First and most importantly, use only high quality essential oils. Only essential oils grown, harvested, and distilled for therapeutic use, and sold with nothing added or taken away, are expected to produce the effects reported . To read more about Inner Scents oils, read About my Oils Page. Only 5% of the essential oils produced are suitable for clinical, therapeutic use of essential oils. Only buy oils from reputable sources and seek the help of a professional for using oils for serious health concerns.
Remember, anything that has the power to heal, has the power to poison.
Here are your basic safety issues when using essential oils. For more in depth safety information, see my books and resources page for books.
Keep out of reach of children, and keep orifice reducers on bottles to reduce chances of consuming large quantities.
Do not use directly on or near the eyes.
Do not apply oils full strength (neat) onto the skin, unless under close supervision by a trained professional.
Ingesting any oil should only be undertaken under the supervision of a professional health advisor and never exceed the suggested amount.
Some oils are Phototoxic -such as bergamot, and most citrus oils. Do not expose the skin to direct sunlight after application of these oils. Check each oil for individual safety, each oil is unique.
If you experience burning on the skin, immediately dilute or “wash” the area with a carrier oil or milk, not water. Then wash with warm soapy water.
If undiluted essential oil gets in the eye, flush with full fat milk, and then seek medical assistance if needed.
Never use undiluted oils on children or elderly. Children’s skin is very delicate and required higher dilution rates than healthy adults. Dosages also should be reduced. Consult a professional for dilution rates.
Limit your use of essential oils around pets. Do not diffuse large amounts into the air if there are birds, cats, dogs, etc. in the room. Cats do not have the enzymes in their livers to detoxify essential oils like humans do. Birds have been known to react strongly to essential oils.
If you want to use aromatherapy on pets – see resource pages for quality reference books. There are many helpful uses and they are very effective when used properly. Only use oils when highly diluted!!!! Never force aromatherapy on your pet, allow them to come to it, if they like it, try it, if they are not interested or show anxiety – don’t use it.
If any kind of skin rash is noticed when using essential oils, stop the use of suspected oil immediately. Adverse reactions do occur, and could be for many different reasons. Try the oil again in a few weeks by doing a skin patch test. This is done by applying a small drop of oil onto the inside of the elbow, cover with a band aid, and check it to see if there is any redness or irritation. Doing this twice, without a reaction, usually means you can resume use, or safely use the oil.
Oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Birch, Anise, Bay, Benzoin, Black Pepper, and Wintergreen are known irritants and may cause irritation on the skin. Irritation includes, redness, bumps, excessive heat.
Warning signs of Overuse/toxicity: Redness, swelling, welting, rashes, nausea, dizziness, burning feeling on skin that doesn’t stop, headache. If any of these signs occur after using essential oils. Stop using any further oils. You body will clear and process the oils out of your system, either through the liver, lungs, or kidneys. If condition persists, seek medical advice.
Contra Indications: If you have epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, estrogen dependant cancer, asthma, liver disease, ulcers or anorexia, there are some oils that are contra indicated for use. Seek professional aromatherapy advice before using essential oils.
Regulate your use of essential oils. Prolonged, daily use of the same oils is not recommended. Allow the body to rest for a week before resuming use. Prolonged use of the same oils applied on the skin, could lead to sensitization to that oil, which would make it impossible to use that oil any further. Alternate oils with the same actions when possible.
Remember, less is more, with essential oils. They are highly concentrated and often require small amounts. Do not overuse.
Remember, balance in all things.
