Although extracted from plants, essential oils are natural products which, in large doses, can be dangerous.
In order to avoid taking unnecessary risks, we thought we'd write this short guide to the best practices to adopt if you want to inhale essential oils. So it's up to you to find the formula that suits you best and take full advantage of the benefits of nature!
Contents
What are essential oils?
Are you wondering what essential oils are? Perhaps you want to learn more about their benefits and dangers? Here we reveal the secret of plants and everything you need to know about their oils. So you can use them safely and with full knowledge of the facts.
What are their active ingredients?
Although they are not all composed of the same constituents, essential oils share some common characteristics. These include: esters, alcohol, terpenic acids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, ketones and lactones are the main components of these precious plant-based vials.
On closer inspection, most of these compounds have antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as analgesic, antispasmodic, emollient and relaxing properties. They are therefore perfect for coughs, ENT problems, blocked noses, etc., depending on the product chosen.
How are they extracted?
Essential oils are obtained by steam distillation or by cold expression of plants. These plants (organic or not) are mainly flowers, barks, leaves, roots and fruits (lavender, pine, thyme, eucalyptus, mint, etc.). In order to collect this precious liquid, the stages of this distillation are as follows:
- Maceration: the plant is wetted and left to macerate in water and salt for at least 12 hours before being distilled.
- Distillation : The macerated plant is then placed in a still and heated to a certain temperature.
- Condensation : At the end of the distillation process, the water and oil are separated by condensation.
The cold expression extraction method consists of cold pressing the plant to extract the essential oil. This method is mainly used for fruits and barks. It allows the full properties of the essential oil to be retained.
How to breathe essential oils?
You now know the active ingredients and the method of extraction of essential oils. However, the question remains: how to breathe essential oils effectively? For this, we offer you some practical advice that will allow you to take advantage of all their benefits during their diffusion.
The art of choosing a quality essential oil adapted to your needs
Choosing an essential oil can be complex. Indeed, it is important to check the quality of the products you buy. For this, you can refer to labels or certifications that guarantee the purity and quality of the oils. Once you are reassured about the origin, it is recommended to find out about the properties of each oil in order to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Indeed, each oil has its virtues, but also precautions to take in order to preserve your respiratory system during their diffusion. This is why it is important to know the methods of use of each essential oil. Finally, you can refer to reviews and testimonials to better understand the product in the form of inhalation or drops on the skin.
Not sure how to use them?
We advise you to start with inhalations only, and not to apply essential oils directly to the skin, especially for children and the elderly. In case of doubt, use only one drop per inhalation to avoid any form of discomfort.
For adults, we recommend that you do not exceed three inhalations per day, and that you systematically space out these inhalations so as not to create an addiction. Also, it is important to always check that the essential oil chosen is well adapted to your health and your needs.
If you are unsure, do not hesitate to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Furthermore, never use pure essential oils (whether organic or not), and always mix your essential oil with a vegetable oil such as olive oil. You should also be aware that too high a dosage of essential oils should panic your air quality sensorIt is therefore always a good idea to have it with you during your aromatherapy sessions.
With proper information and strict adherence to dosages and contraindications, you can use essential oils safely.
What is the right dosage for breathing in essential oils?
Do you want to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while using them responsibly and safely? Don't worry, we explain how to find the right dosage.
How to dose essential oils?
Essential oils (organic or not) must be diluted for application or inhalation. When inhaled, the dosage is much lower than when applied to the skin.
In general, it is recommended to dilute 2 to 5 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of vegetable oil for skin applications and 1 drop to 2 drops in 10 ml of vegetable oil for inhalations. In addition, it is important to check with your doctor whether essential oils are suitable for your skin type and health condition.
For inhalations, it is advised not to exceed a dosage of 2 drops of essential oil diluted in 10 ml of vegetable oil, and this, for pregnant or breast-feeding women and for people with a medical history (respiratory or not).
If you are on medication, consult your doctor before using essential oils.
Finally, don't forget that it is possible to enjoy the benefits of essential oils of lavender, pine, thyme, eucalyptus, mint, etc., without taking risks and by respecting the right dosage. Handled with care, they will be able to treat your ailments (ENT problems, blocked nose, stress, anxiety, cough, etc.).
What are the risks of misuse?
Have you decided to use essential oils for your well-being? This is a very good idea, but be careful not to overuse them!
Whether by skin or inhalation, their misuse can lead to serious consequences on your health. If you use them incorrectly, you risk :
- skin irritations,
- headaches,
- anxiety states,
- and even allergic attacks.
Pregnant women, allergy sufferers and children are more sensitive and should therefore be extra careful when using them. It is advisable to consult your doctor before using them, as some essential oils (such as eucalyptus) can interact with certain medicines and cause adverse effects.
It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage. Indeed, if you exceed the recommended amount, you may suffer from the same effects as those mentioned above. Finally, it is important to dilute essential oils with vegetable oils before applying them to the skin. This step is very important, as it helps to avoid skin irritation and burns.
In conclusion, it is important to respect the recommended dosage and to dilute essential oils with vegetable oils before applying them to the skin to avoid any risk to your health.