Tips for Newcomers to Using Essential Oils

Essential oils can seem complicated, but they don’t have to be. You also don’t need to be an essential oils expert to understand their benefits or use them effectively. We have a few tips for newcomers to using essential oils that should help you find your footing when you’re first starting out.

Use a Diffuser

Essential oils can be a bit of an investment, so you want to make sure you don’t waste them when you use them. Topical applications of essential oils work just fine, but if you want your oil to last a little longer, a simple diffuser can help out a lot. Whether you get a big one for your kitchen or a small, portable diffuser for your car, these devices spread the oils throughout the surrounding air, improving its scent and quality.

Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

We get essential oils by extracting them from different plant life. They can certainly last longer than some plants, but essential oils do have shelf lives that you should be aware of. Whether you buy them or make them yourself, always make sure you keep an eye on their expiration dates. If you’re ever unsure of an exact date, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when an essential oil goes bad by its smell.

Note the Oil Purity

A good tip for newcomers to using essential oils is to look out for the oil’s purity level. You might roll your eyes at places that boast 100% pure essential oils, but that level of purity actually does make a difference. If you want to spend money on essential oils, you want the purest stuff available. Some companies will try to cut their oils with cheaper carrier oils to make them more cost efficient. However, these carrier oils are rarely useful or beneficial in any way.

Beware of Potential Allergies

You may want to buy essential oils derived from sources you’ve never heard of before. This can be a fun way to discover a new scent you enjoy. However, be aware that some essential oils can trigger allergic reactions in some people. These reactions can be more serious because of how concentrated the oils are. It’s a good idea to test a tiny amount of the oil before you start to use a lot of it. Also, never ingest a new essential oil until you know how you’ll react to it and if it is, in fact, an edible oil.