Using essential oils for holistic health and wellness is a great way to promote positive feelings and reduce negative thoughts. However, using them incorrectly can actually backfire and have the opposite effect. If you’re new to essential oil use or just want to brush up on your knowledge, here are some common mistakes to watch out for when using essential oils for positive benefits. For example, if you’re feeling stressed out, you could try diffusing some lavender essential oil. However, if you’re not careful with your technique or if you don’t know when to stop, lavender essential oil could make things worse instead of better. Here are some things to keep in mind when using essential oils so you can make the most of them without hurting yourself or others:
Don’t use essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding
While pregnant or breastfeeding, your body has special needs and is more sensitive to toxins. This means that you should avoid using essential oils that are known to be toxic while pregnant or breastfeeding. Some of the most toxic essential oils include: eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, and cedar. If you absolutely must use an essential oil that is toxic to pregnant or breastfeeding women, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil. You should also avoid using essential oils in an enclosed space such as a bathroom or kitchen where they can build up quickly.
Don’t use essential oils undiluted on the skin
When used undiluted, essential oils can cause irritation and even a rash. When you use them on the skin, you should dilute them with a carrier oil first. You can also use them to massage your skin. Make sure to use a carrier oil that won’t irritate your skin. You can also use a blend of essential oils such as a calming blend that won’t cause irritation.
Don’t use essential oils in an enclosed space
If you use essential oils in an enclosed space like a bathroom or kitchen, they can build up quickly and cause a bad smell. This is especially true if you’re using a high percentage of a particular oil. It’s best to keep essential oils in a jar or other container out of sight. If you need to use them in an enclosed space, you can either open a window or cover the container with a towel to trap the scent.
Don’t mix essential oils that are meant for different purposes
Some essential oils are meant to be used together, but you should never mix them. For example, you should never combine lavender and lemon essential oil. This is because lavender and lemon essential oils are both very strong and can irritate the skin if combined. If you want to use these two essential oils together, you should use a carrier oil like coconut oil.
Conclusion
Aromatherapy is a great way to promote positive feelings and reduce negative thoughts. However, using essential oils correctly is important to get the best results. Make sure to avoid using essential oils undiluted, in an enclosed space, and mixed with essential oils meant for different purposes. With these tips, you can use essential oils to promote positive feelings and reduce negative thoughts without hurting yourself or others.