If you decide to do aromatherapy, you should know and use the special rules for the use of essential oils and safety in aromatherapy.
Essential oils are made from ether-containing parts of plants and are produced by several methods: using steam, hydrocarbon gas or solvents. The method of production affects the quality of the product.
One can distinguish three levels of quality:
1. Pure essential oils
2. Cheap oil series
3. Synthetic oils
For aromatherapy it is better to buy pure essential oils, as they contain therapeutically influencing components. On the packaging of oils of good quality, there is information about the Latin name and the parts of the plant from which the oil is obtained; a method of production; and a country of origin. Cheaper essential oils are produced at the expense of lower quality raw materials or by adding other cheaper substances. For example, in the global market, lavender oil is valued and comes from raw materials which are grown in Provence. Lavender oil produced in Moldova, however, has lower quality properties and is cheaper. The cheaper series oils have less therapeutic effect, and synthetic oil does not have a value from the point of view of aromatherapy. Chemical substances give only the smell, while the greatest therapeutic effect of pure essential oils are based on the influence of the components of the oil.
They affect people differently pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically. The pharmacological effect is a biochemical change in the body caused by the aromatic oil in the blood, in turn interacting with the hormones and enzymes. The physiological effects related to the properties of oils. For example, lavender is calming, rose lifts the senses. The psychological impact is the individual reaction of a person, which may be associated with positive or negative memories of past events.
SAFETY RULES
1. NEVER USE undiluted essential oils or essential oils not mixed with a base carrier, unless required by the recipe, because essential oils can be highly concentrated and even very toxic. When applied to the skin undiluted oils may cause irritation, redness and burning.
2. When beginning to use an unfamiliar essential oil, make sure you find the smell is NICE or pleasing, and TEST yourself for the ALLERGENICITY to this oil. A new oil can harm you if you don’t like the smell – it is a psychological reaction. The article below gives methods to check for allergic reactions, which depend on the type of oil. Also consult the available information on oils, including PRECAUTIONS. For example, rose oil is not to use in the first months of pregnancy, and citrus oils are not to be used before going out in the sun.
3. Some essential oils CANNOT be used during pregnancy, or if a person suffers from asthma, epilepsy and (some other diseases – you need to either leave this out or state the disesase). In particular, dill can not be used during depression and clary sage can not be combined with alcohol. Anyone with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop oil, rosemary, any kind of sage and pine. If you are pregnant or have a serious medical condition, please consult with a specialist.
4. Do NOT USE essential oils more than necessary. Essential oils, as a natural product, will do less harm than chemical drugs. But, like any other substance in large amounts, they can be harmful. As one becomes more familiar with the world of aromatherapy and using essential oils, one will gradually feel how much of a recipe is needed for the proper result. It depends on the ability of the nose to distinguish the smell, skin type and awareness of the senses, and psychological reactions to the oil.
5. There are essential oils that are NOT SUITABLE for aromatherapy. For example, oil of wormwood, mint marsh, onion, camphor, horseradish, bitter almond, and some others.
6. Do NOT USE the following oils before going out on the sun since they can cause the formation of age spots. These are oils of: lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, lime, bergamot, verbena, honeysuckle, dill, patchouli, cinnamon, caraway, laurel, and dill.
7. Essential oils SHOULD NOT be ingested without special consultation with a specialist. Purchased oils can be of insufficient quality for ingestion, so for your own safety, ensure the quality of the essential oil.
8. Do NOT TREAT severe illness themselves only by means of aromatherapy. Be sure to consult your doctor.
9. Essential oils should be stored out of the reach of CHILDREN. Treat them like medications that need to be stored properly.
10. Do NOT STORE essential oils or blends in plastic bottles as they will evaporate through the plastic.
11. Essential oils should be stored AWAY from heat.
THE BASIC RULES
1. Essential oils should be stored in DARK (cobalt or brown) GLASS bottles because of their sensitivity to exposure to light and air. They should be tightly closed and stored where possible, IN A COOL PLACE (not less than 0 C (32 F) but not more than +30 C (86 F).
2. The dosing of essential oils given in DROPS.
3. RECORD composition and proportion of mixtures of components, date of manufacture and purpose of use of the stored blends.
4. Pay attention to the safety precautions for the oil.
5. Begin to use essential oil or a blend with the SMALLEST of dosages. Additional amounts can be added if the desired affect does not occur with the smallest dose.
6. When using a diffuser, only use it for 20 minutes the first several times.
7. For new recipes prepare the composition or blend with a small amount of base (for example, 5 ml of cream) to check the suitability of the recipe.
8. When you take the first and second bath with an essential oil or blend, do not stay in the bath for more than 4-5 minutes. If you have not felt any distress or discomfort, then you can safely use a proven recommendations.>
9. For security purposes, before using a new oil it is advisable to check your reaction for any allergies, depending on how it will be used. This is especially important for those who are allergy-prone.
METHODS OF TESTING FOR ALLERGENICITY
1. For inhalation and cleansing: Apply 1 drop of oil on a handkerchief, and only sniff the handkerchief for one day. The next day apply oil to the surface of the wrist and, if you do not have any allergic reactions, including headache, weakness, and ( you need to state what other reactions could be, or omit this others), you may begin to use it.
2. For use on the skin: Pre-check technique for inhalation and cleansing. The first method is to apply base oil on the sternum or behind the ear to check for allergic reactions. Leave on for 12 hours. If no adverse reaction occurs, add a drop of essential oils for massage by mixing in a teaspoon of a carrier oil and applying the mixture on the sternum or behind the ear. Again, check the reaction of the oil after 12 hours. The second method: Take a 2 – 3 minute bath with 1-2 drops of essential oil.
3. For use inside the body: Blend 1 drop of the oil with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and take three times during the first day. Double the dose the next day, again taking it three times during the day. If no allergic reactions occur, then you can ingest this oil or blend.
The article “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE” discusses the different methods of using essential oils and the article “EQUIPMENT LIST AND MEASUREMENT GUIDE” gives some hints including percentage composition.