Fun Facts About Essential Oil Users: The Essential Oil Safety Pop Quiz Results (Part 3)

So far we’ve looked at answers to the safety questions and injury report portions of The Essential Oil Safety Pop Quiz. Now it’s time to have some fun and see who is using essential oils and how they are using them!

As I mentioned in Part 1 of The Essential Oil Safety Pop Quiz results, I am not a statistician. Nothing scientific here. Just a reporting by regular (anonymous) people about their experience with essential oils.

1.

How long have you been using essential oils?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Less than one month	18	3.26%
1-6 months	51	9.24%
Less than 1 year	88	15.94%
1 year	89	16.12%
2 years	106	19.2%
3 years	50	9.06%
4 years	14	2.54%
5 years	23	4.17%
6-10 years	31	5.62%
11-19 years	36	6.52%
20+ years	44	7.97%
Missing Data	2	0.36%

Observation: 72.82% of respondents have been using essential oils for three years or less. This could mean a couple of different things (or a combination of things). Either there has been a huge new interest in essential oils in the past three years, or people lose interest in them after that period of time (or some combination of the two). Or it could just mean that mostly people newer to essential oils filled out the quiz. Interesting info any way you look at it.

2.

Have you ever hired an aromatherapist to help you decide which essential oils to use and how to use them?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Once	38	6.88%
Many times	51	9.24%
Not yet, but I'd like to	269	48.73%
I'd rather do things on my own	188	34.06%
Missing Data	6	1.09%

Nearly half of the respondents said that they have not hired an aromatherapist yet, but would like to. I would like to do a follow up survey on this question alone to find out what is holding people back from doing what they want to do. Is it availability, cost, trust, or something else?

3.

In which of the following ways have you used essential oils? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Diluted in a carrier, applied to skin	504	91.30%
Room diffuser	483	87.50%
Roller bottle	435	78.80%
Inhalation (pocket inhaler)	350	63.41%
Mixed into carrier in bath	333	60.33%
Room spray	331	59.96%
Lotion	325	58.88%
Salve	299	54.17%
Body butter	264	47.83%
Neat (undiluted), applied to skin	257	46.56%
Steam inhalation	257	46.56%
Linen spray	242	43.84%
Lip balm	240	43.48%
Car diffuser	191	34.60%
Body spray	190	34.42%
Jewelery diffuser	186	33.70%
A few drops in my water	126	22.83%
Capsules	69	12.50%
Suppositories	14	2.54%
Other	25	4.53%

I’m happy to see that inhalation is high on the list! I’m concerned that using oils neat was reported by almost half of the respondents. I’m hoping that many of these were a one-time thing or that this type of usage is minimal or has changed since reading previous Pop Quiz results.

3a.

If other, please list:

Cleaning solutions, laundry, cloth wipe spray.

Cough mix, eye serum

Creams, ointments, in my shampoo, condition and as a hair and scalp treatment. Deodorant, toothpaste, mouth rinse. * note: I've only used safe oils neat on my skin for burns (lavender) and 1 drop of peppermint for migraine

Homemade cleaners and disinfectants

In homemade soap

In many other skin and hair care products (scrubs, masks, deodorants, cleansers, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc), perfumes, sachets, dream pillows, potpourri, house cleansing products, and more.

Just want to say that I do not currently use oils neat on myself or my kids, but when I first started using oils I used eucalyptus globulus neat on myself and my kids a couple of times 🙁 Wish I had known better but so grateful to have found safety info shortly after making this mistake.

Perfume

4.

How often do you use essential oils?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Several times per day	71	12.86%
A few times per day	142	25.72%
Once daily	69	12.50%
A few times per week	197	35.69%
Once per week	15	2.72%
A few times per month	35	6.34%
Once per month	7	1.27%
Once every few months	3	0.54%
Rarely	10	1.81%
Missing Data	3	0.54%

I’m not sure which is more interesting: the fact that 51% of respondents use essential oils at least daily, or that nearly 50% don’t.

5.

