Discovering Aromatherapy: Lesser-Known Facts about Essential Oils
Whether while soaking in a lavender infused bath or during a relaxing massage, you’ve probably felt the healing effects of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of scented oils derived from the leaves, bark, roots and seeds of plants. When taken internally, inhaled or applied to the skin, these oils can help people overcome a variety of health problems and reduce stress and anxiety. While you’re probably well aware of the great benefits aromatherapy can have, here are some lesser-known facts about essential oils.
Aromatherapy Needs to Be Practiced with Caution
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant ingredients that posses very powerful medicinal properties. So, just like with any pharmaceutical medication, you should always use essential oils at the recommended dose if taken internally. In fact, most essential oils need to be diluted to avoid a dangerous reaction, with the exception of tea tree, lavender, geranium and sandalwood oils. Similarly, when inhaled, essential oils should be properly diffused in the air using a genuine aromatherapy device such as the Doterra petal diffuser. On the other hand, when it comes to massage oils, there isn’t any limit to how much you can use.
Essential Oils Can Be Great Pest Repellents
Although bugs and other pests have their purpose out in nature, we do not want them intruding our homes. They can be extremely annoying but also major disease carriers which is why many people start spraying their homes at the sight of an ant. But in addition to having an unpleasant harsh odour, many pest repellents are harmful to children and people with respiratory issues and allergies. Luckily, essential oils can double as non-toxic pest repellents too. When spread into the air using a Doterra petal diffuser or another device, vetiver oil can act as a natural mosquito deterrent in the house. The same goes for lavender oil too which is effective in keeping a variety of bugs away. Diffusing tea tree oil around helps prevent the spread of parasites such as lice, ticks, fleas, or leeches.
How to Tell the Real Thing from a Cheap Knockoff
Essential oils can be expensive, I get it. But buying a cheap convenience store oil won’t do good for anybody. In order to harness the therapeutic properties of the oil it should be 100% pure and concentrated, otherwise, you might as well be using plain cooking oil. Luckily, there’s a test for purity you can perform at home. Just place one drop of the oil on a white piece of paper and let it dry. If there’s an oil ring left behind, the oil is a knockoff. However, there are certain exceptions. Sandalwood, patchouli and German chamomile are all known for leaving a slight mark behind, though it shouldn’t be greasy.
