Aromatherapy Online Aromatherapy Answers and Questions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reason essential oils must be diluted before topical application?
- They are highly concentrated and can irritate skin (Correct answer)
- They evaporate too slowly
- They lose their scent otherwise
- They are too watery
Correct answer: They are highly concentrated and can irritate skin
Undiluted oils are potent and may cause irritation or sensitization, so dilution in a carrier is standard practice.
Question 2: Which chemical family, found in oils like tea tree, is often associated with antimicrobial properties?
- Terpinen-4-ol and related terpenes (Correct answer)
- Sugars
- Proteins
- Minerals
Correct answer: Terpinen-4-ol and related terpenes
Tea tree owes much of its cleansing reputation to terpinen-4-ol, a terpene alcohol constituent.
Question 3: A safe general dilution for adult body application is approximately what percentage?
- 2 to 3 percent (Correct answer)
- 25 percent
- 50 percent
- 100 percent
Correct answer: 2 to 3 percent
A 2–3% dilution (about 12–18 drops per ounce of carrier) is a common safe range for adult body use.
Question 4: Which oil is considered phototoxic and may cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight?
- Bergamot (Correct answer)
- Sandalwood
- Frankincense
- Roman chamomile
Correct answer: Bergamot
Bergamot contains bergapten, a furanocoumarin that can cause phototoxic reactions in sunlight.
Question 5: What is the recommended precaution for using essential oils during pregnancy?
- Consult a qualified professional and avoid certain oils (Correct answer)
- Use double the normal amount
- Only use them internally
- Apply them undiluted
Correct answer: Consult a qualified professional and avoid certain oils
Some oils are contraindicated in pregnancy, so professional guidance and caution are advised.
Question 6: Which method disperses essential oils into the air as a fine mist without heat?
- Ultrasonic diffusion (Correct answer)
- Boiling on a stove
- Burning over an open flame
- Freezing
Correct answer: Ultrasonic diffusion
Ultrasonic diffusers use vibrations to disperse oils in water vapor without applying heat.
Question 7: What does the term 'synergy' mean in aromatherapy blending?
- Combined oils producing a greater effect than individually (Correct answer)
- Using only one oil at a time
- Diluting oils in water
- Storing oils together
Correct answer: Combined oils producing a greater effect than individually
Synergy describes how a well-chosen blend can be more effective than the sum of its individual oils.
What is the primary reason essential oils must be diluted before topical application?