What do you use essential oils for? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses
To uplift mood	379	68.66%
Headaches	362	65.58%
Sleep	361	65.40%
I just love the smell	314	56.88%
Anxiety	301	54.53%
Skin conditions	290	52.54%
General pain	279	50.54%
Allergies	218	39.49%
Focus	203	36.78%
Digestive issues	187	33.88%
Depression	157	28.44%
Arthritis pain*	141	25.54%
Other	98	17.75%

5a.

If other, please list:

Antibiotic/antibacterial/antifungal

Aphrodisiac

As a tick repellent

Bug spray

Cleaning and disinfecting, First aid

Colds, stress relief, to relax

Coughs/Colds/Respiratory issues (not allergy-related)

I make natural personal care and cleaning products in VERY low dilutions that I use instead of conventional products in my day-to-day life. I have blends on hand for things like bug bites, bug spray, cough, etc. I make and use other things as I need them. I use them for "all of the above", but not everyday and not consistently. I look to herbs, diet, and other self-care, too.

I use for various needs as needed. I'm not a daily user nor do I use just to be using them.

Immunity

In the lotion and body butter I use everyday.

Inflammation, nerve pain, sciatica, fibro.

Inhaler with grapefruit to help with food cravings

Lyme Disease

Make my own body butter and add oils . . . .also make my own soap and add oils

Muscle loosening (high tone due to cerebral palsy), plantar fasciitis

Nerve pain, sciatica pain. Have had 4 back surgeries so general pain does not cover it. Also to wake me up and kick my butt.

Peppermint for Toenail fungus Lavender for sunburn

Personal hygiene

Relaxation at night, air refresher

Skincare "not conditions", for cleaning, to freshen the air, relieve stress - not as extreme as "anxiety", and for natural personal fragrance

Support respiratory system and support immune system

Thieves daily to prevent illness. Once in the am only

To avoid insects.

To clear sinuses when have a cold

To disinfect and purify the air...germ control.

To massage people

To stop illness, or help cut colds & flu time.

To support many other medicinal uses, for spiritual uses, in natural perfumery, and in house cleaning.

Treatment and prevention of illness, wound care

I have to comment on the use of “Thieves daily to prevent illness. Once in the am only.” When I was buying my YL kit a couple of summers ago, that person showed me how she used a roller bottle to put Thieves on the feet of her children every day to prevent illness. Daily use of any oil can be risky as it can lead to eventual sensitization. Thieves in particular has its own cautions (hot oils for instance). I would not use Thieves on children and not daily for anyone. Essential oils should not be a replacement for sound nutrition and good hygiene practices. I give my son Vitamin D and elderberry syrup during cold and flu season to boost his immune system, but never once thought to use essential oils in this way. Essential oils will be much more effective during active illness if they are not used daily as prevention. Eat right, wash your hands, get ample rest, get some daily sunshine, and exercise. These are the things that will keep you well. Essential oils are not the answer to everything.

6.

Please indicate any method you have used to buy essential oils:

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Online retailer	437	79.17%
Health food or Vitamin/Supplement store	255	46.20%
Grocery store	49	8.88%
From a friend or individual that sells them (ie: for a company such as Young Living, dōTERRA, Simply Aroma, etc…)	144	26.09%
I am a distributor for an essential oil company (ie: Young Living, dōTERRA, Simply Aroma, etc…)	117	21.20%

6a.

