Overview-
When you are comfortable in your personal healing pod within the Ship’s Healing Bay, read through the unit and make notes. There are also a few videos to watch, articles to peruse, and a download at the bottom of the page.
Introduction:
We aim to work as safely as possible in aromatherapy. There are many viewpoints, however, about what is safe and what level of substance is safe. We seek to help the body heal and try to avoid doing any harm. Sometimes, people will have an unanticipated reaction. This is always upsetting. However, cautious practice, using low dosages of essential oils, and adhering to safety standards are always advised. Always seek medical help if in doubt!
As you know by now, do not use essential oils during pregnancy, breastfeeding, with babies or infants, or if you have epilepsy. Essential oils should not be used with pets- do not give them oils internally, nor put them on their fur, which they will lick. Even diffusion of essential oils may cause problems with some pets, so practice extreme caution. Essential oils like peppermint, camphor, eucalyptus and oregano should not be used with children under 10. Always look at the contraindications of each essential oil in the course before using. Certain essential oils like bergamot are very phototoxic, so do not use them if you go into the sun. Do not take essential oils internally, except for adults using a few drops of safe essential oils in cooking.
General Safety Tips:
Dilution: Essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application to minimize skin sensitivity and systemic toxicity.
Patch Testing: Conduct a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin, to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to a new oil.
Quality: Purchase oils from reputable sources to ensure purity and quality. Adulterated oils can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Consultation: If you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are considering using safer essential oils with children, consult your notes and Tisserand’s research on essential oils and safe dosages.
Common Sense– Nothing beats thinking issues through and applying what you have learned to new situations.
The following articles on essential oils and safety are diverse. If you are interested in more of this type of work, look on the internet, but try to get a balanced study that has been done with an open mind!
Safety | National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
What Does the Research Say About Essential Oils?
Essential Oils and Pre-pubescent breast growth in boys.
One safety issue you may be asked about as an aromatherapist is whether essential oils might be linked to pre-pubescent breast growth in two boys. You will find a write-up by Robert Tisserand on the subject in your Practical Potions Journal. However, looking at the literature around this old controversy is interesting. Newer literature decided the link between essential oils and breast growth in boys was nonsense.
Here is a link to an article by Robert Rogers. Please download and read it.
Medical Aromatherapy, Unique Oils, and Hydrosols in Clinical Practice
This might be a good time to brush up on the medical aromatherapy lesson, from introductory aromatherapy by reviewing a few videos.
How to Make A Simple First Aid Kit-
Robert Discusses Medical Aromatherapy-
You may wish to take notes for this section, as none are provided.
Robert Discusses Some Contraindications of Essential Oils
You may wish to take notes for this section, as none are provided.
A Brief Reminder About Working With Essential Oils-
1. Get to Know Your Oils: Start by building a solid foundation of knowledge about each essential oil you work with. Refer to your notes and this course as necessary. Understand each essential oil’s properties, benefits, and contraindications. It’s not just about knowing which oil smells lovely; it’s about understanding how it can impact health and well-being.
2. Dilution is Key: Always remember, less is more. Essential oils are potent and should be used with respect. Diluting them with water and alcohol for a spray or carrier oil before applying them to the skin is crucial to avoid skin irritation or sensitization. A good rule of thumb is a 0.5-2% dilution rate for adults, translating to about 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
3. Safety First: Follow Health Canada’s guidelines for the safe use of essential oils. This includes knowing which oils are phototoxic, which should not be used during pregnancy, and which are safe for children. Your responsibility is not just to create but to protect.
4. Documentation and Labelling: Accurate documentation and labelling are non-negotiable whether you make personal or sale products. Always write down your learnings. Keep records if an essential oil was problematic, especially effective, or if you needed less or more than the literature indicated. Include ingredients, batch numbers, and expiry dates. This ensures transparency and helps in case of any adverse reactions.
5. Continuous Learning: The field of aromatherapy is always evolving, with new research and techniques constantly emerging. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Join associations, attend workshops, and read journals to stay at the forefront of the industry.
6. Connect and Share: Keep in touch with your aromatherapy FaceBook group. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with peers can offer invaluable support. Plus, networking can open doors to opportunities you might not have found alone.
7. Embrace Your Unique Journey: Remember that your aromatherapy path is uniquely yours. Be patient with yourself, experiment, and allow your passion to guide you. Your combination of personal studies, talents, and opportunities will allow you to use your gifts the way the universe supports them. The world of essential oils is vast and aromatic, filled with endless possibilities for healing, creativity, and growth.
Please remember these guidelines and encouragements as you begin this aromatic adventure. Your journey is a blend of science, art, and intuition, much like the essential oils you’ll work with.
Check Your Practical Potions Journal for your downloads below.