You have heard me talk about essential oils so many times on my blog. This is because I am very passionate about them and what they have done to change the way I clean, live and take care of myself. However, essential oils can be used wrong and can be even dangerous if used in an incorrect manner. Here are some things to keep in mind when using essential oils.
Essential Oil Safety Tips
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Because of this, you don’t need much to get the job done. And you should also not use them directly on places like your face or even you skin on any part of your body, undiluted. Doing so can cause major skin irritation that can lead to serious skin problems. This is especially something to watch for when you are thinking of using essential oils on infants or young children. Their skin is so, so sensitive and it can have very serious effects on them.
Take only certain essential oils internally and only under the advisement of an experienced herbalist, naturapath or aromatherapist. Because essential oils are so concentrated, they can also cause issues for your liver or be too harsh on your body if you take them too much or too often. This is not to say that you should never do it, but rather that you should seek a professional opinion on the matter before you do so.
Know that some essential oils can make you more sensitive to the sun, even in low sun conditions. Some essential oils like those derived from citrus, especially, can make your skin very sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays. If you use one on your face or another part of your body that won’t be covered by clothing and intend to go outside, make sure to wait at least an hour after applying before doing so to help avoid a nasty burn.
Not all essential oils are created equal. Make sure to check with the company and on reviews to find out about the brand’s purity. An impure oil is more likely to give you adverse effects.
Use extra caution on applying essential oils to red, inflamed or broken skin. You may make it worse. Never apply it directly without a carrier oil such as coconut. Always ask a professional which to use and how often to use it. They can also give you the correct dilutions.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. Just like with many household things such as medications, cleaners and chemicals, essential oils must be kept away from children and our furry friends.
Check with a professional before using any essential oils if you are pregnant. As with medications and other outside elements pregnant women should avoid, there are some cautions they should also take with essential oils as well.
One last thing; This post is not to replace talking to a professional, naturapath, herbalist, doctor or aromatherapist. This post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose any ailments or health conditions. Please play it safe and speak with a professional regarding use of essential oils.
Those are some great tips. I use essential oils for natural cleaning.
Thank you for this post it is so informative, I think we all too crazed about essential oils that we forgetting even the best medicines on the market are poisonous at the right dose.
Myrabev recently posted..Mother’s Day Competition with ToxicFox
Great tips. I don’t have any EO yet as my bird is sensitive to smells and things I use so I have to be careful, but I want to try some at some point!
this is really good to know! i would never put it directly on my face, but i feel like i’ve put some on my hands and arms before undiluted. had no idea they were that potent.
Local Adventurer (Las Vegas Blog) recently posted..The President Tree – Third Largest Tree in the World
Thanks for all the tips! I’ve seen lots of articles about how great they are for you but haven’t seen a lot of cautionary warnings. It could be so dangerous to misuse them!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition recently posted..30 Days of Free Yoga
I love essential oils. I have a few. Am looking forward to trying more different. There are so many uses for them.
These are some wonderful tips. Sure am glad you shared them. See now I didn’t know that some of these you need to keep them away from kids I understand, but pets too huh? Thanks much.
XmasDolly recently posted..Show Off Tuesdays! Give-Aways & Reviews!
You got some great tips. I hardly use essential oils but I love them. Whenever we travel, I try to purchase one.
Shaney Vijendranath recently posted..Instant Style – 5 ways
These are great tips for essential oils. I have not tried them out yet they sound amazing.
This is good to know. I haven’t really tried them too much yet, so I like learning about them.
I was just speaking to someone about this other day! Apparently, there’s a place you can ‘make’ your own that also suggests ingesting essential oils!!!! Seriously?!
Thank you for the great information about Essential oils, me and my wife uses this everyday. My mother loves it too.
Manu Kalia recently posted..Shoulder Hand Behind Back Mobility
I’ve never used essential oils, but when I do try them I’ll need to remember these tips!
Great tips! I love essential oils and use them for everything but am forgetful about putting them away..
Alyssa C recently posted..Jackpot Candles Review/Giveaway♥
This is a lot of good information. I don’t use essential oils very often, but I honestly had not thought about any safety tips. Good to know these things.
Penny Struebig recently posted..Thinking Out Loud Thursday - February 19, 2024
It seems like everyone is talking about and selling essential oils. Thanks for the tips though.
Notorious Spinks recently posted..Six Tips To Stay Heart Healthy
I love essential oils and it so important to create this type of awareness for people that are new to essential oils. I heard of a blogger recommending her readers to put 8 drops of lemon essential oil on their water 3 times a day. That’s crazy! We need more responsible bloggers like you.
Leslie recently posted..My First Wordless Wednesday (with Linky): Tutus, Bubbles & NYC Art
Wow, there’s so much everyone should know about essential oils! Thanks for raising awareness about it, Christine!
Btw, I just followed you onBloglovin and Twitter 🙂
xoxo
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