Which online retailer(s) have you purchased from? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Amrita Aromatherapy	5	0.91%
Ananda Apothecary	12	2.17%
Appalachian Valley Natural Products	21	3.80%
Arlys	1	0.18%
Aroma Theraputix	1	0.18%
Aromaceuticals	4	0.72%
AromathreaChi	1	0.18%
Aromathyme	0	0.00%
Aromatics International	52	9.42%
Aura Cacia	72	13.04%
Barefut	27	4.89%
Bulk Apothecary	22	3.99%
Butterfly Express	0	0.00%
Eden Botanicals	20	3.62%
Edens Garden	42	7.61%
Enfeleurage	3	0.54%
Essential Oils Exchange	3	0.54%
Essential7	0	0.00%
Floracopeia	18	3.26%
From Nature With Love	1	0.18%
Gritman Essential Oils	11	1.99%
Heritage Oils	7	1.27%
Kelley Pure Essential Oils	0	0.00%
Liberty Natural Products	1	0.18%
Living Libations	1	0.18%
Lotus Garden Botanicals	3	0.54%
Loving Scents	0	0.00%
Lunaroma	1	0.18%
Mountain Rose Herbs	52	9.42%
Native American Nutritionals	24	4.35%
Nature's Gift Aromatherapy	50	9.06%
New Directions Aromatics	11	1.99%
NOW Foods	48	8.70%
Organic Infusions, Inc.	1	0.18%
Original Swiss Aromatics	4	0.72%
Piping Rock	9	1.63%
Plant Therapy	134	24.28%
Pompeii Organics	7	1.27%
Prima Fleur	2	0.36%
Samara Botane	2	0.36%
Snow Lotus	1	0.18%
Spark Naturals	5	0.91%
Stillpoint Aromatics	34	6.16%
SunRose Aromatics	3	0.54%
The Apothecary Shop	6	1.09%
The Essential Oil Company	6	1.09%
Tisserand Aromatherapy	12	2.17%
White Lotus Aromatics	4	0.72%
Wingsets	3	0.54%
Wyndmere Naturals Aromatherapy	7	1.27%
Other	47	8.51%

6a1.

If other, please list:

Alchemology
Aliksir
Amazon
Apothecary Shoppe
aromata.lt
Aroma-Zone
Ashbury's Aromatherpy
Be Young
Birch Hill
Camden Grey
Cheryl's Herbs
Crafter's Choice
Essential Depot
Essential Therapeutics
Florihana
Fragrant Earth
Groupon (NOW brand oils)
Ki Aroma
Kis
Majestic Mountain Sage
Nascent Naturals
Nature's Apothecary
NYR Organic
Oshadi
Penny Price
Phytosun
Rae Dunphy Aromatics
Rocky Mountain Oils
Scentsable Health
SEOC
Simplers
The Perfumery
Tropical Traditions (Florihana)
Victorie, Inc.

6b.

Which multi-level-marketing (MLM) companies have you purchased from? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses	% of people who have bought from an MLM
Am‚éo	0	0.00%	0.00%
Be Young Total Health	26	4.71%	25.00%
dōTERRA	27	4.89%	25.96%
goDésana	0	0.00%	0.00%
Neal Yard Organics	2	0.36%	1.92%
Simply Aroma	2	0.36%	1.92%
Young Living	42	7.61%	40.38%
Other	5	0.91%	4.81%

6c.

Which multi-level-marketing (MLM) companies have you sold essential oils for? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses	% of people who have sold for an MLM
Am‚éo	0	0.00%	0.00%
Be Young Total Health	0	0.00%	0.00%
dōTERRA	20	3.62%	37.04%
goDésana	0	0.00%	0.00%
Neal Yard Organics	0	0.00%	0.00%
Simply Aroma	3	0.54%	5.56%
Young Living	24	4.35%	44.44%
Other	7	1.27%	12.96%

7.

What type of essential oil education have you completed?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
I have received training from friends and family that use essential oils.	497	90.04%
I belong to Facebook groups where I can ask questions about essential oils.	416	75.36%
I've read blogs that teach me about aromatherapy.	282	51.09%
I've taken Aromahead's Free Introduction to Essential Oils Class.	209	37.86%
Google is my teacher.	170	30.80%
I've attended webinars by Aromahead	146	26.45%
I have received training from the company that I buy oils from.	101	18.30%
I am a Certified Aromatherapist.	59	10.69%
I've attended webinars by Jade Shutes	56	10.14%
I have received training from the company that I sell oils for.	49	8.88%
Other	153	27.72%

7a.

If other, please list:

Two classes with American College of Healthcare Sciences

About 15 books from Robert Tisserand, Joy Vowles, Andrea Butje, Valerie Ann Worwood, Kurt Schnaubelt, and Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele. A number of webinars and anything I can find.

