Everyone wants to be healthy and happy. One usage that’s catching fire in the wellness community is the use of essential oils. The size of the global market for essential oils is anticipated to be USD 8.8 billion in 2022 and USD 15.3 billion in 2027.
If you’re like a lot of people, you’re wondering about using oils but are scared to try them. You might have heard about oils, but you’re not sure of all the right things to do.
Let’s take the fear away. Here are some common errors with using essential oils and some solutions and advice on how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
1. Misapplying Essential Oil Dosage
Essential oils are powerful, so it is important that they are applied correctly and with the proper dosage. One common error is misapplying essential oil dosage, which can lead to serious adverse reactions, including skin irritation and inflammation, respiratory issues, and even toxicity.
To avoid this error, it’s important to understand the recommended methods of essential oil applications for the particular essence and the safest levels and recommended uses. If unsure of the proper dosage, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional who has knowledge of aromatherapy and the effects of certain essential oils.
2. Neglecting the Storage and Shelf Life of Essential Oils
Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds that can evaporate or oxidize in the presence of sunlight and heat. It is important to store them in a cool and dark place. Remember to store the oils in an airtight, opaque, and unbreakable container and replace the caps and lid after each use.
Store them in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight, and in temperatures that do not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit and should never be stored in the fridge or freezer. It is very important to be aware of each oil’s shelf life, which can range from one to four years depending on the oil. Ensure to replace essential oils that are aged or past their expiration date to avoid any health risks and to promote the most effective use of the oils.
3. Not Considering Essential Oil Contraindications
Using essential oils improperly can lead to complications that can cause harm and discomfort. Essential oil contraindications are safety measures that caution how, when, and if an oil can be used. They are volatile substances that can interact with one another and with medications.
Before choosing essential oils, research any potential side effects and interactions. Consult with a qualified aromatherapist to understand which essential oil safety factors to follow.
If used too often, essential oils can become ineffective. The strongest oil is not always the best option. Stores that sell essential oils may not always provide detailed instructions on safety, so be sure to do your research and only buy essential oils from trustworthy sources.
4. Ignoring the Quality of Essential Oils
Using essential oils without awareness of quality can have a lessened effect – and worse yet, be unhealthy. Poor-quality essential oils can be laden with contaminants and can have a lessening of desirable therapeutic effects for people using them. Not only this, but lower-quality essential oils can introduce volatile molecules into the air that can be irritating and toxic.
To avoid these hazardous effects and enjoy the highest quality, always research the brand you are using. Reputable sources such as the hotel aroma diffuser scent that follow rigorous production standards should be the chosen supplier. It would be wise to avoid any essential oil that has a medicinal smell, as that is a signal of low quality and adulteration.
Good essential oil quality requires careful sourcing, production, and packaging. If you are not aware of this, you can make serious health-related errors when applying the oils.
5. Underestimating the Risks of Ingesting Essential Oils
Ingesting essential oils carries serious risks, which can be underestimated if one is not informed. Not only is it unnecessary for medicinal or therapeutic use, but it can cause a range of serious adverse effects. When ingested, essential oils can cause nausea, vomiting, and contact with dermal absorption.
If used in high enough quantities, some can even be toxic. For example, ingestion of large amounts of wintergreen oil can cause headaches, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, and even death. To avoid these risks, it is important to never ingest essential oils without obtaining explicit medical advice beforehand.
Care should be taken to never ingest essential oils at higher concentrations than directed. This increases the potential severity of adverse reactions. Through the informed use of essential oils and a cautionary approach to their ingestion, we can reduce the chance of common errors.
6. Not Diluting Essential Oils
When using essential oils, one of the most common errors people make is not diluting the essential oils. Many of the most popular essential oils can be concentrated and may cause skin irritation, otherwise known as sensitization. To avoid this, it is important to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil before use.
A good rule of thumb is usually to mix 3-5 drops of essential oils with 30 ml of carrier oil. Be mindful of the number of drops of essential oils used – you do not need to exceed the suggested amount for effectiveness. Diluting your essential oils with the right amount of carrier oils will not only help reduce skin irritation but also create a longer-lasting scent.
7. Putting Oil in a Wrong Location
Essential oils are used for aromatherapy or topical application, so it is important to understand where it is appropriate to apply them. Never apply essential oils inside the nose, ears, eyes, or other sensitive areas. Do not apply or ingest essential oils on open or broken skin or in general without consulting a medical professional.
Always research the oil you are using, and pay attention to warnings listed on the label or product information page. Follow all instructions to help ensure the safe use of essential oils and to avoid any mistakes with how and where they are applied.
Avoiding Errors with Using Essential Oils
The bottom line is that with necessary research and education on proper usage, the most common errors with using essential oils can be avoided. Have realistic expectations, use them sparingly, dilute correctly, and buy from trusted suppliers. Do this so you can safely enjoy the many health benefits essential oils can offer.
If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out our other content about essential oils.
