complementary medicine

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat medical conditions
to alleviate psychological ailments
for cosmetic purposes
and to reduce stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to enhance both your physical and mental state.

Essential oils are extracted from living plants and trees. When essential oils are used appropriately
most can be used at home safely
enjoyably
and with beneficial effects. Keep the following seven things in mind if you want to try aromatherapy at home.

(1) Most essential oils should never be applied directly without diluting them. Only lavender and tea tree oil are exceptions to this rule.

(2) Essential oils are flammable
so use extreme caution around flames and heat sources. If you use a burner to diffuse the oil
put water in the burner first. The essential oil will enter the air as the water evaporates.

(3) Essential oils are for external use only. On very rare occasions
a qualified aromatherapist may prescribe essential oils by mouth. Some essential oils can be very toxic if swallowed. Even essential oils that have a therapeutic effect when diluted in certain oral treatments (like mouthwash) should not be swallowed.

(4) Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children.

(5) If you want to use essential oils during pregnancy
on babies
or with young children
please seek the advice of a trained
qualified aromatherapist first.

(6) If you are using essential oils as part of homeopathic or herbal medicine treatment
get advice from homeopathic or herbal medicine practitioners as well as from an aromatherapist.

(7) Some medical conditions require a doctor's care
and not all medical conditions benefit from aromatherapy. Always check with your doctor first before undertaking aromatherapy for the treatment of any medical condition.

Following these seven principles for safe aromatherapy will help your experience with aromatherapy to be both enjoyable and beneficial.