Essential oils have been long recognized for their numerous health benefits, but if used incorrectly, they can pose a great risk to our life. Check out the major benefits of essential oils and common mistakes you should avoid. Most people have been making Mistake No.3!
In aromatherapy, essential oils have been widely used for their therapeutic effects. The scents extracted from plants can greatly reduce stress and anxiety. If you don't have time for a massage, a few drops of your essential oil on your neck or chest can do the trick just as well.
Along with the calming effects, essential oils also have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help you keep germ-free and virus-free.
Essential oils can keep you focused by stimulating the areas in the limbic system which control alertness and memory. You'll feel invigorated at work after inhaling some of your chosen oil.
Using essential oils with a diffuser is generally safe as long as you don't overdo it. Leaving the diffuser on for a long time may cause headaches, increased blood pressure, and allergic reactions. The recommended duration for each session is 30-60 minutes.
As highly concentrated plant extracts, essential oils may cause adverse reactions when they have direct contact with your skin. If you have sensitive skin, dilute them with carrier oils, such as olive oil and coconut oil.
Since essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and hence have no quality guidelines, you need to be extra selective with the brands you choose. You should go for the industry leaders to get safer and purer oils.
In case you don't know, some essential oils are photosensitive, which means they will have chemical reactions in the sun. If you apply them and expose your skin to sunlight, the chemical reactions can lead to redness, itchiness, or even burns, and blisters.
Beware if you have dogs or cats around your house because essential oils can be toxic to them. Remember to keep the oils and diffuser away from your pets, and be sure to keep your house well-ventilated.
If you store essential oils in light-colored bottles, they're likely to degrade over time because the sunlight they're exposed to can alter their composition. Use dark-colored glass bottles instead to protect the oils from deteriorating. Plus, glass isn't reactive, unlike steel, plastic, and many other materials.
Just because your essential oil has many therapeutic properties, it doesn't mean that you can use it as much as you'd like. Inhaling too much essential oil can lead to migraines, nausea, and even trigger asthma attacks.
When handling essential oil spills, many people may turn to water first. However, this barely does anything because the oil doesn't dissolve in water. You should reach for your carrier oils to dilute the residue.
Not every essential oil is suitable for children whose skin tends to be more sensitive than adults'. Pay extra attention to any age restrictions before using it on your kids.
Although essential oils are generally safe and natural, they're not for everyone. They might be harmful to those with asthma, sensitive skin, and respiratory problems. Think twice before you recommend them to your friends and family.
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