15 rules – how to use essential oils in aromatherapy safely

They smell wonderful, soothe the senses, and have a wide range of applications, including medicinal ones. Essential oils – because that is what we are talking about – have a powerful effect on us both through our sense of smell and through our skin. It is worth noting that the safe use of essential oils in aromatherapy requires adherence to certain rules. How to use essential oils safely in aromatherapy? Be sure to read our 15 rules!
 

How to use essential oils safely in aromatherapy?

Rule 1:
Follow your nose
Aromatherapy affects our sense of smell. Its basic principle is to choose essential oils that you like. If the scent of any oil (even one that is highly praised by others) irritates you, do not use it. Aromatherapy should be enjoyable. Moreover, irritation and unpleasant sensations when smelling are a clear message from our body that something is not working well for us.

Rule 2:
Do not use essential oils orally 
Essential oils are not for swallowing! We inhale them, use them in baths, for massage, and in compresses, but we do not swallow them. Some oral preparations available at pharmacies contain oils, but they are always properly prepared and highly diluted. On your own, do not swallow essential oils.

Rule 3:
Choose the highest quality
Some scents can be counterfeited, so always use the highest quality essential oils from proven sources.

Rule 4:
Do not mix more than 5 oils together
Each essential oil is rich in ingredients. There is no need to mix more than 5 essential oils together.

Rule 5:
Follow the dosage
Each drop of essential oil is a real bomb of valuable ingredients. You really only need to use a few drops of oil to benefit from its effects. What's more, it's easy on your wallet. Excessive use of essential oils will only quickly drain your wallet. The general rule is to use:

• - 10-15 drops of oil for a bath;
• - 5-10 drops for an aroma diffuser;
• - 15-30 drops for massage (after first mixing the oil with massage oil)

Rule 6:
Before applying essential oils to your skin, check whether you are allergic to the oil
It is worth conducting an allergy test. Spread a drop (no more) of oil in a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then rub it into the skin and leave it for 12 hours. If no rash, itching, or other symptoms of allergy appear, you can safely use the oil.

Rule 7:
Never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin
Always dilute essential oils for massage in an appropriate amount of vegetable oil.

Rule 8:
Store oils properly
To enjoy the beneficial, valuable, and unique properties of essential oils for a long time, pay attention to how they should be stored. Close the containers tightly and store the oils in a dark place. Some oils, such as lemongrass or lemon, need to be stored at a low temperature.

Rule 9:
Be careful with oils that cause sensitivity to UV light.
Some oils should not be used directly on the skin before exposure to the sun or other sources of UV radiation. Such essential oils include: angelica, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin.

Rule 10:
Be aware of interactions between oils and medications.
Before using a particular oil, gather as much information about it as possible. Some oils may interact with medications. Example: geranium oil can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills by stimulating estrogen.

Rule 11:
Be careful when using essential oils during pregnancy
A number of essential oils should not be used, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is best to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or aromatherapist before using any essential oil. Oils that are not recommended for use during pregnancy include anise, cypress, hyssop, juniper, fennel, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, rose, thyme, and others.

Rule 12:
Not all essential oils are good for children
It is worth making sure that an essential oil can be used on young children. For example, rosewood essential oil should not be used on children under 6 years of age.

 Rule 13:
The use of certain oils requires consultation with a doctor or aromatherapist
Some oils have a strong effect and it is advisable to consult a doctor or aromatherapist before using them. This is particularly important for people who are on long-term medication, suffer from chronic diseases, or are elderly. However, everyone should exercise caution, regardless of their health condition. Strong oils include cedarwood, cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint, patchouli, thyme, and others.

Rule 14:
Enjoy the beautiful scents of essential oils, keeping in mind their therapeutic properties.
Sometimes we reach for essential oils solely because of their beautiful scent. However, we must remember that these are substances that affect our body and will have a therapeutic effect.

Rule 15:
How to use essential oils safely in aromatherapy? Don't be discouraged – oil therapy is an individual matter and what has helped one person will not always work 100% the same for another. That is why the first rule in aromatherapy is to trust your nose!