ACP student at Aromahead

Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

Books! (Mentioned by MANY people!)

Certification course with Jade Shutes

Class by an aromatherapist and personal communication with an aromatherapist

Class during massage therapy school.

Currently enrolled in Aromahead for certification.

Currently reading several books recommended by aromatherapists (not YL or DT)

Currently taking certification training

Direct conversations with seasoned aromatherapists who follow safe-use principals. Papers and resources from Atlantic Institute, Vintage Remedies, and Stillpoint Studies

Earning a Certificate in Aromatherapy

Essential oil books as well as webinars

Free podcasts and webinars from Aromatic Wisdom Institute, Aromahead, David Crow at Floracopeia, The Barefoot Dragonfly. And I follow Dr. Pappas, Robert Tisserand and Mark Webb to learn facts that blogs don't teach!!

Gritman online classes and other online classes, various books.

Heart of Herbs - Advanced Herbs & Aromatherapy for Women 20 years of reading 🙂

I am a student of Heart of Herbs school with Demetria Clark

I am attending classes through American College of Healthcare Sciences.

I am being trained by the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy

I am currently enrolled in a NAHA approved animal aromatherapy course.

I am in a certification program.

I am still learning and only use essential oils very basically.

I am taking a certified Aromatherapy course through Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc. Ontario, Canada.

I attend ACHS

I completed Aromahead's Scholar's Program and have attended multiple in-person seminars with other educators in the field.

I have attended seminars given by certified aromatherapists

I have books by Robert Tisserand, Joy Vowels, Kurt Schnaubelt, Andrea Butje and about 15 more books. Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, Valerie Ann Worwood, ect... I do plan on taking more classes and enrolling in an accredited aromatherapy course.

I have learned from many of the other pioneers.

I have read numerous books on the subject. Some authors include Julia Lawless, Valerie Worwood, Kurt Schnaubelt, Robert Tisserand, Chrissie Wildwood, Denise Tiran, E. Joy Bowles, and Shirley Price.

I have taken a couple of classes at American College of Healthcare Sciences to complete my studies for diploma in Holistic Health Practice.

I have the book "the complete aromatherapy and essential oils handbook for everyday wellness" and I have looked at Robert Tisserands book. I also have begun to research individual oils online to learn on my own about each oil but I always compare what I find to these two books.

I look stuff up in Essential Oil Safety (2nd edition). It was my "beginner" book when I started using Essential Oils last year.

I took an Aromatherapy class as part of my Massage Therapist training, also attended a workshop held by the teacher of that class at a public forum. Read several books, asked questions of professional.

I'm not sure if reading the suggested uses from Plant Therapy counts as "training", but they have info about dilution and blending with each oil they sell.

In my herbal studies through Sage Mountain.

In process of doing Aromahead Natural Living and Butters and Balms courses.

I've studied aromatherapy independently for about 27 years from various reputable resources.

Jane Buckle course

Jane Buckle's clinical aromatherapist certification -- completed Floracopeia's home study courses 1 & 2 -- in process

Lots of books, including none affiliated aromatherapy books

Lots of self studying with books by reputable professionals, talking directly with aromatherapist.

Massage school curiculum

Mini class from vintage and Jessie Hawkins. Completed the 101 from west coast and will be starting the 201 at the end of this month.

NAHA conference, Tisserand Skin Series

Oils class taught by a naturopathic dr.

Part of curriculum at Reflexology school I attended

Purchased Robert Tisserands EO Safety and Several (Hundred?) essential oil books

R. Tisserand's skin series

Robert Tisserand's Essential Oil Safety A Guide for Health Care Professionals and The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon, Lora Cantele

self-study for 19 +/- years, including in person courses with Jeanne Rose

Sister-in-law is Aromatherapist

Studying for my certification

Training in the "Hogeschool voor Natuurlijke Gezondheid".

Working on my certification at Aromahead Institute. Near completion.

8.

