Hazards in the buying and using of essential oils in aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is believed to help the body relax and de-stress. In fact, it is being used by companies to help their employees lower their stress levels. Some restaurants also use aromatherapy to create a soothing ambiance for their customers.

According to studies, aromatherapy can also relieve headaches and muscle pains. It is also very effective in ridding the body of psychosomatic pains, which are pains that often do not have any physical cause. Rather, it is believed that these pains are more mental and emotional than anything else.

Essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy, also have antiseptic properties and are said to be immune system stimulants. This means that they can help the body get rid of bacteria and fight sickness. They are also used on the skin for the treatment of skin problems and even cuts and burns.

But no matter how beneficial these essential oils are and aromatherapy in general, they can become hazardous when used and manufactured improperly. Remember that in everything care should be done in handling a material even if it is supposedly beneficial. Here are some potential problems that you may encounter when using essential oils in aromatherapy.

1. Some essential oils may come from toxic and poisonous plants, which are unknowingly used for extraction. So before you buy essential oils, make sure that they are made by a reputable company. Research on the brand and as much as possible, look for seals of its authenticity. Some manufacturers may not give you a pure blend. Instead, combining other plant sources with original sources.

2. Essential oils may be beneficial in small amounts but some may pose dangers when they are used in high concentrations. That is why it is important that people read the instructions that comes with the essential oil vial. If the instructions say that you need to use just one drop, then use just one drop. You should not use more because too much can become toxic.

3. Although aromatherapy is beneficial to health, doctors discouraged people taking medicines or with health problems like high blood pressure, asthma or epilepsy to use essential oils. Should you decide to use aromatherapy, make sure that you ask your physician first. That way, he or she can recommend other alternatives should it cause a problem with the essential oils vapors.