Are you new to essential oils? Do you know the best way to use them? Essential oils need to be applied with care because they are highly concentrated plant extracts. Used incorrectly, they can irritate the skin, sinuses, or other areas. Essential oil safety is imperative.
Just one or two drops of essential oil added to your carrier oil is more than enough. Essential oils are 50 to 70 times more powerful than the herbs they come from. Be prepared to use much less than you think you’ll need.
Through experience, you’ll learn to use essential oils correctly and become more comfortable with them. Determine what works best by learning the following essential oil safety tips.
High Quality Only
When buying your oils, be sure that they are 100 percent pure, with no fillers or harmful additives. Do some research and find out how they were made, what quality control tests – if any – were done, and where the oils are sourced from. You want to use essential oils to improve health, so don’t get caught off guard by bad products.
Mix Your Oils
To avoid any unwanted reactions or irritations on your skin, always use a carrier oil to dilute your essential oils. When applying topically, mix with jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil. Using a carrier oil will allow your essential oils to last longer and go further. It will not make them less effective or water them down. Many prefer to use fractionated coconut oil because it dries quickly, goes on evenly, and isn’t greasy.
Where Not to Apply
Be aware that essential oils should never be applied inside the ear canal, in the eyes, in open wounds, or on mucous membranes. And even though some essential oils are labeled that they can be swallowed, they are extremely potent and highly concentrated, and is not a suggested method of use.
Professional guidance is a must and caution should be practiced if ingested. When using essential oils, if you experience stomach, respiratory, or skin discomfort or irritation, discontinue use immediately. In addition, it is important to know which essential oils are phototoxic. Avoid using them for at least 12 hours before being exposed to the sun.
Keep Away from Kids and Animals
Unless you have guidance from a doctor or a trained aromatherapist, never use essential oils on pets or young children. Because they may be harmful to them if swallowed, be sure to keep them out of reach or locked in a cabinet.
For children under the age of 2, it is recommended that essential oils are not used on them at all. Some oils can be used on older children, but research and verify that the oils are safe for them first.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you, your family member, or your essential oils loving friend are under a physician’s care for cancer treatments, pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy, or on blood thinners, talk to a doctor before using any essential oils. Some essential oils do not mix with several medications, so should not be used together.
At Plant Guru, we have a wide selection of essential oils at great prices. Browse through our products and find what you need. Questions? Just give us a call or drop us an email today.