Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to relax yourself, whether through burning oils to accompany meditation, or using it them in a wonderful massage. However, we must be careful with using essential oils as the wrong amount or the wrong mixture can bring about some serious side effects.

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids used in aromatherapy that can be harmful if not used carefully. However, including aromatherapy and massage in your lifestyle shouldn't really cause undue paranoia or worry. The important thing to remember is to always treat essential oils as medicines. Follow the suggestions given below as well so you can be on your way to calmly and safely enjoying the numerous benefits that aromatherapy offers.

The safety guidelines that you are about to read are not a complete reference for the proper use of essential aromatherapy oils. Use common sense; when in doubt about the oils used on you, always consult a trained aromatherapy practitioner or a physician.

1. Essential oils are flammable. When lighting a burner to heat scented oils, do not leave the room unless the flame is put out. Always keep your burners at a safe distance from curtains, paper and alcoholic substances.

2. Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly on the skin. Some oils are exempted from this; however, only use undiluted oils if you have attained a significant education and sufficient experience with them. Lavender and tea tree oils are cited by a large number of aromatherapy practitioners as being oils that can be safely used undiluted however this should only be done very rarely as some individuals can be severely sensitive. So to be safe, the rule of thumb is to avoid use any undiluted essential oil.

3. Not all essential oils can be used for aromatherapy. Herbal oils from bitter almond, camphor, pennyroyal, onion, wintergreen, horseradish and sassafras are some that should only be used by specially qualified aromatherapy practitioners. Even most practitioners do not use them.

4. With oils, less IS More. Follow directions in home kits. Usually, the smallest amount of essential oils required will get the job done. If the label says use only a drop, for example, don't use more.

5. Children should never use essential oils without the presence of an adult who is knowledgeable about their use. Children are often attracted to essential oils because of their wonderful smells. Some oils smell like food (like vanilla) and citrus oils can smell like something safe to drink. Always keep essential oils away from the reach or children. Again, remember to treat these oils like medicines that are poison in ignorant hands.

6. If you are pregnant, or suspect you are, it is safer to avoid essential oils. Asthma sufferers, as well as epileptics, should not use essential oils. People with other health conditions, such as allergies, should also consult a physician because some essential oils can cause sensitization or severe allergic reactions. If you are using a new oil for first time, do a skin patch first on a small area of skin, like the inner arm. Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil (again, never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inner arm and apply a bandage on it. Wait 24 hours and check if there is any form of skin reaction. Even if a common essential oil is not known to cause skin irritation, this step should not be overlooked. An oil may not irritate you, but it may still irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that difference in mind.

7. Essential oils should not be swallowed or ingested. Essential oils should only be taken internally if you have received a detailed consultation and a prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner with the knowledge of your physician.