<ul><li>15 to 60 minutes is the ideal limit—never breathe in essential oils for more than one hour at a time.</li><li>Always follow the instructions on the bottle.</li><li>If you’re taking any medications or suffer from a chronic health condition, ask your doctor first.</li><li>Essential oils must be used correctly to yield health rewards.</li><li>A diffuser is the most effective way to disperse essential oils into the air. Use one or two drops of one oil at a time.</li></ul>If you stick within the safe time limit and open a window when you're done, you can practice aromatherapy every day.

How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy 

<ul><li>Lavender: for better sleep, reducing anxiety; assists with lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temp</li><li>Clary Sage: to reduce blood pressure, may help with memory and attention</li><li>Rosemary: to enhance brainpower; may boost energy and reduce fatigue</li><li>Cinnamon: to boost focus; increased concentration and reduces frustration</li><li>Lemon: to improve mood; ease anxiety and stress</li><li>Eucalyptus: to stop sniffling; promotes mental clarity, ease headaches</li></ul>

Essential Oil Essentials

The side effects depend on what oil you’re using & how you’re using it.<ul><li>Citrus-based oils (orange, lemon, & bergamot) are photo-sensitizers. You can get a sunburn easily.</li><li>Tea tree & eucalyptus are toxic to the nervous system and liver. Use care around animals, infants, the elderly, and pregnant women.</li><li>Mugwort, pennyroyal, & wormwood can cause contractions, so don’t use during pregnancy.</li><li>Be cautious if you have respiratory conditions or strong reactions or allergies to fragrances.</li><li>They do release off-gases. So limit your use.</li></ul>Safety testing shows very few risks when used as directed.

Potential Side Effects of Essential Oils

<ol><li>Anxiety. Use oils like orange and lavender to feel less anxious.</li><li>Headaches. Oils of peppermint and lavender provide pain relief when massaged into skin.</li><li>Better sleep. Lavender is helpful.</li><li>Inflammation. In a study, it was found that lavender, thyme, and oregano may be good.</li><li>Energy boost. Peppermint oil is very energizing!</li><li>Stomach issues. Lemon is particularly good for nausea and vomiting.</li></ol>

Potential Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils are absorbed by smell receptors (connected to the limbic system) which controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and stress.They carry the “essence” of the plant.Each plant’s essence has a different chemical composition that affects its smell, absorption, and effect.

How Aromatherapy Works

Follow these tips to make sure you purchase genuine products:<ul><li>Beware the aromatherapy label, often on diluted oils laced with synthetic fragrances.</li><li>Look for 100% pure and organic oils free of fillers, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals.</li><li>If a label says therapeutic grade or steam distilled, even better.</li><li>Most essential oils have long shelf lives—more than a year if stored in a cool, dry place. If the shop you're in is hot or humid, buy elsewhere.</li></ul>

Tips for Purchasing Essential Oils

Doctors explain how you can use essential oils like lavender, jasmine, lemon, peppermint and more to help you sleep, ease anxiety and nausea, and improve focus.