For many years, aromatherapy has been my passion and one of the central pillars of my work. I find beauty in the way essential oils interact with our bodies and minds, and I have a deep respect for their traditional uses and holistic properties. However, as essential oils have become a mainstream sensation, the hype surrounding them has spiraled out of control. It’s reached a point where, more than once, I seriously considered walking away from teaching about aromatherapy altogether.
What pushed me to this brink was the overwhelming flood of misinformation, inflated claims, and even outright dangerous advice that has become so common. These days, anyone can buy a starter kit online, start selling essential oils through multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, and suddenly brand themselves as an “expert.” This trend has led to a troubling proliferation of disinformation around aromatherapy, often with little regard for the safety and integrity of the practice.
The Problem With Hype and Misinformation
It’s no secret that essential oils are popular right now—so popular that we’ve seen claims that essential oils can “cure” everything from anxiety to chronic illness, and even cancer. While essential oils certainly have their benefits, they are not miracle cures, nor are they a replacement for sound medical advice. As a trained aromatherapist, I know that every oil has its place and use, but this requires knowledge of proper dilution, safe applications, and awareness of possible side effects.
The rise of misinformation has also led to a culture of essential oil misuse. I’ve seen people ingest oils without proper guidance or apply undiluted oils directly to their skin, which can cause irritation, sensitization, or worse. Aromatherapy is a serious practice, with roots in ancient traditions, and treating it otherwise can lead to real harm.
My Frustration as an Educator
Seeing this trend unfold has been incredibly frustrating as a teacher. When I first began sharing my knowledge of essential oils, I was working within a community that respected the nuanced, evidence-based approach of true aromatherapy. Today, I often feel as if I’m working against a current of dubious claims and sensationalism. This disinformation makes it harder for me to convey the careful, responsible approach to essential oils that I believe in.
There have been times when I felt that my voice, advocating for balance and caution, was being drowned out by louder voices pushing hype. I wondered if continuing to teach aromatherapy was worth it—if people would still be willing to listen to a message of moderation when so much of the conversation was dominated by sensationalism.
Why I Decided to Keep Teaching
Despite these challenges, I ultimately decided to stay true to my path and keep teaching about aromatherapy. Why? Because I realized that stepping back would only allow this flood of misinformation to go unchallenged. If those of us who respect aromatherapy as a science and an art don’t speak up, then the field could lose credibility altogether.
By continuing to share my knowledge, I hope to provide a space for people who want to understand essential oils in a thoughtful, well-informed way. I want to help others learn the traditional, safe uses of oils, and to understand the many ways they can support well-being without making exaggerated promises.
A Call for Responsibility in Aromatherapy
So, here I am, recommitting to my work as an aromatherapist and educator. I encourage anyone interested in essential oils to seek out reliable sources, ask questions, and embrace aromatherapy as a complementary practice—not a cure-all. Let’s respect this powerful gift from nature, honor its true uses, and be mindful of the way we talk about it.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me, and for choosing to approach aromatherapy with an open mind and a desire to learn. Together, we can honor this beautiful tradition while navigating the challenges posed by modern trends and misinformation.
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