"Aroma-Pedia" by Well Beings Aromatherapy Products

ESSENTIAL OIL GUIDELINES

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. The potential benefits and hazards of an essential oil is dependent upon 1) the compounds contained in the oil; 2) the method of application; 3) the amount of oil used and the frequency of the application. The following guidelines will help to ensure safe and effective use of essential oils.

• Do not use undiluted essential oils on the skin. There are a few exceptions to this rule: it is okay to use non-irritating EO such as lavender or tea tree on burns, insect bites, and other skin problems as long as you do not have overly sensitive skin. Most other EO applied directly to the skin may result in burning, skin irritation or photosensitivity.

• Use only pure essential oils derived from plants. Buy your EO from a trustworthy source and beware of cheap essential oils.

• Test for sensitivities by performing a patch test. To do this, mix a drop of the EO with a few drops of an unscented carrier oil. Place a bandage over the area and wait 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, you can use the oil. If you develop a rash, do not continue using the oil.

• Do not take essential oils orally for therapeutic purposes without consulting a suitable reference. There are some "culinary exceptions" in which certain EO are used to flavor foods.

• Use essential oils cautiously with the elderly, convalescing or those with any serious health problems.

• Using EO during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester requires caution. Because most EO are best avoided during pregnancy it is easier to avoid using them or to limit usage to the safe ones such as Lavender, Ylang-ylang, Geranium, Spearmint and most of the citrus’s. It is best to use essential oils that are in an oil base such as a blended and diluted bath oil or a massage oil or by adding a few drops in an EO diffuser to dispense their scent.  Most of the oils mentioned above help to combat difficulty in sleeping and nausea.  

• Vary the essential oils you use. Daily application of the same blend of oils over your entire body for more than one to two weeks is not recommended. Use of the same blend for an extended period of time over a small portion of the body such as the face or hands is acceptable. Rotating oils gives your body time to process them and allows you to experience each of the different oils unique benefits.

• Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. When using essential oils with children, limit the dose to one-third to on-half of the adult dose and only select non-toxic oils. Some of the safest EO for children are Lavender, Tangerine, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree.

• Use caution when using essential oils that result in photosensitivity (darkening of the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as exposure to the sun). Bergamot is the most photosensitizing of the citrus oils followed by Lime, Bitter Orange, Lemon and Grapefruit. If you use photosensitizing oils on your skin, do so at night or wait at leas four hours before going out or exposing your skin to ultraviolet light.

• If you become sensitive to an essential oil over time, stop using it.

• Keep all essential oils away from the eyes.

• If you have asthma, consult your doctor before doing aromatherapy, certain essential oils can trigger bronchial spasms.

The information contained within this site is presented for information only.  This site is not intending to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any condition or illness.  Not responsible for omissions or errors, typographical or otherwise.
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