Using Essential Oils - Best Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is gaining popularity these days because it is safe, all natural and can help relax the mind and body, freshen and clean the home and even help heal minor scrapes and bruises. However, if you are new to the world of aromatherapy and using essential oils, you may not know where to start. How do you look for oils and how do you go about choosing which oils are right for you.

Education - The first step in knowing how to select quality essential oils is education. You need to know the basics of aromatherapy, which oils work for what, the right way to use them (and when not to use them) and how to go about using them safely. You can do well with a little research about essential oils. It will put you one step closer in finding the oils that are right for you.

Use - The next step in selecting quality essential oils is to know what you want to use them for. Not all oils do the same thing when it comes to aromatherapy. Some oils will help clear your nasal passages when you suffer from a common cold. Some oils will help you relax and sleep better at night and some oils will help invigorate you and keep you feeling energized. You certainly want to know what you need the oils for, so you must identify your needs before making a purchase.

Application - Another consideration when using essential oils is to know about the different ways of applying them. All oils (with the exception of tea tree oil and lavender) should only be used in a diluted form. However, there are three ways to use oils-through massage, by inhaling or by ingesting. Before you can choose the right oils, decide how you will apply the oils.

Methods - Application method is another consideration when choosing the right kinds of essential oils. As mentioned, you can apply oils through the skin, by inhalation or by ingestion, but among there are various methods as well. You can apply oils to your skin by massage, bath or other topical means. You can inhale essential oils by way of a diffuser, dry evaporation, steam and sprays. The way you choose to use these oils will help you determine which kinds to buy.

Storage - The way the bottles are sold will be another factor in determining if you are buying quality oils. Good quality essential oils will be a bit pricey and will be marked as 100 percent undiluted. In addition, a good oil will be stored in a thick glass bottle. Plastic bottles may turn the oils sour and then they will be useless to you. Make sure you are getting 100 percent essential oils and not oils that are diluted with water, alcohol or other carriers.

Price - Price may be a factor when you choose essential oils, however it is important to remember that price is not everything. Essential oils are not necessarily cheap and if you find a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. You will pay a fair price for a good quality essential oil.

Safety - Another factor to remember when using essential oils is that they should be handled in a safe manner. They are flammable, so be cautious when using them around heat source. In addition, if you are pregnant, nursing or prone to seizures, be cautious when using certain types of essential oils. Some of them could be quite dangerous. It is not recommended that pregnant women use peppermint or lavender.