Essential Oil Safety
Posted: Sunday, November 02, 2008
by Rebecca Park Totilo
Rebecca at the Well & Heal With Essential Oils
In general, the biblical essential oils are safe to use for aromatherapy and other household purposes. Nonetheless, safety must be exercised due to their potency and high concentration. Please read and follow these guidelines to receive the maximum effectiveness and benefits.
Avoid applying essential oils immediately after perspiring or using a sauna.
Be careful to not get essential oils in the eyes. If you do splash a drop or two of essential oil in the eyes, use a small amount of olive oil (or another carrier oil) to dilute the essential oil and absorb with a wash cloth. If serious, seek medical attention immediately.
Always keep your biblical essential oils out of reach from children. Take special precaution when using oils with children.
If a dangerous quantity of essential oil is ingested, immediately drink olive oil and induce vomiting. The olive oil will help in slowing down its absorption and dilute the essential oil. Do not drink water-this will speed up the absorption of the essential oil.
Take extra precaution when using essential oils during pregnancy or if suffering from a terminal illness.
The nose knows-if you don't like a fragrance, then don't use it for emotional benefits.
Some essential oils should be diluted before applying topically. Pay attention to safety guidelines-certain essential oils, such as Cinnamon and Cassia, may cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin. If you experience slight redness or itchiness, put olive oil (or any carrier oil) on the affected area and cover with a soft cloth. The olive oil acts as an absorbent fat and binds to the oil, diluting its effect and allowing it to be quickly removed. Aloe Vera gel also works well as an alternative to olive oil. Never use water to dilute essential oil-this will cause it to spread and enlarge the affected area. Redness or irritation may last 20 minutes to an hour.
It is recommended to only apply certain essential oils directly to the skin undiluted in certain circumstances and in specific conditions. Please exercise caution and apply only properly diluted essential oils to the skin, and follow the recipes and methods carefully.
Keep oils away from heat, light, moisture and electromagnetic fields (television, microwave, etc.).
For sensitive skin, do a "patch test." If irritation occurs, discontinue use of such oil or blend.
Avoid sunbathing or tanning booths immediately after using essential oils.
Use essential oils that match your largest number of needs.
Never take essential oils internally, unless advised by your medical practitioner or another qualified health professional.
If you are pregnant, lactating, suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure, have cancer, liver damage, or another medical condition, use essential oils under the care and supervision of a qualified aroma-therapist or medical practitioner. Some oils may have a stimulating effect on the urinary system and uterus, since essential oils are able to cross the placental barrier. In addition, while nursing a baby, be careful to prevent skin transference to baby and/or through the mother's milk.
Be sure to not get essential oils on any mucus membranes. Wash hands after handling pure, undiluted essential oils.
If taking prescription drugs, check for interaction between medicine and essential oils (if any) to avoid interference with certain prescription medications.
To avoid contact sensitization (redness or irritation of skin due to repeated use of same individual oil) rotate and use different oils.
Keep essential oil vials and clear glass bottles in a box or another dark place for storing.
For high hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetic patients, avoid using Hyssop.
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