Things you should know about
Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and can be harmful if abused or not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy in your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits of aromatherapy.

These safety guidelines are not a complete safety

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, most notably with Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply undiluted oil on the skin.

Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is essential that you always keep that in mind.

Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions. The Essential Oils Guide contains a list that suggests which oils to avoid if you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, etc.

Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.

Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.

Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.

Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.

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