Essential Oils Guide for Beginners

Essential oils offer numerous benefits for health and well-being, and if you’re just looking into them for the first time, you may get overwhelmed. A good first step is to decide what you want to tackle first. So, instead of buying an entire collection and getting confused only to have them sit in your cupboard and untouched for a year; check out our guide as a place to start.

Identify your purpose
Match oil to your purpose
Choose method of delivery
When buying, beware of inferior quality oils or synthetic ingredients and purchase from reputable source, such as Zenvea [page link]

The Ultimate Guide for Essential Oils In 2020

Identify your purpose: Decide on what is most important to you. Do you want to use more natural cleaning products? Are you looking to improve the aromas in your home or office? Would you be interested in adding them to your skincare regime? These are the questions you need to ask yourself as a first step in identifying which oils you should start with.

Match oil to your purpose: After you’ve identified your purpose, find an oil that matches your goal. For example, if you’re looking to use essential oil power in cleaning, look for oils like lemon, grapefruit and tea tree that offer antibacterial and antiseptic properties. If you’re looking to increase focus and concentration in your work environment, seek oils such as rosemary and peppermint. If you’re looking to tone down a stressful environment, consider lavender to soften the mood.

Choose method of delivery: Now that you know your purpose and have an idea of the oils that you want, you can choose how you want to use the oils. There are many ways to reap the benefits. For example, you could apply a few drops of oil to aromatherapy jewelry [add link]. Or, you could purchase an essential oil diffuser [add link]. Further, you can purchase glass spray bottles, roller balls and hand-held inhalers to do some DIY blending to create all natural health and wellness products. You can even choose to purchase a plug-in diffuser for your vehicle. Consider where you are planning to fit essential oils into your life and choose the accessory that works best for you.

When buying, beware of inferior quality oils or synthetic ingredients and purchase from reputable source: Now that you’re ready to purchase, you must remember this; buyer beware. The essential oil industry has attracted its share of nefarious characters who dilute oils with inferior cutting agents, use synthetic scents in place of essential oils, and that is just the beginning. It is exceptionally important that you purchase essential oils [page link] from a reputable company that you trust, such as Zenvea.

A Guide to Essential Oils – How to Use Them Safely

Essential oils contain powerful substances and can be dangerous when used improperly. We have included general safety considerations below, and a healthcare professional should be consulted before use if you have any concerns, medical conditions, or contraindications.

Keep Essential Oils Out Of Reach of Children and Pets

Expert health care professionals can recommend safe use for essential oil on and around children and pets. However, unless under a professional’s supervision, it is best to keep essential oils for adult personal use due to the fact that children, pets, and essential oils can be a very dangerous combination if used improperly. Children have much more sensitive skin than adults, and their physical size needs to be taken into consideration with application. Further, dogs, cats, horses and other animals have anatomy and physiology that may not be able to process the compounds in the essential oil constituents like humans do.

Diffuse In Well-Ventilated Areas

Essential oils are so powerful that they can quickly overwhelm a space and its inhabitants, and can potentially cause respiratory irritation. Ensure adequate ventilation is in place and that an exit exists for any pets that might be in the room.

When In Doubt, Dilute

Some essential oils can be used ‘neat’, as in without diluting with carrier oil. However, most oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil so they don’t cause skin irritation or sensitivity.

Avoid Photosensitizing Oils before UV Exposure

Certain oils can cause sensitivity to UV exposure, whether that is outside in the sun or inside in a tanning bed. It is recommended that 24 hours pass before exposing yourself to UV rays after using essential oils with photosensitizing properties.

Always Wash Your Hands after Using Essential Oils

Leftover essential oils on unwashed hands can come back to haunt you after use. Whether you rub your eyes, ears, or nose; or, if you pet your cat after use, you are unintentionally exposing them to an oil that could cause an adverse reaction.

Keep All Essential Oils Away From Flames

Essential oils are flammable. Do not store them or use them near gas ranges, burning candles, open fireplaces, cigarettes, or open flame of any sort.

Do Not Use Internally Unless Directed

Internal use of essential oils is generally discouraged unless using a product certified for ingestion and it is used under a professional’s supervision.

Essential oil contradictions vary between the multitudes of individual oils on the market. For example, bergamot must be used with great caution due to its propensity to cause sun sensitivity. Cinnamon must be carefully diluted in a small quantity due to its highly stimulating properties that can irritate and cause burning sensations on the skin. Generally, the following cautionary statements are shared by reputable essential oil suppliers.

Discontinue usage if experiencing headache, nausea or skin sensitivity after use. Keep out of reach of children. Dilute in a carrier oil before applying topically to minimize skin sensitivity. Consult your physician prior to use if pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care. Avoid contact with eyes. Test in an inconspicuous location before spraying on fabrics or surfaces.

Any statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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Essential Oils Guide