What is Needed to Begin Using Aromatherapy?

Maybe you’ve developed an interest in aromatherapy, but are wondering how to get started. For the beginner aromatherapy can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

It can also be expensive. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but the potential to spend a lot of money is there. It’s important to figure out what you require and what can wait for another day. Some purchases can don’t have to be made immediately.




You have two primary options:

• Purchase a kit.
• Build your own kit.

It’s hard to make a mistake by purchasing a kit. However, you’re likely to end up with some things you’ll never use. You’re also likely to want an essential oil that isn’t included.

It’s also more fun to build your own kit! You’ll learn a lot along the way, too.

Build your own aromatherapy kit:

1. Determine the essential oils you’ll need. You can do some research and come to you own conclusions. A few suggestions:

• Roman Chamomile – Chamaemelum nobile
• Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus
• Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
• Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
• Lemon – Citrus limon
• Orange – Citrus sinensis
• Peppermint – Mentha piperita
• Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
• Sandalwood - Santalum album
• Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia
• These are arguably the most important essential oils and the least expensive.

2. Choose your carrier oils. Remember that carriers are used to dilute the essential oils. They also allow the essential oils to be applied to your skin. Recommendations for beginners include:

• Fragrance free lotion
• Jojoba oil
• Almond oil
• Liquid castile soap. This soap is made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide. It is free from animal fats, unlike many other types of soaps. It’s considered to be eco-friendly and biodegradable.

3. Storage supplies. You’ll want to store your lotions and potions in a convenient manner. There are several types of containers you’re likely to need.

• Amber glass bottles. These can be small. 5ml to 15 ml is sufficient. Ensure that the bottles are amber, rather than clear. Light can degrade some essential oils.

• Glass jars to store your lotions. A 2 oz. glass jar with a wide mouth is perfect. Two ounces equals a quarter of a cup.

• Plastic spray bottles. Avoid purchasing anything too large. Bottles between 2 oz. and 4 oz. are fine.

• Blank nasal inhalers. If you remember the old style of Vick’s inhalers, these are similar. They are common sold in 10 or 12-packs.

4. Miscellaneous. A few glass beakers or flasks and a glass rod or two are convenient for mixing jobs. You’ll also need:

• A record keeping system. A notebook is the easiest way to record your recipes, thoughts, and results.

• A labeling system. You can purchase a label maker or resort to a ballpoint pen and masking tape. It’s up to you.

• Storage. A dedicated work space is ideal, but just a dream for many. A plastic storage tub can be an effective second choice.

Building your own aromatherapy kit might seem a bit intimidating, but there are many online resources. Books on the topic are as close as your nearest library or bookstore. You might consider purchasing a kit and filling in the gaps with additional supplies. A limited budget doesn’t have to be an obstacle. A couple of essential oils are all that you need to get started.


“The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.“

- Paracelsus


Safety

Essential oils are chemicals. As with any other chemical, the potential for danger exists. It’s important to understand what you’re doing before inhaling any substance or putting it directly onto your skin.

The hazards are easily avoided, but you must understand the hazards before you can expect to avoid them.


Always be safe while performing aromatherapy:

1. Some essential oils can exacerbate certain conditions. Certain oils should be avoided by those with existing medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, and pregnancy. It’s not possible to provide an exhaustive list in this space, but be aware of the issue. Perform the necessary research to ensure you’re being safe.

2. It can be a bad idea to apply essential oils directly to the skin with diluting them first. Two common examples of exceptions include lavender and tea tree, but there are still risks. It’s much easier to develop sensitivities to specific oils when they are applied in high concentrations. Which leads to the next item.

3. Some oils react with ultraviolet light, specifically UVA. These exposed oils can then cause blistering and redness to the skin. The primary culprits are cold-pressed citrus oils. The distilled citrus oils are generally considered to be safe when exposed to UVA. Other phototoxic essential oils include:

• Angelica Root Essential Oil
• Bergamot (Cold Pressed)
• Bitter Orange (Cold Pressed)
• Cumin
• Fig Leaf Absolute
• Grapefruit (Cold Pressed)
• Lemon (Cold Pressed)
• Lime (Cold Pressed)
• Mandarin Leaf

4. Essential oils can lead to allergic reactions or other types of sensitivities. It’s a good idea to test any oils you’ve never used before on a small patch of skin.

• To test for sensitivity, dilute the essential oil in question to a 2% concentration. The quick and dirty way to do this is to add 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil or lotion. One tablespoon equals 15 ml.

• Put one drop of the diluted oil on your skin. The arm is a good location.

• Put a band aid or similar bandage over the oil and wait. If you feel any discomfort within 24 hours, immediately wash the area with soap and water.

• If 24 hours pass without any negative reaction, you can consider the oil safe to use on your skin.

5. Some essential oils are considered unsafe for use by non-experts. A few of these include: camphor, onion, wintergreen and bitter almond. There are more complete lists available online.

6. Beware of mixing aromatherapy and children. Young children are curious and love the smell of many aromatherapy mixtures. This often results in the child drinking the mixture. Treat aromatherapy solutions as poisons when children are involved. Avoid underestimating the ability of your child to surprise you.

7. Do not consume essential oils. Your child shouldn’t be drinking them, and neither should you! Though many oils are derived from common foods, essential oils are highly concentrated.

Essential oils have the power to heal and to harm. Understand the dangers that essential oils can pose in certain situations. Avoid causing yourself any undue harm. Remember, you’re trying to heal and comfort yourself, not create additional suffering in your life. Use aromatherapy wisely.


“I believe that for every illness or ailment known to man, that God has a plant out here that will heal it. We just need to keep discovering the properties for natural healing.”

- Vannoy Gentles Fite


Related reading: Using Aromatherapy For Health