Precautions using Essential Oils

Nothing could be more important than checking the cautions and warnings before using a particular essential oil or blend of oils. Being unaware of the different effect that a given essential oil may have on your body could put you at risk if used inappropriately. Essential oils penetrate the blood stream, regardless of the application, making it critical for you to understand how they react with your body's chemistry. Used improperly, essential oils can be toxic and cause sensitivity to your skin and mucus membranes.

Do not store your essential oils in direct sunlight, extreme heat or expose them to air. Instead, store them in air tight containers, preferably in a cool dark place. Always dilute an essential oil in a vegetable carrier oil before applying and always apply a skin patch test (described below)before applying a new oil or blend. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucus membranes.

Skin Patch Test

To ensure you have no allergy or sensitivity to an oil or blend. Simply wash the "crook of your arm" (the inside bend of your arm) with an unscented soap and water. Pat dry, do not rub. Mix a drop of the essential oil with a drop of vegetable oil you have in your kitchen (canola, sunflower or olive oil). You can mix them in a teaspoon. Now put a drop or so on the washed area of your arm and cover it with a bandage and leave dry for 24 hours. Remove the bandage. If you see redness, feel warmth or itching or see a rash, wash the area and pat dry. We would not recommend you use this oil. If your skin looks normal, you are more than likely safe to proceed using this oil or blend. This is a good test for any new skin product you intend to use, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Dosage

The essential oils are potent forms of the original plants, trees, or woods. Prolonged use can cause sensitization and toxicity to develop. We like to recommend that whatever your method, when you are using essential oils on a daily basis, take a break. For example, say the first week of the month you'll take a vacation from using your essential oils. This gives your system time to eliminate any build up of toxins.

The information contained within this website is for general information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Before using essential oils, we strongly advise you to seek the advice of your health care professional if the following conditions apply: If you are pregnant or nursing, have known plant allergies, suffer from high blood pressure, asthma, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy or other medical conditions, or are taking prescription or homeopathic medications. Essential oils are powerful and can interact with medications and other treatments.

Key points to remember about essential oils

Essential oils are potent and powerful. Less is always more.

Extended or prolonged use can generate toxicity. Take a break.

Treat essential oils as medications and always keep out of reach of children and pets.