You might think that because essential oils are natural, they couldn’t possibly be harmful. But just like any medicine, essential oils can be harmful if they are not used carefully or properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences. Do not use them undiluted on the skin. Mix a drop or two of your desired essential oil into a carrier oil or lotion.
2. Do not take essential oils internally. They are not food! They are not drink additives! They are for external use only.
3. Be sparing with your use of essential oils. They are highly concentrated, so one drop may be enough. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. As a good rule of thumb… two ounces of carrier oil or lotion will be sufficiently fragrant with just ONE drop of essential oil!
4. When trying an oil for the first time, do a “patch test”. Mix up your essential oil and carrier oil, then place a small amount on your skin. (The inside of your elbow is a good one, so nobody will see it if you DO have an allergic reaction!) Wait twenty-four hours. If there’s no reaction, you’re good to go. You really should patch test all your essential oils before use.
5. Don’t let children play with essential oils without supervision. They smell so tempting (especially the citrus scents) but you don’t want your little ones to take a taste!
6. Don’t use citrus essential oils on your skin before tanning or spending extended time in the sun. Citrus essential oils can make your skin extra-susceptible to burns.
7. There are essential oils out there that shouldn’t be used in aromatherapy. Avoid wormwood, pennyroyal, camphor, mustard, horseradish, rue, and sassafras, among others. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular oil is appropriate for use in aromatherapy, ask a professional!
8. Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, or by people with certain health conditions. Think of your essential oils as medicines, and ask your doctor before starting any aromatherapy if you suffer from asthma, epilepsy, or other health conditions.
9. Essential oils are flammable. Keep them away from fire hazards!