased at a health food store or online. Make sure to check the label for purity and to read about the specific essential oils you’re interested in. A good quality essential oil will have the botanical name of the plant on the label.
As a general rule, the more concentrated the essential oil, the better. However, you should keep a close eye on the dosage. Otherwise, you could end up inadvertently consuming a chemical compound that could cause damage to your liver.
Another great advantage of essential oils is their ability to stimulate the circulation of the skin. This can also help alleviate symptoms of stress. Using a nebulizer to diffuse a few drops of the oil into the air can also provide curative effects.
When shopping for essential oils, make sure to purchase only those sourced from reputable suppliers. Often, lesser-known companies will use deceptive terms to sell their products.
Safety precautions to take
Essential oils are concentrated and volatile plant extracts, and there are a number of safety precautions to take when using them. These include keeping essential oils away from children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, and dilution.
Some essential oils can sting mucus membranes and eyes, which makes it important to use caution. Essential oils can also be flammable and can cause damage to mucous membranes if they come into contact with a naked flame or gas stove. They should be stored in a dark bottle out of reach of children and pets.
Young children may be more sensitive to essential oils. If your child isn’t sure whether the oil is safe for him or her, ask an adult. You may want to use a child-resistant cap for extra protection.
In addition to the above safety precautions, you should check with your physician if you are on any medication. Some essential oils can interact with medications.
Essential oils are also flammable and can burn easily. This means you should never use them near lit candles or gas stoves. The best way to avoid accidental fires is to store them out of the reach of children.
If you need to diffuse essential oils, make sure they are diluted with a carrier oil. Dilution can mitigate irritation and phototoxic reactions. A common dilution is 1-3% of the total volume of the essential oil. It is also important to use a plastic dropper insert.
The safety of essential oils can vary from person to person, so you should always do a patch test before introducing a new oil into your home. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.
Although essential oils have a long history of safety, they are still volatile and can produce harmful effects if used improperly. Always follow these safety precautions and use high quality oils. Choose a brand that has been thoroughly tested.
If you are looking for a list of essential oils that are safe for kids, try the doTERRA Science for Kids workbook. There is also a dilution chart for specific age groups.
Myths about essential oil companies
Many myths exist about essential oil companies. Some of them can cause confusion and lead to serious side effects. These myths range from harmless to dangerous, so it’s important to understand them before you buy and use essential oils.
Essential oil companies don’t always advertise that their products are 100% pure. In fact, many brands don’t even label their oils as therapeutic grade.
Companies will sometimes add carrier oils to help extend the shelf life of their essential oils. These oils do not generally have a therapeutic effect on the body, so they shouldn’t be used internally.
If you have a negative reaction to an essential oil, you should stop using it immediately. You can do a simple test at home by putting a drop on a piece of white paper. It’s not difficult, and you’ll be able to see if the oil fades quickly or slowly.
Essential oil companies are not the only ones who make false claims about their products. There are also MLM reps who have been spreading misinformation for years.
There is no scientific proof that essential oils are safe. They can have adverse reactions to certain people and conditions, and there is a risk of causing a rash. Also, there is a risk of burning your skin.
Regardless of whether you have a positive or negative reaction to an essential oil, there are ways to help manage your symptoms. One is to dilute the essential oil before you use it. Another is to make sure the company you choose is reputable.
Many essential oil retailers have come up with marketing terms to sell their products. For example, most stores will offer a starter kit that contains 6 to 10 essential oils. While these kits may look appealing, they’re actually a bit of a challenge to use. To avoid buying a multi-bottle set, it’s best to do some research on the oils you’re interested in before making a purchase.
When it comes to essential oils, the quality matters most. Getting educated is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the best product possible.