The importance of training

My very first experience with essential oils was, fortunately, a good one.  As I think back to that day, I realize just how lucky I was -- lucky because it was a diluted blend, lucky because, even though it was slathered all over my hands, I didn't have an allergic reaction to it, and lucky because it convinced me of the efficacy of essential oils.  

Being a retired teacher, my initial inclination was to start researching these amazing oils.  A few weeks later, I attended a class on essential oil safety presented locally by an RN Aromatherapist.  That class is the reason I learned early on to check for any warnings or contraindications when using essential oils - and to respect the potency of the oils.  

Fast forward four years, and I'm now a certified, and scholar's level, aromatherapist with well over 400 hours of formal training.  I know a lot about essential oils now - and yet, what I know is only a tiny fraction of the available information.  I will be studying these oils for the rest of my life - and I will still not have learned everything there is to learn about them.  It's the same for the herbs and the carrier oils, and now I'm delving into studying nutrition as well. 

Training is what keeps us informed of scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of the folkloric uses of herbs and studies that prove and/or discover new chemical therapeutic properties of essential oils.  This training allows aromatherapists and herbalists to more effectively create products for our families and for individual clients.  

Training allows the aromatherapist/herbalist to use essential oils/herbs that can be enjoyed safely and productively and that won't interfere with individual physical conditions or medications a person may have.

Training also brings us into a high level of awareness and understanding of safety factors within our craft. It keeps us from falling for gimmicks or false information promoted through advertisements - whether those ads come through social media or by word of mouth.  

If you are looking to add the use of essential oils and/or herbs in your life, I strongly recommend that initially you seek out a trained aromatherapist or herbalist.  Following that, it's important to begin your own path of study.