Using Essential Oils Safely
How to use essential oils safely
Essential oils are highly concentrated, as you can deduce from the
fact that it takes thousands of rose petals to produce a single drop of
rose essential oil. This potency must be respected, and the way you
handle and use essential oils is important. Following the guidelines
given below will ensure that you use essential oils safely and
effectively.
Because these oils are powerful and highly concentrated, they can be
toxic if used incorrectly. However, if you handle the oils carefully and
follow a few simple safety tips, they are safe and beneficial.
Safety Guidelines
- Essential oils should not be taken orally. Avoid all contact
between essential oils and the delicate mouth area, and avoid placing
them in or near your eyes.
- Some essential oils can cause irritation if they are applied
undiluted to the skin, so this is recommended only occasionally and in
specific circumstances with selected oils. Otherwise, apply only
properly diluted essential oils to the skin, and follow the recipes
and methods carefully. Do not increase the amount of essential oils
used in the recipes.
- Certain essential oils, such as spices may cause skin irritation
on those with sensitive skin. Occasionally a slight redness or
itchiness might occur from using these or other essential oils. If
this happens, put some base cream or base oil, such as sweet almond
oil, on the affected area and than apply a cold wet flannel until the
redness or itchiness disappears.
- If you accidentally splash a drop of essential oil in your eyes,
use a small amount of base oil to dilute the essential oil, and absorb
this with a soft cloth, before rinsing your eyes with cold water. If
there is a serious incident, seek medical attention immediately.
- A few essential oils, such as bergamot and other citrus oils, are
phototoxic. This means that they might cause skin discoloration in
bright sunlight, even when diluted. it is therefore best to avoid
using bergamot and other citrus oils on exposed skin if the weather is
sunny.

|
More About Essential Oils
|