Please indicate the year in which you were born:

	# of Responses	% of Responses
10-20 years old	4	0.72%
21-30 years old	65	11.78%
31-40 years old	197	35.69%
41-50 years old	145	26.27%
51-60 years old	89	16.12%
61-70 years old	39	7.07%
71+ years old	6	1.09%
Missing Data	7	1.27%

9.

What is your gender?

Mostly Female…

10.

How many children under the age of 18 do you have living in your home?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
0	206	37.32%
1	118	21.38%
2	139	25.18%
3	54	9.78%
4	11	1.99%
5 or more		1.27%
Missing Data	17	3.08%

10a.

What ages of children do you have living with you in your home?

	# of Responses	% of Responses	% of people who have children under the age of 18 living in their home
Ages 0-6 months	10	1.81%	3.68%
Ages 7 months to 11 months	4	0.72%	1.47%
Ages 1-2	45	8.15%	16.54%
Ages 3-5	68	12.32%	25.00%
Ages 6-9	60	10.87%	22.06%
Ages 10-12	38	6.88%	13.97%
Ages 13-15	22	3.99%	8.09%
Ages 15-18	25	4.53%	9.19%

11.

How many bottles of single essential oils do you currently own? Take your best guess…

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Less than 5	20	3.62%
6-10	58	10.51%
11-20	113	20.47%
21-30	89	16.12%
31-40	52	9.42%
41-50	60	10.87%
51-60	27	4.89%
61-70	24	4.35%
71-80	20	3.62%
81-90	10	1.81%
91-100	8	1.45%
101-125	13	2.36%
126-150	9	1.63%
151-175	8	1.45%
176-200	7	1.27%
201-250	4	0.72%
250-300	2	0.36%
300+	5	0.91%
Missing Data	23	4.17%

I was surprised that only 35.69% of the respondents owned 41 or more bottles of single essential oils. No matter how many one has, I’m sure we all wish we had more than we do.

12.

How many bottles of essential oil blends do you currently own? Take your best guess…

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Less than 5	181	32.79%
6-10	164	29.71%
11-20	106	19.20%
21-30	35	6.34%
31-40	16	2.90%
41-50	12	2.17%
51-60	7	1.27%
61-70	1	0.18%
71-80	1	0.18%
81-90	0	0.00%
91-100	3	0.54%
101-125	0	0.00%
126-150	1	0.18%
151-175	0	0.00%
176-200	0	0.00%
201-250	0	0.00%
250-300	0	0.00%
300+	1	0.18%
Missing Data	24	4.35%

I love that so many people are buying single oils over blends. This means that you are thinking and using intention when deciding which oils to use for their intended purpose.

13.

How do you store your essential oils? (Please check all that apply)

	# of Responses	% of Responses
In dark glass bottles	462	83.70%
Tightly-sealed bottles	401	72.64%
With cap labels	298	53.99%
In a box	235	42.57%
In a cabinet	193	34.96%
Alphabetized	171	30.98%
In the refrigerator where I store my food	92	16.67%
In a drawer	88	15.94%
In a refrigerator just for aromatherapy	78	14.13%
Sorted by company	28	5.07%
Sorted by chemical family	19	3.44%
All over the place, I don't have them organized	19	3.44%
On a shelf on my wall where sun can shine directly on it	11	1.99%
Sorted by plant part	9	1.63%
In a box under my bed	6	1.09%
Other	45	8.15%

Essential oils oxidize more quickly with exposure to light, heat, and exposure to air. Whenever possible, essential oils should be stored in air-tight containers (the smallest bottle possible for the amount you have), and in a cool dry place. I keep all of my essential oils and hydrosols in a refrigerator designated just for this purpose.

13a.

If other, please list:

Three carrier bags, alphabetized, and then in the fridge.

By kid-safe oils, then by general plant groups (pines, citrus, resins, etc.)

I'd love to have a small fridge devoted to my essential oils/carrier oils/hydrosols in the near future.

