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ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY

  1. Essential Oils are concentrated, meaning they have not been diluted in a carrier.
  2. Follow the General Dilution of Essential Oils and Child Safety page in the Basic 5 Essential Oil Manual to insure the proper dilution prior to application.
  3. Irritation may occur with oxidized essential oils and carrier oils that are rancid.  Always check blend date & shelf life prior to use. 
  4. Those with asthma or airway restrictions should use caution when inhaling essential oil vapors and should use a maximum dilution of 1% essential oil (5 - 6 drops) in 1 oz carrier.  Avoid essential oils high in 1,8-cineole.       
  5. Avoid eye contact.
  6. NOT FOR INTERNAL USE ~ unless one is advised to by a practitioner who is qualified/licensed to prescribe essential oils in this way.
  7. Always apply a small amount of essential oil or blend on a small patch of skin to test for sensitivity.   Discontinue use if irritation, itching, redness or signs of an allergic reaction appear.       
  8. Use caution when using essential oils undiluted in the tub.  Some are irritating to the skin.  Information sheets will state if an oil is safe for bathing.  It’s best to dilute essential oils in one tsp of alcohol, milk or other carrier.
  9. If you are pregnant, breast feeding or under a doctor’s care, consult a physician.  Some essential oils should be avoided completely.  Best to avoid usage in the first trimester since some chemicals may have a teratogenic effect on the developing fetus.
  10. People with eczema, dermatitis, damaged or diseased skin have a significantly faster rate of essential oil absorption due to  breaks in the skin.  Therefore, a lower percentage of skin healing, non irritating essential oils should be used.  Caution is advised.
  11. Some essential oils are photo-toxic:  Bergamot, Lemon, cold pressed Lime, Grapefruit, Bitter Orange, Mandarin leaf, Cumin, Angelica root, Laurel leaf absolute, Rue and Taget.  Sunlight and tanning bed rays must be avoided for at least 12 - 18 hours after application.  These oils applied to the skin at any dilution will likely increase the chance of sever burns form the ultraviolet light.
  12. Cancer treatment:  It’s recommended that essential oils are avoided from one week before to one month following a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy due to the possible and unpredictable effects on the immune mechanisms.  (Tisserand and Young p.656).
  13. Undiluted essential oils should not be dropped into the ears but instead should be diluted in carrier, placed on a cotton ball, and partially inserted into the ear.  The blend can also be massage on the outside of the ear and down the side of the neck.
  14. It is recommended not to use essential oils on the fur or skin of animals because it can be toxic.
  15. High blood pressure:  Tisserand and Young state that there is no evidence to support the contraindication of topical use of essential oils.
  16. The following essential oils should not be used with anyone suspected of being vulnerable to epileptic seizures:  Western red cedar, Wormwood, Genipi, Hyssop, Sage, Thuja, Pennyroyal, Bucha, Calamint, Tansy, Mugwort, Layana, Ho leaf, Boldo, Wintergreen, Birch, Rosemary, Yarrow, Lavindin, Feverfew, and Spike Lavender.
  17. It is best to only buy certified organic citrus oils.  Heavy amounts of chemicals are used on these plants and many are found in the distilled oils.