Want to start using Essential Oils for personal reasons, why not? I advise you to educate yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of these oils, which generally apply to everything we do in life. Not so!
Essential Oils
Essential oils are derived from different parts of plants which include the flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, stems, bark and wood. They are not like other conventional oils as they do not contain fat. Fragrance oils and perfume oils are not the same as pure Essential Oils.
As you learn how to use Essential Oils through your own personal experience and the experience of others, you will become more comfortable using oils that best work for you.
Skin Sensitivity
Due to the potency of Essential Oils it is recommended that the necessary safety precautions be adhered to when using these oils. Always remember, Essential Oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can cause hypersensitivity reactions, and therefore it is necessary to dilute these oils before applying them to the skin. It is also a good idea to do a small patch test with the finished product to check for sensitivity or skin irritation.
Safety Tips
If you are using Essential Oils for the first time, it is wise to seek advice from your medical professional especially if you are under medication for any medical conditions, allergies, intolerances or are pregnant. Not all Essential Oils are suitable for children and it is recommended that this be researched. All Essential Oils should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Essential Oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear, on mucous membranes, or on open wounds. Our Essential and Carrier Oils are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
Photo-toxicity
Most Essential Oils are perfectly fine to be applied to the skin before stepping outdoors however there are a select few, mostly from the citrus family, that are photo-toxic. What exactly does this mean? Photo-toxicity occurs when certain chemicals cause a skin reaction in the presence of strong sunlight or UV light which results in rapid tanning or burning of the skin. It is recommended that caution be applied when stepping out into the sunshine if you choose to use one of the following oils which are photo-toxic – Lemongrass, Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, Tangerine, Bitter Orange, Lime, Angelica root, Cumin and Rue. St John’s Wort which is often used as a Carrier Oil can also increase photo sensitivity. When using photo-toxic oils the risk of photo-toxicity will remain for 12 hours.
Diffusing Cautiously
Inhalation by diffusion is one of the safest and most effective ways to reap the benefits of Essential Oils however, it needs to be done in moderation. Diffusing should be done intermittently, in a well ventilated area for approximately 20 minutes on and then 30 minutes off.