I have allergies and cannot stand scents--how could I use essential oils?
Most people who have allergies to scents do so because of their exposure to fragrance oils not essential oils.
Often essential oils and fragrance oils are considered one and the same so people avoid essential oils completely!
Remember, essential oils come from aromatic plants, trees, shrubs, berries, etc. and have very low
allergy profile.
Fragrance oils are created in a laboratory from petroleum and are responsible for the majority of
allergies including bronchitis and asthma.
In my practice I have found that it is rare that someone is allergic to an essential oil although some
strong oils or too many different oils can trigger a headache and some strong oils can trigger coughing
in those with asthma.
How do you use an essential oil?
Essential oils are inhaled using a wide variety of diffusers ranging from simple to complex or diluted and applied to the skin in a carrier such as olive oil
Why would I use essential
oils?
Essential oils are quick, easy, delightful, efficient and non-invasive
ways to help your body maintain or attain health. Essential oils can help with decreasing pain, promoting sleep, elevating mood, cleaning, repelling insects, managing allergies, etc. Essential oils create
far fewer side-effects than chemicals in pill form. In addition, essential oils
do not "take over" for your body-they encourage your body to improve and
attain its natural efficiency.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is not the use of petroleum products-such as candles-incense,
fragrance oils and sprays to make everything smell "good". Aromatherapy
is the use of pure essential oils, under the guidance of a trained
aromatherapist to effect a physical, mental, emotional and or spiritual
change in a person who desires to make that change.
How do I know if oil is an essential oil
or fragrance oil?
Essential oils should have the botanical name and county of
origin listed on the bottle. (See essential oil order form). Essential
oils are in amber or cobalt blue bottles as they are destroyed by ultraviolet
light. The label should clearly state what the bottle contains and whether or not the essential oil is diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
There are several very safe oils for use during pregnancy but seek the guidance of a
professional for use.
Are there side effects to using essential
oils?
The most common side effect to an essential oil is a skin reaction
caused by applying oils directly and undiluted to the skin although
skin reactions can occur even when the oil is diluted. Headaches from oils that are too strong is the second side effect.
A few essential oils increase or decrease the effect of select pharmaceutical drugs .
Who is most likely to experience side-effects?
