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SAFETY & BASICS

Essential Oils are powerful and potent substances that demand respect from the user. As with most alternative or complementary modalities the user is burdened with the responsibiliy to research each modality fully before using them. I cherish that burden and strongly encourage everyone to NOT blindly use essential oils (or any other alternative modality) without first doing the research. It is not necessary for the essential oil lover to take a course (though there are many that would teach you much), but extensive reading should be done. Click Here for a course listing.

Essential Oils used irresponsibly CAN cause harm. This is not meant to scare but to impress upon you the responsibility that is yours in learning how to use these substances.

Essential Oil Safety & Basics Aromatherapy - Schools of Thought

You will find that there are several schools of thought in the aromatherapy industry that are at odds. The English/British version of aromatherapy is gentle, massage oriented. Promotes only essential oils diluted in vegetable oil and never or very rarely uses them internally.

The French/Medical version uses essential oils more intensely and in concentrated form looking for profound medical results. You might see oils being used neat (undiluted) or internally, but this should only be done by a qualified practioner. All those new to aromatherapy and essential oils should follow the basic dilution guidelines below.

Essential Oil Safety & Basics Guidelines for Safe Use

One standard of safety you will find promoted by most "experts" is that ALL OILS USED ON CHILDREN should be diluted with a carrier oil. The dilution percentages can change according to which book or course you are referring to but the basic is a 1% dilution which is 3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. For adults the basic dilution is about 6-15 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.

Each essential oil has it's own chemical constituents and properties..one can not use a blanket rule for all oils. If you want to experience essential oils, make it your business to learn about them from a variety of sources.

Essential Oil Safety & Basics Indispensable Precautions for the Safe Use of Essential Oils by Daniel Penoel, M.D.

  1. Essential oils do not dissolve in water. They must be diluted with some type of vegetable oil.

  2. Essential oils, in their concentrated state, must never come in contact with mucous membranes or sensitive skin areas.

  3. Never add neat (undiluted) essential oils to bath water

  4. Generally people with allergies must be very cautious with essential oils. The least sensitive skin area is the soles of the feet.

  5. Some essential oils are light sensitive, so exposure to the sun must be avoided after application.

  6. Some essential oils have strong caustic characteristics and should be used very cautiously, generally in a diluted form.

  7. Essential oils rich in menthol should not be used near the throat or neck of children under 30 months of age.

  8. Care must be taken to close all essential oil bottles after use and to always keep out of reach of children.

  9. Taking essential oils orally (by mouth) requires oils of impeccable quality and the direction of a qualified health professional.

  10. Always keep some vegetable oil readily available when using essential oils. (Lauren's note: if at any time an oil burns, do not try to wash it off with water, pour vegetable oil on it).

Essential Oil Safety & Basics Other Precautions

  • Allergies - People with allergies should test an oil on a small area of sensitive skin (ie, inside of arm).

  • Epilepsy & High Blood Pressure - It is said that peopel with epilepsy and high blood pressure should avoid certain oils. I've not seen any studies that indicate this but it's better to be safe until you are more well versed in the oils. Here are the oils that are contraindicated; hyssop, fennel, tansy.

  • Pregnancy - There are a number of oils that are contraindicated during pregnancy, though the list changes with each book you pick up/course you take. Basically, you will want to stay away from oils that contain constituents that are hormone-like or uterine stimulants, such as clary sage, sage, fennel, etc.

During my pregnancy, I avoided oils during the first trimester with an occasional Lavender or R. Chamomile application. This is what I felt most comfortable with since the oils are potent and not alot is known about the effects on a fetus.

The following is from Valerie Gennari Cooksley's, Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils. Check out our Bookstore for more aromatherapy books.

