Can Aromatherapy Ease the Pain of Fibromyalgia?

• If applying directly to the skin, be sure to use it with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. Some essential oils are very strong and can cause skin irritations or rashes when applied directly, like peppermint or citrus oil.
• Be sure to test a sampling of the carrier oil on the skin before using to ensure no allergic reactions. For example, someone who is allergic to nuts will likely react to almond oil.
• Use good quality essential oils from a trusted resource. Here is a tip: good oils don’t come cheap, but remember that a little goes a long way so that small bottle will likely last a long time.
• Be sure to store essential oils in a dark cool area. Direct sunlight can damage the integrity of the oil.
• Learn about essential oil recipes. Some oils work well on their own, especially when trying to reduce an acute symptom, for example using ginger oil to relieve nausea. However, many people find much more benefit from mixing the oils in a recipe that will target a number of symptoms. One common mixture is eucalyptus an lavender.