Safe Use and Storage of Essential Oils
- Essential oils are completely safe if used and stored correctly. It is important that the essential oils used for therapeutic purposes are 100% pure, in good quality and chemical composition. The method of use and the amount of essential oil used should be adapted to the health condition and age of the person. Pure essential oils are very powerful, therefore it is recommended to start with the smallest doses.
- Essential oils are best stored in dark amber glass bottles, away from light and heat. The bottle should be tightly closed, because essential oils oxidize in contact with oxygen and their chemical composition changes. Essential oils should never be poured into plastic containers.
- There is a large number of essential oils that can be applied neat to the skin, as well as those that must be diluted. As a precaution, when using an essential oil for the first time, it is highly recommended to dilute it with fractionated coconut oil and apply it to a small area of the skin for a test. If there is sensitization of the skin in the form of a reaction such as redness, itching or rash (which happens in extremely rare situations), it is necessary to immediately stop applying the essential oil that caused the reaction and apply several layers of fractionated coconut oil.
- Some essential oils are photosensitive, including most citrus oils. If the photosensitive essential oil is applied topically to the skin, the sun exposure should be avoided for 12 hours after application. Photosensitive essential oils include Bergamot, Grapefruit, Green Mandarin, Lemon, Lemon Myrtle, Tangerine, Wild Orange, as well as Aromatouch, Air, Cheer, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, OnGuard, Purify, Slim&Sassy and Zendocrine blends. If closed shoes are worn when going out in the sun, the application to the soles of the feet is always a safe option.
- Essential oils must not be applied inside the nose, ears and eyes, nor applied to the body parts with sensitive or damaged skin. If the essential oil accidentally reach the eye, it should not be washed with water because essential oils are hydrophobic; instead, put one drop of fractionated coconut or other pure vegetable oil in the eye and wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
- "Hot" essential oils such as Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano and Thyme are always applied to the skin diluted with fractionated coconut oil. When it comes to oral use, they must be taken in a veggie capsule.
- It is recommended to use one essential oil/blend for a maximum of 3-4 weeks and than to take a seven day break or continue using another essential oil with the same therapeutic effect, in order to avoid the development of resistance to a certain essential oil.
- Children under the age of 16 must not take most essential oils orally. Inhalation and topical use are safe ways of applying essential oils for children. The oils applied to the skin must be diluted with fractionated coconut oil in accordance with the age of the child. Essential oils should be kept out of the reach of children.
- There are essential oils that should not be used during pregnancy. Consult an aromatherapist about which essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy.
- If you are taking medication or have some serious health problems, consult with your doctor and aromatherapist about which essential oils and in what quantities you can use at the same time.