9 Tips For Aromatherapy Newbies

I remember when I first discovered aromatherapy several years ago.

I was fascinated by essential oils and excited to try using them. Looking back, I realize I should have done a bit more research before diving into aromatherapy.

I offer you the advice I wish I’d had when I was an aromatherapy novice.

Beginner Aromatherapy: What You Need To Know and How To Get Started

1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books

Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest. 

Here is my favorite aromatherapy and essential oil book for spiritual people who are just starting out:

2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums

 Facebook Groups, Instagram pages, and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others. 

3. Choose Five or Ten Essential Oils to Start

Though you may be tempted to buy more, try to begin with just five or ten different essential oils.

What oils should you start with?

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Frankincense

Essential oils can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.

4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils

When you buy essential oils, choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer.

Synthetic, fragrance and perfume oils are not essential oils; they contain man-made chemicals and have no aromatherapeutic value. (I get mine here.)

5. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil

For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil.

Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Buy cosmetic grade carrier oils, and use only a few drops of essential oil(s) per ounce of carrier oil.

6. Store Your Oils Properly

Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed.

Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light. Carrier oils will go rancid eventually, so it’s best to buy smaller quantities.

7. Learn How to Do a Patch Test

Essential oils can cause adverse reactions due to allergies or due to sensitization over time.

A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil. Learn how to perform a skin patch test on yourself with each new oil you want to use topically.

8. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets

Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets or while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cats, in particular, may be adversely affected by essential oils. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.

9. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils

Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this unless they are specifically marked as food-grade oils.

Some essential oils that are fairly safe to use topically may be quite toxic if taken internally. In addition, some essential oils may interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils.

There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!