Essential Oils Basics

Are you new to essential oils? No worries! This page will help you navigate the vast world of essential oils and give you some basics to start with as a beginner.

Q: What if I have never used EO’s before, what should I know first?

A: The most important thing to know is that EO’s can be harmful if not used correctly. Always consult your physician before using any product as a medical treatment. Even if it claims to be natural, homeopathic, holistic, pure, or a treatment for an ailment, it still has the possibility of risk due to many factors such as allergic reaction or drug interaction. The information on this websites and the websites I feature here are for educational purposes only and I do not recommend certain products to treat any ailments or conditions without you first consulting your physician. I ask my doctors about the EO’s I use because I am on medications and don’t want to cause any interactions. It’s important take your heath care into your own hands. If you want to try EO’s, this is fantastic, but do yourself a favor and take some time to do the research from a lot of different reputable sites, testimonials, doctors, and research through sites such as the FDA. You will find warning letters there and facts about products that are important for you to know for the sake of your health and your wallet. Who wants to spend money on a product that may hurt you or not even be helpful at all?

Q: What oils should I start with as a beginner, if I haven’t used EO’s before?

A: Great question! Here are some EO’s that are good to start with and can be affordable depending on the company who produces it.

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, aka Lavandula officinalis)
  • Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) …
  • Lemon (Citrus limonum) …
  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita) …
  • Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) …
  • Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) …
  • Chamomile (Arthemis nobilis) …
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

The most important things in choosing essential oils are the plant name and the purity. All EO’s are not created equal and the EO’s you may find in your local drugstores or department stores, may not be pure at all.

First, look for the plant name. If you see the plant name, like above, next to the name of the EO, this is a sign that it has the pure oil.

Next, if you see the words PARFUM or FRAGRANCE, stay away. These are synthetic chemicals to enhance the oil which means they are not 100% pure.

Lastly, make sure you choose an EO in a dark glass bottle. Essential oil’s need to protected from light so if your EO is in a plastic or clear glass bottle, it is most likely not a pure EO.

On the topic of “therapeutic grade” EO’s. This term interesting because I have seen A LOT of EO’s claiming to be therapeutic grade and finding out later that this may be a selling tactic. The best way to choose an EO is to do your research. Look up the company that makes the oil, find any educational information and documented information through links on their website. Look for testimonials on their website, not through an outside seller link.

Q: Why are some EO’s all the same price, but then other’s aren’t?

A: That’s a great question and one I had too when researching EO’s. I found that oils are going to differ in price due to the process of getting the EO itself. An oil such as orange, may be much easier to product due to the fact it may more widely accessible or easier to obtain. An oil from a leaf plant for example, may require hundreds or thousands of pounds of the leaf to obtain one drop of essential oil, therefore making the product much more expensive, but also making the product purer.  If you’re buying EO’s that are all the same price, regardless of what kind they are, this should be a red flag. The oils I listed above can range in price from $10 (a lavender or peppermint) to $70 (frankincense).

You can find some great starter oils at affordable prices on the DoTerra website and through Plant Therapy. 

Just go to the above menu at the top of this webpage to SHOP and then to DoTerra Essential Oils or Plant Therapy essential Oils.

Q: Can I find FDA information on EO and aromatherapy products?

A: Yes! That is a fantastic way to educate yourself and know what to look for according to FDA standards. Check it out here https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/products/ucm127054.htm

Q: Can I just ask you a question directly?

A: Of course!! I love questions and love helping! Please email me Here.

 

 

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect the company or product I am reviewing. Disclaimer: Sweet Honeybee Health and it’s owners are not medical professionals. Content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. I research and write on numerous health topics and companies. Do not use the information you find on this site as medical advice. You are encouraged to seek the advice of a medical professional prior to trying any health remedy, no matter how safe or risk-free it may claim to be.