Safety Implications

Essential oils, when properly used, are a wonderfully safe and pleasing way of taking care of one's body, mind and spirit, either prophyllactically or rehabilitatively. Before one embarks upon self treatment, though, or offers advice to another, that person should know as much as possible about that oil. Aromatherapy An A - Z, by Patricia Davis, is a wonderful starting reference, as her goal is not to sell essential oils but to encourage the safe use of essential oils by as many people as possible. After re-reading Davis, read as many books as possible with an objective eye. There are different educational courses available for the study of aromatherapy, from home study courses to those given at adult education centers at local high schools, to non - credit courses given at community colleges. Before enrolling in a course, you should check it and the instructor(s) very carefully to make sure that they are familiar with the human body, in addition to the source material. Keep in mind that unless you have a current State issued license that permits you to touch or offer medical advice to someone else, the successful completion of such a course does not permit you to render treatment to another.

Once you have begun your study of aromatherapy, read as many books as possible as each author may have one minor additional bit of information which will be meaningful to you. After studying for a brief period of time, you may come to the same realization that we did concerning essential oils: while they are wonderful if used properly, if you don't know about a particular oil, don't expose it to your body, as it may cause a different result than expected.