14/03/2021
When it comes to using essential oils, there are a few safety guidelines you’ll want to abide by. Here are some practices for safe essential oil usage -
Always read the labels. Pay attention to any specific warnings on your essential oil packaging and adhere to any recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
Avoid certain areas. Avoid putting oils into your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas.
Dilute oils. To minimise skin sensitivity, dilute essential oils using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. The suggested dilution ratio is one drop of essential oil to five drops of carrier oil. Always dilute an oil when using it for the first time, applying it to sensitive skin, or when using essential oils with children. When using oils with a particularly strong chemistry, you will want to dilute one drop of essential oil to ten drops of carrier oil.
Know your strong oils. Some essential oils should always be diluted with fractionated coconut oil before putting them on your skin. Some of these oils include Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, and Thyme. This is not an exhaustive list, so always pay attention to labels warnings.
Be careful of sun sensitivity. Some essential oils can pose a risk for sun sensitivity, particularly citrus oils. Some of these oils include Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and any essential oil blends that contain these oils. Again, this is not an exhaustive list. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours following the use of these oils on the skin.
Make sure to store essential oils out of reach of children. You’ll also want to keep your oils away from excessive light or heat, as this can alter the chemical properties of an essential oil significantly.
TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS.