Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Additional Essential Oil Cautions

Here are some additional guidelines to consider when using essential oils:

* Avoid contact with the eyes and mucus membranes. Flush with olive oil in case of contact.

* DO NOT flush with water.

* A skin patch test should be conducted on a small skin area to determine skin sensitivity prior to using an oil for the first time.

* To do a skin patch test, place a small amount of diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow and applya band-aid. Never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. This step should be done even if a particular essential oil is known to cause skin irritation.

* If you experience redness, itching, swelling, burning, or irritation of any kind, discontinue using that particular essential oil.

* If you find yourself using alot of essential oils on a daily basis, take periodic breaks. For example, if you have been using a particular oil for six days then you should take a rest for a day or for three weeks and then take a break for a week, and so on.

* Avoid applying essential oils immediately after perspiring or after getting out of a sauna.

* Always store essential oils away from extreme cold, heat. light dampness and electromagnetic frequencies. It is best to store them in amber glass bottles because it provides the best protection from indirect sunlight.

* Always keep the bottles of your essential oils tightly closed. There should be a small amount of head room at the top.

* Essential Oils are flammable. So it is not recommended to any drops to a burning candle or placing them close to an open flame.

* Essential Oils are not meant to take the place of a qualified practioner.

* It is best to consult a qualfied aromatherapy practioner before using on children.

* Keep your essential oils out of the reach of children.

If ever in doubt about using essential oils, it is best to consult an trained aromatherapy praticioner.

If you are looking for other recipes, check out some of the links in the side bar or check in my archive. There are alot of recipes in both places. I am always looking for new recipes to post on my blog, so please return in the future.



Source: Essential Oils Cautions by Lori Nova of The Nova Studio. 2005.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for all of the cautions of essential oils. I'll keep this in mind when trying to use an alternative for over-the-counter medicines.

Lori Stoia said...

Your welcome. If I find anymore information in regards to this topic I will make sure to post. Make sure to check back often.