I keep them in my cool, dark basement

I make blends for two large wholesale clients. My oils are organized in small tubs according to which ones go together in different blends. All other oils are in carrying cases. EVERY oil, case, and tub is in a full-size refrigerator reserved for blending supplies and oils.

I try to store citrus blends in the refrigerator and others that fit. The rest are in the coolest part of the basement. Which is underground.

If not in fridge, wooden box, or bathroom drawer, they are in my closet.

in a case from plant therapy made specifically for storing EOs

In a cool (but not refrigerated) and dark area.

In a plant therapy carry case for more used ones

In a zip case for essential oils

In an old cosmetics train case and then stored in my closet

In dark closet

In inhalers carried in a zippered pouch in my purse

In the box they came in from ACHS.edu

Mostly On a Shelf in the cases in Latin name order

On a bookshelf in my soaping room, out of the reach of my grandchildren.

On a shelf by the diffuser

Other... lol

Padded essential oil carrying cases

Plant Therapy carrying cases

Sorted by child safe and other

Stored in plastic container

14.

What are your top three favorite single essential oils?

	# of Responses	% of Responses
Lavender	329	59.60%
Frankincense	141	25.54%
Peppermint	133	24.09%
Sweet Orange	93	16.85%
Tea Tree	71	12.86%
Lemon	70	12.68%
Helichrysum	49	8.88%
Cedarwood	46	8.33%
Bergamot	45	8.15%
Patchouli	33	5.98%
Vetiver	31	5.62%
Grapefruit	24	4.35%
Neroli	24	4.35%
Rosemary	22	3.99%
Eucalyptus	21	3.80%
Lemongrass	21	3.80%
Ylang Ylang	19	3.44%
Sandalwood	17	3.08%
Lime	15	2.72%
Geranium	14	2.54%
Jasmine	14	2.54%
Rose	14	2.54%
Clary Sage	13	2.36%
Roman Chamomile	13	2.36%
Spearmint	13	2.36%
Clove	8	1.45%
Copaiba	8	1.45%
German Chamomile	8	1.45%
Black Pepper	6	1.09%
Chamomile	6	1.09%
Fragonia	6	1.09%
May Chang	6	1.09%
Cypress	5	0.91%
Ginger	5	0.91%
Mandarin	5	0.91%
Oregano	5	0.91%
Blue Tansy	4	0.72%
Cinnamon	4	0.72%
Ho Wood	4	0.72%
Pink Grapefruit	4	0.72%
Plai	4	0.72%
Tangerine	4	0.72%
Wintergreen	4	0.72%
Yuzu	4	0.72%
Cape Chamomile	3	0.54%
Manuka	3	0.54%
Marjoram	3	0.54%
Melissa	3	0.54%
Myrrh	3	0.54%
Palmarosa	3	0.54%
Black Spruce	2	0.36%
Blood Orange	2	0.36%
Carrot Seed	2	0.36%
Cistus	2	0.36%
Coffee	2	0.36%
Elemi	2	0.36%
Fir Needle	2	0.36%
Juniper Berry	2	0.36%
Kunzea	2	0.36%
Niaouli	2	0.36%
Petitgrain	2	0.36%
Rosewood	2	0.36%
Spike Lavender	2	0.36%
Spikenard	2	0.36%
Vanilla	2	0.36%
Abies Siberica	1	0.18%
Agar-Wood	1	0.18%
Anise Myrtle	1	0.18%
Arborvitae	1	0.18%
Balsam Fir	1	0.18%
Balsam Poplar	1	0.18%
Basil	1	0.18%
Bay Laurel	1	0.18%
Boronia	1	0.18%
Cajeput	1	0.18%
Camphor	1	0.18%
Cardamom	1	0.18%
Cassia	1	0.18%
Clementine	1	0.18%
Honey Myrtle	1	0.18%
Katafray	1	0.18%
Kunzea	1	0.18%
Kuromoji	1	0.18%
Laurel Leaf	1	0.18%
Lemon Myrtle	1	0.18%
Linaloe Berry	1	0.18%
Michelia alba	1	0.18%
Osmanthus	1	0.18%
Owyhee	1	0.18%
Palo Santo	1	0.18%
Ravensara	1	0.18%
Ravintsara	1	0.18%
Rhododendron	1	0.18%
Rosalina	1	0.18%
Sage	1	0.18%
Saro	1	0.18%
Savory	1	0.18%
Siberian Fir	1	0.18%
Sweet Birch	1	0.18%
Valerian	1	0.18%
White Ginger Lily	1	0.18%
Yarrow	1	0.18%
Zanthoxylum Armatum	1	0.18%

