I'm back! It's been a long and unexpected hiatus from this blog. Dear reader, I did miss you; it's good to be back and writing again. Let's get started!
Aromatherapy is something most people seem to treat with little respect or understanding. Essential oils, while pleasant, are powerful tools that need to be understood to be used safely. As someone with a deep appreciation for aromatherapy and essential oils, safety and quality are my top priorities when blending for anyone. Here are the top 5 things I would never do or recommend to anyone.
Coming in hot is my personal pet peeve. Using essential oils internally is a huge no-no! Never, ever put an essential oil in your body unless you're under the close watch of a high trained professional. Oils have the potential to interfere with medications, making those medications dangerous to anyone taking them.
Moving along to the next point, do not use any oil you don't know anything about. This means oils off the shelf at your local big box store, oils that do not come with GC/MS reports, or oils that come from providers that make it difficult to consistently and accurately see a GC/MS report. What is a GC/MS report? It's an important test that shows the detailed chemical makeup of essential oils. Why is that important? Again. Essential oils have the potential to not play nice with medications or people with certain medical conditions. Hint, if you live with a blood clot disorder, do not use Clove Bud.
Safety is a top priority. For people, or creatures, you might not expect. Do not pet an animal or hold a small child if you have oils on your hands. Oils can cause harm to children and animals. Cats don't tolerate peppermint, nutmeg, or clove oil- small children for that matter won't tolerate those oils either.
If you're on any social media platform, you are bound to be subject to misinformation. Please double check any information you come across online! Do not believe random posts saying any oil can cure anything. There is no magical, immediate cure to anything. Essential oils are no different. Especially in these times, if anyone tries to tell you that an oil blend can cure or prevent any virus or disease run far, run fast.
Do not, ever ever use old oils! Old essential oils can cause a lot of irritation ranging from a mild rash to full blown phototoxicity. These wonderful, powerful oils can cause big problems if you don't store them properly or if you use them after they have expired. My personal rule of thumb is not to use an oil after around a year. Heavy oils like Cedarwood tend to last longer than lighter oils like Sweet Orange.
There you have it. The top 5 things not to do when it comes to aromatherapy and essential oils. Please always be safe and never be afraid to ask questions! That said, if you have any questions or want to start your aromatherapy journey, my inbox is always open: rootedinmystrength@gmail.com -don't hesitate.
Peace to you,
Willow R.
Owner, Rooted in my Strength
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