Essential Oil Safety Information
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully.
By using essential oils cautiously and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.
These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the use of essential oils.
When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.
- Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.
There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply any undiluted oil on the skin.
Lavender and tea tree are listed by some aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should be used sparingly and on rare occurrences, as severe sensitivity could still occur in some individuals.
Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.
- Some oils can cause sensitisation or allergic reactions .
When using a new essential oil for the first time, do a skin patch test 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.
- Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those other health conditions. Check before using.
- Less IS More.
- When using essential oils, use the smallest amount that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, do not use two drops.
- Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy – for instance wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy.
- Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use.
Most essential oils smell wonderful and many 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 are flammable
Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.