I always love this question. It’s a fun way to see what everyone is using. It’s no surprise that lavender, frankincense and peppermint are the top three.

15.

Additional Comments (optional):

Great quiz! Thanks!

Great quiz, Emily! A few notes on the questions. For injury question #2 (the 'has your child ever been injured' one), I answered no, but I don't have kids. I have used essential oils on other kids before though. For usage #2 I answered 'I'd rather do my own thing'. But if I wasn't an aromatherapist I would hire one! For usage #3, I have very occasionally used essential oils neat and in capsules and suppositories when warranted (but I have some training in aromatic medicine), so not in the hazardous way of many MLMs. Usage #12: I selected less than 5 essential oil blends. I assumed you meant pre-made blends from companies, which I hardly ever buy. I always make my own blends, so if you meant bottles of blends I've made myself (instead of what I initially assumed), I currently have maybe 20-30 vials of blends that I made up. This number changes all the time though. I can't wait to see the results!

I am a massage therapist and use them for massage. I make my own blends and lotions.

I am a massage therapist. Been taking Continuing Education classes to learn more. Especially since I have family & clients pushing DoTerra & YL oils now... So scary!

I am interested in becoming a registered aromatherapist. It is in my plans to start this process within the next year but have to do more research on how to obtain this goal.

I am just venturing into essential oils and this quiz made me realize I have a lot to learn. I get confused with all the books and literature out there as to what the best references are.

I barely know what any of the terms in this quiz are.

I belong to Doterra but I don't sell any oils because I'm not happy with my level of knowledge about EOs.

I do try to educate myself about how to use EO safely, with facebook groups such as the one Plant Therapy hosts.

I first started out with doterra (no longer with them) which was giving soooooooo much wrong Info on using oils! So thankful for the safe Facebook groups and Aromahead which has taught me so much about using oils safely.

I got into aromatherapy 20 years ago and only relied on a few books for info. I now find it very difficult to sort through the numerous brands, different quality levels, different recommendations and politics of the current industry.

I have made mistakes early, and am trying to educate myself the best i can and providing this information to those I work with and advise to talk with a qualified professional for anyone taking medications or with questions I can't answer.

I have never trained but have read books. Thought I would see if I had any or no knowledge

I have returned all of the oils purchased through Eden's Garden. The oils from Ananda and Barefut are my cleaning oils.

I have used oils in unsafe ways. I have learned that I shouldn't use them that way and stopped.

I joined an MLM but I do not sell oils to other people.

I just took the quiz to know how many of what i read in the group (in which i asked to know how many drops were ok in my wash) had stayed with me since there's a lot of discussion there and consider fun to read and get some of that essential oil knowledge for when i actually want to get into this stuff

I love EOs

I love learning about essential oils, their therapeutic properties, some chemistry, making blends, making skin care with some essential oils and household cleaning products. Thanks for this quiz! Self-taught folks like me need something to show how lacking we are!

I love my oils. I wish I had research more in the beginning instead of trusting the person who signed me up to teach me. Made some mistakes like ingesting in water and now I have acid reflux bad or using oils neat when I should have diluted.

I love safe aromatherapy!

I really haven't learned yet about max dermal limits or use in pregnancy so I guessed- EO's are new to me so I am trying to learn...!

I really love natural health and aromatherapy really speaks to me. Wish to learn all I can.

I should have looked at my cheat sheets for dilutions and will definitely look into your free class.

I started out with doterra and was taught so many wrong things about using oils. So thankful for sites that teach about correct ways to use.

I started out with doterra and was told so much wrong info about oils. So thankful I did research on my own and for all the groups and sites that give the right info.

I started using Young Living through my sister in law. I was added to groups and encouraged to buy the EOPR. It took me months to weed through it all and realize "negative" posts were being deleted, and to see red flags. I was given unsafe information and am still angry. Luckily, I found safety groups, but I think I'm the exception rather than the rule. Honestly, I don't believe oils should be sold in an mlm structure. I have a lot to learn, but I always dilute and never ingest now. And I use a lot more sparingly, but effectively.

I store my oils in a windowless room in my basement.

I tried to be safe when I first started a year ago, and didn't start with an MLM. I didn't ingest, but I did rarely apply lavender neat. After 6 months I did even more research and discovered I wasn't as safe as I could or should be. I've been trying to learn to be safer and I don't really have much memorized so I always check before using my oils. I've found a couple books and some places online that (for now) I trust to get information from.

I would love to actually learn from a reputable source with the goal of a career (not mlm sales).

I would love to see the results of this quiz!

I would love to take some aromatherapy classes, however I can't afford them.

I would really love to learn more about EOs and using them safely! Although I've come across people who prefer using herbs because EOs are so powerful and not the most sustainable products (due to how much plant material it takes to produce them), and the herbs are just as effective. I'm inclined to agree with those people, and would prefer to use EOs only when I feel the need for something stronger.

I'm currently pursuing my aromatherapy cert, not certified yet.

I am sensitized to many oils so need to stop use.

I'd love to know more about mixing Ratios A list of what each oil can help with

I'm new, plan on getting some books, maybe even taking some classes.

Lavender gives me a headache; I wish there were more alternatives listed for it.

LOVE THEM ALL

Love this quiz. Good work!

More access to EO safety info is greatly needed. It took me far too many months to find good safe usage information. All EO companies should be required to provide basic safety information!

One option should be I am certified and make my own, and sell and consult

Question 7 in the third section I did not answer well as there wasn't the right option for me. I am currently enrolled in college, learning about alternative medicine including aromatherapy.

Some of this got way too nosy.

Started growing and using herbs 35+ years ago. Read a book about incorporating essential oils into my organic herb crafts and, not knowing about eo's, I dismissed them as just a scent. Read more and started searching far and wide to find these "more than just a scent" products. Still enjoy using them and teaching my students the benefits of aromatherapy.

Still in the learning process and enjoying every minute of it!

Still learning..... constantly on websites, books and online groups.

Thank you for this quiz. I can see that I need to do even more research.

Thanks !

Thanks for offering this quiz! I am renovating office space so I can have a dedicated EO / herb kitchen with fridge for EOs. I use EOs for massage therapy as well as self care.

Thanks for the opportunity to complete this quiz!

Thanks for this quiz. I hope it helps people understand the importance of essential oil safety. I do feel that this quiz was not 100% representational of my knowledge. I followed your instructions and did not look anything up, but in my everyday life I understand that I do not know everything and am constantly looking up information. Some of the oils you used in your quiz I was unfamiliar with. In real life when I am unfamiliar with an oil will look it up in EOS v2. I also did not feel represented in question 7. I am currently going through my aromatherapy training, but am not yet an aromatherapist. There was no option for that. Thanks again and good luck with your project!

THANKS!

This is a great quiz!

This was fun. Having to give only three favorite oils is almost like picking a favorite child when you have 60 children - impossible

Under essential oil training received, I might include that I've been building my essential oil library to include books like Tisserand's "Essential Oil Safety", Purchon's "The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness", etc.

Use Tisserand's and purchon / cantele books want to take Aromahead intro class

Waiting to see how much I don't know!!

Would love to learn more about the use and formulas for essential oils.

WOW I did not know a lot of these questions

Thanks again to everyone who participated in The Essential Oil Safety Pop Quiz! I loved reading through all of your comments and seeing how people are using essential oils. Be sure to go back and read the safety questions and injury reports for a refresher.

What was your favorite part of the quiz?

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