A Beginner's Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Recently, I was at a market, and I got chatting with one of the vendors next to me. She was new to oils, having been given a set and had no idea what to do with them. As we began chatting, I realized how many times I have had this conversation with others. So, if you’re new to essential oils and need a little help learning how to use them, read on.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of essential oils, their uses, and how to incorporate them into your daily routine for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Understanding Essential Oils:

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from various parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, bark, and seeds. This careful extraction process captures the very essence of botanicals, encapsulating their aromatic compounds and therapeutic properties in a small but mighty form.

The history of essential oils is as ancient as civilization itself. Across cultures and continents, these precious oils have been revered for their ability to enhance well-being on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and mental. The aromatic journey they offer is not just a sensory delight; it’s a profound exploration of nature’s healing power.

On a physical level, essential oils boast a myriad of health benefits. Their natural compounds, such as terpenes, aldehydes, esters and phenols, carry potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. From lavender’s soothing effects to eucalyptus’ respiratory support, each oil brings a unique set of therapeutic attributes.

The emotional impact of essential oils is equally profound. Aromatherapy, the practice of using scents to influence mood and psychological well-being, relies heavily on these aromatic extracts. Whether it’s the uplifting notes of citrus oils inspiring joy or the calming embrace of lavender-inducing relaxation, essential oils have the power to evoke a spectrum of emotions.

Moreover, the mental benefits of essential oils extend to cognitive function and stress management. Some oils, like peppermint and rosemary, are believed to enhance focus and mental clarity, while others, such as melissa and frankincense, are renowned for their calming effects on the mind.

Understanding essential oils opens the door to a holistic lifestyle, where the gifts of nature become allies in our quest for balance and vitality. These concentrated extracts, with their ancient roots and contemporary relevance, invite us to harness the power of plants in our pursuit of physical health, emotional harmony, and mental clarity.

Choosing Your Essential Oils

Embarking on the aromatic journey of essential oils is a delightful exploration of nature’s fragrant offerings, and as a beginner, it’s crucial to start with a thoughtful selection that aligns with your wellness goals.

Aromatherapy has the ability to positively influence emotional states, promoting relaxation, upliftment, and a sense of balance.

I suggest picking a few to begin with; one for relaxation- lavender, mood- bergamot, and energy- rosemary. Gradually expand your collection as you become more familiar with different scents and their effects.

Methods of Application

There are various ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils:

Diffusion

There are many types of diffusers that you can use, to create your desired atmosphere in your home.

Types of Diffusion:

Water diffuser:

I would suggest adding 4-5 drops per cup of water. Increase or decrease the oil to adjust to the desired strength of scent. A special note, water diffusers can be powerful. When diffusing, it should be a mild scent, not a “wall” of scent. I suggest diffusing for 30-60min. at a time.

Passive diffuser:

This includes porcelain, clay, and wood. I suggest adding 2-3 drops. A passive diffuser will work in a smaller area but is safer if you have pets, children, or the elderly.

Wax Melter

These are beautiful and fun. Simply add a few melts to your warmer and allow it to melt as the aroma disperses around your room.

Reed Diffusers

These require little effort and can be a great decorative addition to any room. You will need to find a diffuser base and mix it with your oils for this method to work.

Check out our beautiful, one of a kind reed diffusers: Vintage Glass Reed Diffuser with Essential Oils | B. DivineAroma (bdivinearoma.com)

Topical Application

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and apply them to your skin. This method is great for targeted relief and can be used in massage or as part of your skincare routine.

My favorite way to topically apply is with roller bottles. It’s a convenient, easy way to use, especially when you are on the go.

Explore our Roll-On options here: You searched for roll on | B. Divine Aromatherapy (bdivinearoma.com)

My recommendation, before applying oils to your skin, is to prioritize researching their safety information, and potential contraindications, and most importantly, take note of their dilution rates, as each oil requires a distinct dilution ratio.

Inhalation

Direct Inhalation from the Bottle

Simply uncapping a bottle of your preferred essential oil and taking a gentle inhale is one of the easiest and quickest ways to enjoy its effects. This direct method allows the aromatic molecules to interact with your olfactory system, swiftly influencing your mood and emotions. Whether seeking a moment of calm with lavender or a burst of energy with citrus oils, this approach conveniently offers immediate relief.

Just a note of warning. Direct inhalation of your oils from the bottle will lead to a shorter shelf life.

Sniffy Stick (Aromatherapy Inhaler)

This is my favorite! A portable and discreet option, the sniffy stick, or aromatherapy inhaler, is a small tube filled with an absorbent material infused with essential oils. Inhaling through the stick allows for controlled and concentrated exposure to the aromatic blend. This method is perfect for on-the-go relief, whether you’re navigating a stressful day or simply looking to center yourself with a favorite scent.

Learn about our wide variety of inhalers here:You searched for inhaler stick | B. Divine Aromatherapy (bdivinearoma.com)

Steam Inhalation

For a more immersive experience, steam inhalation involves adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, creating an aromatic steam. Positioning your face over the bowl and inhaling deeply allows the vapors to penetrate the respiratory system, offering quick relief for congestion, respiratory discomfort, or even for a rejuvenating experience.

The versatility of inhalation methods makes them accessible and effective for various purposes, from mood enhancement and stress relief to respiratory support. Incorporating these techniques into your routine allows you to tap into the incredible power of essential oils in a way that suits your lifestyle and preferences, providing a quick and enjoyable route to holistic well-being.

Safety Tips

While essential oils offer numerous benefits, it’s crucial to use them responsibly:

Dilution: Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin to prevent irritation.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test before applying any new oil to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Research: Some oils may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain medical conditions, so do your research before use.

Welcome to the world of essential oils and aromatherapy! As you explore the vast array of scents and benefits, remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Pay attention to how your body and mind respond to different oils, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Incorporating essential oils into your wellness routine can be a delightful and transformative experience, promoting balance and harmony in your life. Enjoy your aromatic journey!

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Which Diffuser Blend is right for you? Checkout our blends here: You searched for diffuser blend | B. Divine Aromatherapy (bdivinearoma.com)

Want to learn how to use a nasal inhaler? Head over to How to use an essential oil aromatherapy nasal inhaler. – YouTube

Click on this link to discover our selection of inhalers: You searched for inhaler stick | B. Divine Aromatherapy (bdivinearoma.com)