Essential Oils That May Demonstrate Hormone-Like Activity

  • Aniseed
  • Basil
  • Chamomile, Roman
  • Clary Sage
  • Cypress
  • Fennel
  • Geranium
  • Nutmeg
  • Star Anise

Reported Abortifacient Essential Oils (may induce abortion)
**Lauren's note: there are no studies or evidence or even cases to prove this statment but it is what the "experts" always publish**

  • Davana
  • Champaca Bark
  • Boldo Leaf
  • Ho Wood
  • Mugwort
  • Pennyroyal
  • Parsley Seed
  • Rue
  • Savin
  • Sassafrass
  • Red Cedarwood
  • Santolina
  • Tarragon
  • Thuja
  • Tansy
  • Wormwood
  • Wormseed

Essential Oils to Be Used with Caution During Pregnancy

  • Caraway
  • Cedarwood
  • Chamomile
  • Clary Sage
  • Cypress
  • Jasmine
  • Juniper
  • Lavender
  • Marjoram
  • Nutmeg
  • Peppermint
  • Rose
  • Rosemary

Essential Oils Regarded as Safe to Use During Pregnancy

  • Bergamot
  • Geranium
  • Lavender(angustofolia)
  • Lemon
  • Mandarin
  • Neroli
  • Orange
  • Patchouli
  • Sandalwood
  • Tea Tree
  • Ylang Ylang

Essential Oil Safety & Basics How To Use Essential Oils

There are many ways that you can use and benefit from essential oils. Some of the more popular ways are;

  • Massage
  • Diffusing
  • Direct Application
  • Inhalation
  • Sprizters/atomizers
  • Bath/shower
  • Cleaning

Massage
You can create your own custom massage blends using a carrier oil and your chosen essential oils. Young Living offers a couple of carrier oil options for your massaging needs.

For children, pregnant women and the elderly, use about 3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (a 1% dilution). For a full body massage, use 6 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (2% dilution). For a concentrated massage use 12 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (4% dilution).

Diffusing
Diffusing is a wonderful way to be introduced to the world of scent. Be sure to stay away from accessories that heat your therapeutic essential oils (heat will destroy some of the therapeutic properties and benefits). A cold-air diffuser is what will get you the best results.

Research has shown that diffusing can;

  • Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors
  • Relax, relieve tension, and clear the mind
  • Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity

Have fun combining oils to diffuse. My personal favorite is a combination of Lavender (10 drops), Frankincense (6 drops) and Sandalwood (5 drops) dropped right into the diffuser well. Heavenly!

You may also add essential oils to your vaporizier/humidifier. This works especially well when someone in the house is ill.

Direct Application
Creating your own blends to suit your needs can be fun and rewarding. Following the dilutions noted above you can combine different essential oils to address physical issues. Skin problems, Blemishes/Acne, minor cuts/burns, sore/aching muscles, etc. can all usually be relieved with essential oil applications.

Inhalation
You can also choose direct inhalation. Simply place a few drops of oil in your palm and cup over your nose. Or place a few drops on a tissue/cotton ball and hold under you nose and breathe deeply.

Spritzers/Atomizers
It is usually not recommended to mix oil and water, but in this case, you'd be missing out. You can make essential oil "spritzers" for a variety of reasons. Remember to shake vigorously before use and be careful not to get into your eyes.

Have fun creating your own spritzers but here are some ideas to start you off with;

Lavender/Peppermint Sprizter-A great way to cool off in the hot weather.
Lavender/Lemon/Peppermint Spritzer-A refreshing blend.
Marjoram/Lavender/Peppermint Sprizter-Another refreshing blend.

I keep a small spritzer in my purse to kill germs where ever I might need to.

Bath/Shower
There are showerheads available now that make it possible for you to have an "aromatherapy" shower. Using essential oils in the bath can be a very relaxing, calming experience. It is recommended that you dilute essential oils in a dispersing agent such as milk, honey, etc., before using them in the bathtub. Essential oils float on the water and one can mistakenly get an entire drop on a hand or finger that makes its way to the eyes. And you do not want to get essential oils in the eyes. IF you do, flush with a vegetable oil and not water.

Cleaning
I have made my own cleaning products for 10 years. When I first discovered the antibacterial properties of some essential oils, I was ecstatic to be able to add them to my cleaning ingredient list. See Clean Solutions for my cleaning recipes and more information on cleaning naturally. For the motherload of natural cleaning recipes, I highly recommend, Clean & Green by Annie Berthold Bond.

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