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Aromatherapy Quiz, Fun Facts & FAQ’s
by Dorota Lombardi,
Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Aromatherapist Healthcare Practitioner
April 2020
Should essential oils be swallowed?
No, they should not be swallowed at any time. The risk of overdose or other serious problems is not worth to take and is not recommended at all.
If you want to consume plants or herbs, this is our Naturopathic Doctor’s, Nutritionists or Homeopaths department at KIH. They will teach you the safe and effective way of using plants and herbs in your diet in it’s fullest structure.
Are essential oils a type of medicine?
No, they are not medicines. Essential oils should only be looked at and used as part of complimentary treatments and self-care either topically or via inhalation only to promote the sense of positive well being and provide stress or muscular relief. It can also be used in most cases in conjunction with other healthcare services at KIH to increase these positive effects.
If you need more help and guidance with the topic of ‘natural medicines’, please consult with our Naturopathic Doctors for safe and effective ways of how to use them in your health care. Consulting with our team of ND’s and our Homeopath can also be arranged to increase collaboration.
Why do I need to be careful when using essential oils?
Essential oils are very, very potent oils (especially the more pure they are) and already demand a stress on the body (which depends on the oils’ chemical constituents) to produce a specific therapeutic result when diluted safely. So using essential oils unwisely can stress the body’s system’s even more and in turn too much.
Consulting our Certified Aromatherapist Healthcare Practitioner at KIH is always the best to do for guidance on how to use essential oils more safely.
How do I use essential oils?
General Rule: First, measure and then dilute a safe blend of a pair of essential oils in a carrier oil. Then apply either topically on your skin (avoiding open wounds and mucous membranes) or via inhalation from a diffuser, spray, nasal inhaler or hot aromatherapy bath.
If you need guidance of how to dilute and use your essential oils more safely, please consult with our Certified Aromatherapist Healthcare Practitioner at KIH.
Can I go outside after applying an essential oil blend to my skin?
Only if you did not apply any photo-toxic essential oils to the skin.
Consulting our Certified Aromatherapist Healthcare Practitioner for guidance on how to use essential oils more safely.
Fun Quiz:
Which essential oil(s) are used for relaxation?
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Roman Chamomile
Answer: Lavender & Roman Chamomile are both essential oils that promote stress-relief and relaxation in different ways.
Which essential oil (from this list) can be used to relieve congestion?
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Rose Otto
Answer: Peppermint is helpful to use to relieve mucous congestions. To enhance a blend, you can use more essential oils that compliment the blend within safe dilutions and add into your diffuser or as a chest rub ointment.
Fun Facts:
Developing a nose for essential oils is like developing a nose for fine wine — it comes with great practice!
Summertime Aromatherapy Alert! The smell of citruses will always remind us of the summertime but certain citrus essential oils are photo-toxic. Photosensitivity can be a serious skin reaction. Instead, dilute some sweet orange essential oil into your diffuser to give you that uplifting morning and then contact KIH to book a treatment with our Certified Aromatherapist Healthcare Practitioner to ask for more guidance on summertime oil blends. Your CAHP will combine your request with the safety of your health history.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
Please let me know if you need help or have additional questions.