Aromatherapy - How, Why and What You Need to Know

Aromatherapy has been enjoying growing popularity for years as a natural method of supporting health and well-being. The use of essential oils to improve mood, reduce stress or alleviate symptoms of various ailments is becoming more and more appreciated both in the comfort of your home and in professional offices. But how to start an adventure with aromatherapy to use it safely and effectively?

Aromatherapy – what is it?

Aromatherapy is a practice using essential oils, or concentrated extracts from plants, flowers, tree bark, leaves, fruits, seeds, roots, rhizomes, needles, resins, fruit peels (citrus). These oils can be used in various ways: by inhalation, application to the skin, and in some cases also orally. Oral use, however, requires special caution and supervision by a qualified aromatherapist or physician, because some oils may be toxic or interact with medications. Aromatherapy is based on the assumption that natural aromatic compounds can help relieve stress, improve concentration, or support sleep.

How to start your adventure with aromatherapy?

1. Get the basics: Before you start using aromatherapy, it’s a good idea to learn the basics. Understanding how each oil works and how to use it is key to safety.
2. Choose the right oils: It is important to pay attention to the quality and origin of essential oils. The lack of global standards governing the term "pure oil" makes it crucial to choose products from reputable manufacturers with available certificates, such as:

• GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry): Analysis of the chemical composition of the oil to confirm its authenticity and purity.
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): Standards for certain types of oils.
• Organic Certifications: Confirmation that the oils come from organic farming that has not been treated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. These certifications, such as USDA Organic, ECOCERT, or the Soil Association, ensure that the production processes have been in line with rigorous environmental and sustainable farming standards.
• IFRA (International Fragrance Association) certificates: Guarantee that the product meets international safety standards.

Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® or CPTG® This is a mark introduced by DoTerra that defines their internal quality standard used exclusively for their brand products.

Safe use practices

1. Dilution: Before applying to the skin, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil (e.g. coconut, almond, argan) in the appropriate ratio, usually 1-2% for adults. For children and people with sensitive skin, an even greater dilution is recommended.
2. Patch Test: Before fully applying a new oil, test it on a small patch of skin to rule out any allergic reactions.
3. Storage: Store essential oils in a cool, dark place in tightly closed, dark glass bottles to maintain their durability and effectiveness.
4. Consult a professional: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic condition or are taking medications, consult your doctor before beginning aromatherapy.

Selection of essential oils

When purchasing essential oils, pay attention to the following aspects:

• Quality and purity: There are currently no global standards governing the term "pure oil", so it is crucial to choose products from reputable manufacturers with available certificates, e.g. GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), USDA Organic, ECOCERT.
• Origin: Country of origin information can be a sign of the quality of the oil. Some plants grow best in certain regions, which affects the quality of the oil extracted from them.
• Extraction Method: The highest quality oils are extracted through steam distillation or cold pressing. Avoid oils extracted using chemical solvents.

Aromatherapy – natural support for health and well-being

Aromatherapy is a unique method that combines nature with science, offering support for both body and mind. With the right selection of essential oils and their safe use, you can effectively improve your well-being, reduce stress or take care of the quality of sleep.

Remember, however, that the key to aromatherapy is gaining knowledge about the properties of oils and following the rules for their use. When starting your aromatherapy adventure, choose high-quality products from trusted manufacturers, read the information on the labels and consult professionals if in doubt.

Whether you use aromatherapy in the comfort of your home or with the help of a specialist, this natural method can become an invaluable support in your daily life. Use the power of scents to take care of your health and well-being in harmony with nature.

Your aromatherapy adventure is just beginning – enjoy its beauty and discover the benefits of this extraordinary form of therapy.

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