Essential Oils for Beginners: Getting Started With Essential Oils

I have been interested in essential oils for some time. Especially as I have read a lot of positive things online about using essential oils for healing.

That said, using them felt overwhelming for me because I knew so little about them and I had read safety concerns. So I set out to learn more about essential oils for beginners and thought I’d share my findings with you.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts.

Chemical compounds are extracted from certain plants, capturing the plant’s scent and aroma (known as its essence).

This is typically done through distillation and I have read that oils obtained via chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

Once extracted from the plant, the essence is combined with a carrier oil.

Essential oils are used in the practice of aromatherapy for their healing properties and are either inhaled or diluted and applied topically.

Essential Oils Safety

Although considered a natural product, natural doesn’t always mean safe. It is worth learning about essential oils before using them to ensure you use them correctly and safely.

Essential oils are potent by nature and some even have the potential for toxicity if not diluted and used correctly.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, always consult with your doctor before using essential oils.

Below are some general points I have learned regarding the safety of essential oils. Though, I encourage you to do your own research about this too. 

• Generally, you should dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically.
• Always patch test a new oil to see how your skin reacts to it.
• Do not ingest essential oils.
• Diffuse essential oils only for short periods of time in a well-ventilated room.
• Some essential oils are toxic to animals so if you have pets, be sure to research which are safe to use around them. 

The Simplest Way to Incorporate Essential Oils Into Your Day

Personally, I decided that diffusing was the easiest and most straightforward way to use essential oils for beginners.

There are a few different types of essential oil diffusers on the market:

• Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers: these diffusers use a mixture of water and essential oils. Electronic frequencies are used to create vibrations that break down the essential oils into microparticles, that can then be dispersed in a fine mist.
• Evaporative essential oil diffusers: as the name suggests, these diffusers use a fan to evaporate essential oil into the air.
• Heat essential oil diffusers: heat the essential oils so that they evaporate into the air.
• Nebulizing essential oil diffusers: considered the best for aromatherapy, nebulizing diffusers are said to release the purest form of essential oils. They require no heat or water and nebulizing diffusers work by using pressurised air.

Considerations for Choosing An Essential Oils Diffuser

For me, there were a few considerations I had when it came to choosing an essential oils diffuser.

1. I Didn’t Want to use Water

Firstly, I did not want a diffuser that used water. The reason for this is because where there is water, there is the potential for mould.

As anyone with Lyme Disease will know, mould is not good for our health. 

Although this risk can be negated by regularly cleaning a diffuser, I knew I personally needed something low maintenance. 

2. I needed A Diffuser That is Easy To Clean

When you live with energy constraints, choosing something that is easy to look after and clean is a top priority.

I wanted a diffuser that would require minimal and easy cleaning.

3. No Plastic

For me, it was important to choose an essential oil diffuser that contained no plastic. 

Firstly, because I am trying to minimise my use of plastic for environmental reasons.

However, more importantly, plastic can release chemicals that are toxic to our health. I didn’t want to negate the benefit of using essential oils by also adding in concerns about the diffuser leeching toxic chemicals.

I Chose A Nebulizing Essential Oils Diffuser

In the end, I decided I wanted to use a nebulizing essential oils diffuser.

It seemed like the best option to get the purest form of essential oils. And, because nebulizing essential oil diffusers don’t use water, I didn’t have to worry about mould.

Organic Aromas Opulence Nebulizing Diffuser

I first learned about Organic Aromas through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Some of my blogging friends had reviewed the diffusers and I was impressed with what they had to say.

Organic Aromas produce pure essential oils and high-quality handmade diffusers.

I got in contact with Organic Aromas and I was kindly gifted their Opulence Nebulizing diffuser in grey marble.

I loved the look of this diffuser and knew it would look great in my home. It also fitted my needs perfectly.

If you are interested in purchasing a nebulizing diffuser for yourself, you can do so directly from the Organic Aromas website.

Why I Chose The Organic Aromas OPulence Nebulizing Diffuser

The opulence nebulizing diffuser is made from glass and marble (so no plastic) and doesn’t require any water. It is also straightforward to clean and use.

I simply add a few drops of essential oils to the diffuser and turn it on. I only need to let it run for a short time for my home to smell absolutely amazing!

The diffuser comes with a built-in timer. It runs for two minutes, switches off for one, then repeats.

After two hours the unit switches off. 

I feel like I am getting the full benefit from the essential oil when I am using this diffuser. I am really impressed.

Potential Negatives of Nebulizing Diffusers

I have read people say that the downside to nebulizing diffusers is that they use up essential oils quickly.

I don’t have anything to compare it to (since I haven’t used any other type of diffuser).

However, as I am such a sensitive person, I am finding that using the diffuser for a short period is enough for me. So I do not feel like I am burning my way through my oils.

I will say that– as the top of the diffuser is made from glass– my initial impression was that it does feel delicate. This worried me as Lyme Disease has made me super clumsy!

My diffuser is still in one piece though and it’s not actually been a concern in reality. It is good to know that I can purchase a replacement glass reservoir if it came to it, though!

Choosing Essential Oils to Use

The approach I have taken to using essential oils has been to simply choose a couple to start with. This means I am not having to learn about multiple different oils (their uses, safety concerns etc).

Rather, I have placed my focus on learning about a couple of oils and familiarised myself with their use. 

Essential oils recommended for beginners include:

• Lavender oil
• Lemon oil
• Frankincense 
• Peppermint oil
• Eucalyptus 
• Ginger
• Sweet orange

You can also purchase essential oil blends that contain a combination of oils. I may do this once I learn more about the individual oils (and Organic Aromas kindly sent me their signature blend).

The Essential Oils I Chose

I read about a few of the different essential oils for beginners and opted for Lavender and Frankincense to try first.

I have always been drawn to lavender for its calming properties. Frankincense is believed to have immune-enhancing properties, among other benefits, which interested me.

I knew that these two oils were safe for dogs, which was an important consideration of mine.

(I also use Lavender in my essential oils tick repellent).

Would I recommend Essential OIls?

I’ve really been enjoying using essential oils and love my diffuser from Organic Aromas. I’m using it daily and have been opting mostly for Lavender (it’s a definite favourite of mine!).

I know that my nervous system can be overactive and I think using lavender essential oil helps to calm and relax me, which is very helpful. 

I also feel that an essential oils diffuser is arguably a healthier way to fragrance my home compared to using scented candles or wax melts. It’s good to know my home is smelling lovely whilst benefitting my health at the same time.

As my nebulizing diffuser from Organic Aromas has been so simple to use, it has made incorporating essential oils into my daily routine easy. I would definitely recommend this diffuser.

That said, I don’t think I’d rely on essential oils as a sole treatment for any health condition or ailment. Personally, I think they can be great as supportive therapy (remember to get advice from a medical professional before using them).

I know that may ruffle a few feathers among the essential oils advocates so I want to stress this is just my opinion. 

I look forward to learning more about essential oils and experimenting with different oils.

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Do you use essential oils? Let me know your favourites and how they have helped you in the comments below.

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