5 Guidelines to Keep in Mind when using Essential Oils

Hello friends,

As I am learning about Essential Oils I have found that you need to be careful, just because they are ALL Natural does not mean they are safe. Safety involves a state of being free from risk or occurrence of injury, harm, or danger.

Here are five (5) guidelines to keep in mind when using essential oils:

Quality - Adulterated essential oils increase the likelihood of an adverse response and hence the need for pure, authentic, and genuine essential oils is of the utmost importance. I personally use Young Living Essential oils as they have the "Seed to Seal" guarantee

Sensitivities -  Everyone has different sensitivities and allergies. Be sure to test any new oil that you want to use in a small spot first to ensure there is no reaction.  I have found a  good testing area is inside your arm where the elbow bends.  Please make sure to do this before you go soaking in the bath or applying the oil to your skin. 

Carrier Oil - A carrier oil is a vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils. Most essential oils should not be applied directly to your skin.  It is safer to use a carrier oil (e.g.  V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex,Coconut oil, Almond oil, Olive oil, Jojoba Oil and Argan oil are just a few) before application.  The other benefit I found out yesterday from my massage therapist is using a carrier oil is good for moisturizing and nourishing your skin (she uses Castor Oil with her Young Living oils). These, along with the aromatic benefits of the essential oils are great for your skin.

Read Bottles And Labels - When you buy any essential oils they usually have some information on the label. They may say do not ingest (i.e. take orally) or outline some other precaution.  Be sure to follow these instructions.  If you have any doubts, contact the manufacturer or another reliable source for further information.

A drop will do - It is super easy to get carried away and think that when something is good or helpful for you, that more is better. When it comes to essential oils, less is definitely more. If a recipe calls for 2 drops don’t use 4. I have been guilty of this. If you are inhaling essential oils, don't do it constantly. Have a break between inhalations to give the oils time to do their job.
Using essential oils is safe and effective for most people. But, they are very powerful substances you should use with full respect.

General Safety Precautions:

1. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
2. Do not use or recommend the use of photosensitizing essential oils prior to going into a sun tanning booth or the sun. Recommend that the client stay out of the sun or sun tanning booth for at least twenty-four hours after treatment if photosensitizing essential oils were applied to the skin.
3. Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils.
4. Avoid the use of essential oils you know nothing about. Research and get to know the oil prior to using it on yourself or others.
5. Keep essential oils away from the eyes.
6. Essential oils are highly flammable substances and should be kept away from direct contact with flames, such as candles, fire, matches, cigarettes, and gas ranges.
7. Do not use essential oils internally unless properly trained in the safety issues of doing so. 
8. Use caution when if you suspect you're pregnant or have been trying to become pregnant. 

 P.S. Please share. with your friends and leave me a comment below. I read them ALL!

 Hugs,