Essential Oil Safety

Essential Oil Safety

 

Essential oils are concentrated substances and there are some safety concerns to be aware of. Especially when it comes to use around pregnant women, children and pets. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind.

  1. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier before using on your skin. A carrier protects your skin from irritation and potential negative reactions of these incredibly potent essential oils. Carriers can include a range of different substances – oils like olive, avocado, and jojoba, butters like shea butter or cocoa butter. You can also add essential oils to your lotions, creams and scrubs. Water is not a carrier for essential oils. Because water and oil don’t mix, they will stay separated potentially leaving your skin at risk of undiluted essential oil. For this reason, never add undiluted essential oils to bath water.
How to dilute essential oils
A general rule is 1-3% depending on the strength of the essential oil, and the person you are using it on. You can use the following guide.
  • For children, elderly and pregnant women use 1% dilution. 5-6 drops in 1 fl oz (30ml) carrier
  • For healthy adults use 2% dilution. 10-12 drops in 1 fl oz (30ml) carrier
  • For specific uses (short term) use 3% dilution. 15-18 drops in 1 fl oz (30ml) carrier
When you begin, start with a lower rate, do a patch test and watch for reactions such as redness and itching. If reaction occurs, wash the area for 10-15 minutes with soap and water.

 

  1. Some essential oils are photosensitive or phototoxic, meaning that if applied and you go out in the sun the result can be a burn or blistering. Phototoxic essential oils include citrus oils such as lemon, lime, grapefruit and bergamot. Some essential oils can cause irritation or sensitization.

 

  1. Do not take essential oils internally unless advised to do so by a qualified practitioner. Essential oils are very concentrated. If a few drops are taken in a glass of water – remember water and oil don’t mix – there is risk of injury from undiluted essential oils. These can also build up in the liver, cause stomach irritation, burning or ulceration of the esophagus and allergic reactions.

Also, do not apply essential oils to eyes or the mucous membranes. I recommend safer ways of using essential oils such as inhaling them or applying diluted to the skin. In fact, the most beneficial effects of essential oils occur when they are inhaled, as they stimulate the Olfactory nerve in the brain.

  

  1. Essential Oils and Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers, and Children
Before using essential oils first consult with an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner. In addition to the precautions above, use extra care when using essential oils with these groups. Stay with a 1% dilution rate or less. Avoid peppermint essential oil with children under 5 because of potential breathing issues.
It is thought that people with epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnant women should avoid essential oils with  thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, or pinocamphone contenet, which have been identified as convulsive agents.

The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review

 
Hydrosols are safe and gentle for use with children under 5. Hydrosols are not concentrated and can be used without dilution. Hydrosols can be soothing for bruises and scrapes and help calm emotions. Diffusing essential oils is a great choice for kids.

 

 

  1. Essential Oils and Pets. Pets are very sensitive to essential oils. Their sense of smell is more advanced than that of humans. Plus, they can’t tell us when they are in distress. Allow the animal’s instinct to guide them toward or away from an essential oil, don’t try to force it on them. Without the proper training, avoiding putting essential oils on pet food, onto an animal’s skin or fur. Exercise caution when diffusing essential oils, ensure it’s either done in a large space or where the animal has an option to move away if the aroma overwhelms them. Hydrosols may be a gentle alternative to essential oils. If you’re unsure, talk to a Certified Aromatherapist who works with animals or contact your vet. This website is a good resource: https://www.carolineingraham.com

 

  1. Essential oils have a shelf life. Did you know that essential oils can oxidize when exposed to oxygen or heat? They can eventually break down after a period of time and lose some of their therapeutic properties. Oxidation can cause skin irritation and sensitization. Be sure essential oils are marked with their extraction date. I always mark bottles with the date they were distilled.
Store oils in a cool, dark place with lids tightly closed will help them to last longer. Essential oils should be stored in dark-colored glass bottles only.
 
A great way to use up essentials oils that are past their prime is to use them to make homemade cleaning products.

 

  1. Use essential oils in moderation. Excessive amounts of essential oils can cause irritation, sensitivity and toxicity. When diffusing essential oils do not diffuse continuously; alternate on/off for 30-60 minutes at a time. If you are doing a steam inhalation, then 15-20 minutes is usually sufficient.

 

Finally, stay informed. Buy a good essential oil reference book and refer to it. Here is a link to my go-to book.

And another link to a list of recommended books: https://tisserandinstitute.org/recommended-texts/ 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information provided in this website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in/for the treatment, cure, mitigation or diagnosis of any mental or physical disease or illness or as a substitute for consulting with a physician or other appropriately trained and licensed health care professional.

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