Safe Use of Essential Oils
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Safety
Almost all essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil, lotion, bath oil, or shower gel before use on the skin.
Essential oils should be kept aware from sensitive areas such as eyes. If an oil comes into contact with the eyes, wash thoroughly with old water and seek medical advice if needed.
Irritation: Essential oils can contain compounds that may cause skin sensitisation, particularly for sensitive skin. Discontinue use if a rash or any adverse reaction occurs.
Patch Test: to check a new oil apply the diluted oil to a small patch of skin on the inner wrist or elbow and wait for an hour to check there is no irritation or redness before using the oil.
Internal use: Essential oils should never e taken internally without the advice of a professional practitioner. Even oils that are non-toxic externally can be very toxic internally. If poisoning from an essential oil is suspected seek urgent medical advice.
Babies and Children: The young are much more sensitive than adults to essential oils - avoid any oils that can be possible irritants.
0 - 3 months - Use carrier oils only.
3 - 6 months - Use only lavender or Roman Chamomile. Add 1 drop of oil to 10ml/2tsp of sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for a massage.
6 - 12 months - Use only Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli or rose.
1 - 6 years - Use only Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Coriander, lavender, mandarin, neroli, orange, palmarosa, rose or tea tree.
7 -12 years - Use any essential oil other than basil as indicated, but at quarter dosage given for adults.
Special Precautions:
If you are pregnant, suffer from a skin condition, epilepsy, asthma or are taking medication, we suggest that you seek advice from a profession aromatherapist before using any essential oils.
How to use essential oils
As essential oils are highly concentrated, they need to be blended into a carrier oil, lotion, bath oil or shower gel, before being used on the skin.
For internal problems, such as digestive or menstrual problems, choose suitable oils and use in a bath or massage - the oil will be absorbed through the skin and into the body.
For local problems, such as joint pains, try a compress, ointment or local massage.
For respiratory problems, such as coughs and congestion, an inhalation should work well.
Blends
Essential oils will work together synergistically in a blend, so that the effect of a blend can be greater than using a single oil. T o create a blend choose three or four essential oils that are appropriate for your needs and add them one drop at a time to the carrier oil of your choice.
The art of using essential oils to create a pleasing aroma or a specific therapeutic benefit is something that can be developed by experimentation.
Diffusion and Room Fragrancing
Create your own air freshener, aroma or fumigate a room. Well chosen oils can help achieve a mood, reduce stress or improve focus and efficiency. Safe for all oils.
Ultrasonic diffusers - Available in many styles these operate without heat and produce a mist with all the full qualities of essential oils. Add a little water and your oils to suit the mood or situation. Safe for use almost anywhere.
Room sprays - Deodorise, repel insects or lift a sick room. Part fill a plant spray with water, add 10 - 20 drops of essential oils, shake and spray. Avoid wood, fabrics and delicate surfaces. Ready made blends in spray bottles are great for regular use. When empty, why not fill with your own blends.
Reed diffusers - A long lasting, low maintenance method ideal for a bathroom or wherever you would use an air freshener. The more volatile oil components dominate at first and later the less volatile components take over.
Hot diffusers - A candle or electricity heats the oil - a little water prevents over heating and a few drops of essential oil float on this.
Essential oil candles - Can be used to create a fragrant, cosy atmosphere but therapeutic benefits may be limited.
Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to ease aching muscles and relax or energise the body. To create a massage oil you will need to dilute the essential oils into a cream, lotion, or carrier oil.
You can make enough massage oil for earl applications and store it in a dark coloured glass bottle - use within 12 months. Foe just one massage put the massage base, such as almond oil, or a lotion, into a saucer (20-30ml for a full body massage) then add and mix the drops of essential oils.
Baths
Bathing is one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy an oil. They are inhaled through the aromatic steam, as well as being absorbed by the skin. Only oils that are absolutely non-irritant, such as chamomile or lavender should be added directly to the bath, 3 - 4 drops swirled around before stepping in. Dilute all other oils before adding to the bath water so as not to irritate delicate mucous membranes. Add 4 or 5 drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of base oil, bath oil or shower gel - mix well and then add to a full bath.
Footbaths
Add the oil/mix to a suitable bowl full of warm water, soak your feet in the bowl for 10 minutes.
Compresses
A compress may be either hot or cold and is an effective way of treating many local complaints such as skin infections, arthritis, rheumatism, aching muscles and joints. Use non-irritant oils or pre-dilute as for baths.
Hot compress - To treat a small area, such as a single boil, use an eggcup full of hot water and 2 drops of essential oil. For a larger area, use a bowl of hot water (not boiling) and add the predicted mix or 6 - 8 drops of essential oil. Place a cotton cloth in the water, ensuring that the cloth comes into contact with any essential oils on the surface, squeeze out the excess water from the cloth and cover the treatment area. Repeat when cooled, or after 20 minutes, for up to 3 applications.
Cold Compress - A cold compress using iced water may be best for sprains and sports injuries, certain types of headache and also if the area already feels over hot and inflamed. Repeat when warmed, up to 3 times, however the oils will not be absorbed so readily coxed.
Inhalations - An excellent way to treat coughs, colds, sinusitis and fro deep cleansing the skin. Put hot water in a bowl and add 4 - 6 drops of essential oil. Now place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl, creating a tent effect t trap the steam, and inhale the vapour for a few minutes. A quick and easy alternative is to add 2 - 3 drops of essential oil to a tissue, and hold this near to the nose every few moments to inhale the vapours.
Safety note - Inhalations are not suitable for children or those with Asthma - Instead place a bowl of hot water with added essential oils in the room nearby.
Perfumes
Several non-irritant essential oils may be used undiluted on the skin, such as Jasmine, rose, neroli and lavender. For a cologne add a blend of oils to alcohol. Add up to 20 drops of combined essential oils to 30mls of vodka and store in a glass bottle.
General care - As some essential oils are flammable, care should be taken with naked flames. They can also damage polished, plastic or painted surfaces.
Storage - To store any massage or bath oil blend for more than one use, store it in a glass bottle and clearly label with what's in it and the date you made it. Use it within 3 months. Essential oils are best stored away from direct heat and light, and should be used within a year of opening. Store pure essential oils and blended oils in coloured glass bottles and not in plastic. In a hot climate keep them in the refrigerator. Always keep them securely away from children
