Truly pure Essential Oils are very concentrated and therapeutic substances so they should be handled with care and used with respect.
Here are some safety guidelines to understand before using Essential Oils.
General Safety:
- In the event of eye contact, flush with a carrier oil, i.e., olive oil rather than water.
- People with allergies can test sensitivity to Essential Oils by patch testing a small amount of Essential Oil inside the arm.
- Keep Essential Oils, Diffusers and Burners out of reach of Children and Pets.
- Citrus Essential Oils are photosensitive, which means they may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to DIRECT SUNLIGHT or UV rays within 12 hours after application. Citrus Essential Oils: Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Mandarin, Bergamot.
- Avoid direct eye contact when using Essential Oils. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes unless you have thoroughly washed your hands with soapy water.
- Never drop Essential Oils directly into the ear.
- Vary Essential Oils that are used and diffused.
Storage:
Store Essential Oils in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light.
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women should avoid using Essential Oils during the 1st trimester and dilute Essential Oils at 1% (5 drops for every ounce of carrier oil) for all following semesters.
Bath:Since Essential Oils are not completely water soluble, they must be first blended with an all-natural bath gel base, i.e, Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Castile Soap.
Children: Avoid placing the following Essential Oils (or Essential Oil blends containing these Essential Oils) on or around the nose or mouth of Children 5 years and younger.
- Basil (1,8 cineole)
- Eucalyptus dives (1,8 cineole)
- Eucalyptus globulus (1,8 cineole)
- Eucalyptus radiata (1,8 cineole)
- Laurel Leaf (1,8 cineole)
- Myrtle (1,8 cineole)
- Peppermint (menthol)
- Ravintsara (1,8 cineole)
- Rosemary ct camphor (1,8 cineole, camphor)
- Tea Tree (1,8 cineole)
Caution:
Use extra caution with the following Essential Oils as they can be irritating to mucous membranes and can cause skin irritations.
- Black Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemongrass
- Melissa
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Thyme ct carvacrol
- Thyme ct thymol
- Wintergreen