Safety
with Essential Oil
Aromatherapy is defined as the controlled application
of essential oils in a conscientious way to maintain
health and enliven body, mind and spirit. However, if
the oils are misused, abused or used inappropriately
by an uninformed individual there can be potential hazards.
Education is the first key to successful phytotherapy
and there is much literature on the subject. The following
are a few guidelines of the appropriate use of essential
oils.
Essential Oils are very concentrated. It is advisable
to dilute all essential oils before applying to the
skin. Some Essential oils, such as Lavender are regarded
as safe to apply directly to the skin. Never apply more
than 1-2 drops of undiluted, or "neat" Essential Oil
to your skin. Patch testing is always advisable. Test
oils diluted if working with sensitive skin.
Some citrus oils such as Lemon and Bergamot should not
be used just prior to and during sunbathing because
they are phototoxic (may produce a change in skin pigmentation
on exposure to ultra-violet light).
Dermatitis, skin allergies and sensitivities can be
treated effectively with properly diluted oils that
have been recommended for the condition. A 1% dilution
is safe and effective or contact a professional for
a suggested treatment. Suggested dilution for children
3 years and older is 1%. For example, 1 tsp of chosen
carrier oil and 1 drop of essential oil, this can be
halved for children under the age of 3.
In pregnancy there are many safe oils that when applied
correctly in massage or baths can relieve many discomforts
such as nausea and back pain. Extra care must be taken
with essential oil use during this time and it is advisable
to consult a professional aroma therapist or research
suggested use of oils.
Keep Essential Oils away from EYES and Mucous Membranes.
Do not use Essential oils directly on the eyes and in
compresses use at a low dilution.
If an essential oil gets into the eye area, do not rub
it.
Saturate a cotton ball with whole milk or vegetable
oil and apply to affected area or flush persistently
with tepid water for at least 10 minutes.
Steam inhalation should NOT be used by, or administered
to, Asthmatics.
If using Homeopathic it is best to check with your Doctor
when using Essential oils. Many oils are thought to
antidote this type of therapy, such as Black Pepper,
Peppermint and Eucalyptus.
Contamination of some essential oils may include pesticides
especially with expressed citrus oils. Adulteration
of essential oils may include synthetic compounds. Thus
there is a high potential that otherwise safe oil may
be toxic.
Overexposure to Essential oils, especially in confined
areas, could well produce symptoms of dizziness, nausea,
light headiness, headache, blood sugar imbalances, irritability,
euphoria. When exposed to high levels of essential oils
make sure to keep the room well ventilated.
When choosing to work with Essential oils for therapeutic
results it is advised to seek the counsel and guidance
of a trained professional Aroma therapist.
Remember ‘more’ is not necessarily ‘better’.
Larger doses, as well as proving a danger, may negate
the possible therapeutic effect that can be had from
a recommended dose. This is a ‘subtle’ therapy.
When using oils therapeutically over an extended period
it is advisable to take a break for 24 –48 hours
and drink plenty of water to aid in elimination of toxins.
Know the difference between a Fragrance oil and an Essential
oil. Certain oils do not exist in nature such as Honeysuckle.
Likewise many oils are highly adulterated, such as Melissa.
Some oils are diluted. Know what you are paying for.
As with other medications keep Essential oils out of
the reach of children and pets.
Oxygen, Heat and Light will all affect the validity
and potency of your Essential oil. Store Essential oils
is a cool, dark room and always keep your oils tightly
sealed.
How to do a proper skin patch test
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the area chosen
to apply your prepared scented or therapeutic massage
oil or pure Essential oil. Areas preferred are the crook
of your arm, your forearm or behind the earlobe. If
testing massage oil a small piece of gauze or cotton
is needed.
Apply a small amount of the massage oil to the forearm
area. Cover with your gauze or cotton. Leave for 24
hours, unless irritation is noticeable before, in which
case a cotton puff dipped well into whole milk or vegetable
oil and wiped over the area, will usually subside any
minor reaction. As well, thoroughly wash the area once
again with soap and water.
With a pure Essential oil you can merely place a small
drop in the crook of your arm, close your arm with a
hand to shoulder movement and wait 3-5 minute. If there
is any sign of stinging immediately use your saturated
cotton puff with milk or oil and follow with a thorough
washing to the area.
Internal use is not recommended by Essential Aura Aromatics.
IF AN ESSENTIAL OIL IS SWALLOWED:
Should ingestion of an Essential oil occur immediately
call your local Poison Control Center.
a.) Do not induce vomiting
b.) Do not give water if breathing or swallowing is
difficult.
c.) General rule is to wait for Poison Control to arrive.
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