One should be careful about the use of essential oils. Don’t forget that some of essential oils are toxic. Look though the following information to prevent yourself from an impropriate use of these aromatic products and possible health problems.
1. Do not use too much. Please remember that essential oils are highly concentrated substances that can cause harm to your body if not used carefully. The use of aromatherapy is to improve human’s life, it shouldn’t cause paranoia or extreme worry. Follow safety issues of essential oils and enjoy a lot of benefits that aromatherapy can offer.
2. Be careful while using essential oils. Some people have allergies to them. (Try on a small spot on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage to see whether there is any allergic reactions before exposing the whole body. Use only a diluted essential oil. Wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction or allergy, use the oil safely. But observe that the oil which is safe for you, can irritate someone else.)
If the oil irritates your skin, do not rub water on it. In this case the oil spreads. You should use any vegetable/carrier oil to the area; it helps to lessen the irritation and the essential oil will be easily absorbed. If an allergic reaction and skin irritation continues, stop using the essential use.
3. Essential oils are not used by people who are pregnant, have allergy, asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure. Caution is particularly recommended for young children or babies. While applying oils to children, be careful with the concentration. The use of essential oils with infants are forbidden.
If you by accident spill the essential oils on your eye or skin, wash it off immediately with whole milk. Milk with some fat in it is the best way for reducing irritation and removing the oil actually in the eye. If there is a burning sensation (it may be possible with oils like peppermint) you may also use olive oil or other vegetable oil to resolve any issues. Watch out for inflamed skin if you use essential oils. If you accidentally consume the oil, drink a lot of milk, eat soft bread, and go to the nearest poison control center for help.
4. Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and animals.
5. Do not take aromatic oils inside. Many of these essential oils are very toxic. Oral consumption of essential oils is possible only if you are under the care and supervision of an experienced practitioner.
6. Never use undiluted oils on the skin, keep in mind that they are very concentrated and you may experience discomfort. Dilute them before applying. One should use "carrier oils" which are pure vegetable oils for the dilution of the essential oils. One may use such common carrier oils as sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grape seed oil. A 2%-5% solution is recommended. Essential oils are not soluble in water. The only oil applied safely for burns and insect bites in the undiluted form is lavender oil. The exception to this rule is also tea tree. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree should only be done in rare cases as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. It is better not to use any essential oil undiluted.
7. Not all essential oils can be used in aromatherapy. Wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners.
8. Keep your eyes closed while inhaling to prevent the irritation of your eyes. Keep the aromatic oil far from your eyes. Smelling the aroma oil with closed eyes will cause your imagery.
9. Do not use it at night (before going to bed.) Certain oils such as mint oil causes insomnia.
10. Keep your essential oils away from children. Many essential oils smell good and the children may drink them. The oils are medicines that may be poison if used in an improper way.
11. Do not take essential oils inside. They may be taken inside only under the permission of a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner and after a detailed consultation.
12. Keep essential oils far from fire. They are flammable.
13. Before using any essential oil, read the instruction properly.
14. Do not use citrus essential oils especially Bergamot while you are lying in the sun. They increase photosensitivity.
15. Essential oils are not substitutes of medicines, they can not replace proper health care. Consult your doctor, before using essential oils.
These safety guidelines are not complete and all-inclusive. Before using any essential oil, consult a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner or your physician if you have any doubts.
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