Warnings to Users of Essential Oils

Warnings to Users of Essential Oils

Essential oils should be used with caution. Essential oils are many times more potent than dried herbs. Just like any medicine, essential oils can be harmful if they are not used carefully or properly.

Wear suitable gloves and eye and face protection when working with essential oils. Prior to mixing oils, be sure to read everything you can about the oils and their effects. The use or handling of essential oils should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. In fact, all essential oils should be used with caution.

Some basic procedures should therefore be observed in order to ensure safety but also the quality of the oils in storage. Only small quantities of essential oil combinations should be made up at a time, as vegetable oils combined with the essences, tend to oxidize and turn rancid. Once oils start to turn cloudy or smell rancid they should be disposed of.

Essential oils should be kept out of reach of children. It is also advisable to fit bottles that don't have a dripolator (orifice reducer) with a child proof cap for safety reasons.

Essential Oil containers are best kept in a dark, cool place with temperature fluctuations kept to a minimum. Essential oils are flammable and should therefore not be used near naked flame.

Always mix essential oils with carrier oils before applying to skin. People with sensitive skin must take particular care to make sure that essential oils are diluted prior to using them. It is always recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Always try a small skin test with a diluted sample prior to using. Test spots should always be conducted prior to using an essential oil combination as certain essential oils may irritate sensitive skins.

Essential oils should not be taken internally, they are only for external use.

Care should be taken when purchasing essential oils as some retailers sell synthetic based oils that are chemically created and are not natural, purchase oils not by price but by quality and purity.

Essential oils may be used to for relaxation, emotional enjoyment or healing. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating but they also must be used with care.

About the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net leading portals for organic products and essential oils.