|
|
|
 Please Be Cautious Pure essential oils come from the plants of the Earth, how they can be harmful?
The truth is all things in life are harmful, in one way or another. We learn how to make them safe for our use, in our daily life.
Carrier oils and essential oils can be harmful if not used properly. Carrier oils are not as hazardous as the essential oils, except maybe the nut oils, if the person has an allergy to nuts. But then anyone could have an allergy to any one of the oils, carrier, or essential oil. For that matter, I know of 2 women who happen to be allergic to chocolate. An allergic reaction can happen with any thing we use, eat or smell, at any point in our daily lives. Essential oils contain chemical constituents which can have an adverse effect if used incorrectly. No oil is completely safe for everyone.
Essential oils are “Natural” of the earth, and should be safe, right?
Wrong. Let’s think on this for a moment. How many of you have had a bad reaction to poison ivy, stinging nettles, alfalfa, or strawberries? You can bet that there will not be a lotion made with poison ivy, just because it’s Natural. If you know you’re allergic to nuts avoid oils made from nut plants. If you’re aware of an allergy it is easy to avoid all components of that allergy. To avoid a bad allergic reaction you should always try the oil out on a small spot of your skin, and wait 24 hours to see if you react. Better a small spot on your arm itchy and irritated then a whole body full of itching and irritation.
What to look for in responsible cautions when using therapeutic oils. - Some companies will alter the oils to make a larger profit then the oil would by itself. Sometimes the oil is blended with so many chemicals that the healing substances are depleted and useless. These oils are manipulated and cannot hold the natural healing substances as pure, unadulterated oils, and may be harmful. The best way to avoid a toxic reaction would be to use pure essential oils for aromatherapy.
- Be cautious when using essential oils on the skin. Essential oils should never be applied to the skin neat, (undiluted). Mix the essential oils with a carrier oil or lotion before applying to the skin. Diluting the oils for massage is simple. The one rule that seems to be ignored and miss understood is that you should always start small. You can always add more later. For a massage add 20 to 40 drops of essential oil to ¼ cup lotion, mix well. Dilute at least twice as much for children, under 16, and at least 4 times as much for smaller children. You should consult a qualified practitioner if you want to apply oils to an infant, or a pet.
- Do a skin test before applying topically. Dilute a small amount and apply to your inner arm and wait about 24 hours. Do not use if redness or irritation occurs. You can still use the oil by inhalation or diffuser to receive the benefit of it or try another one that has some of the same benefits. Or you can try diluting the oil even further.
- Never apply essential oils into the eyes or ears. Be sure to use caution, if you have an accident, use pure olive oil to dilute and rinse from the eyes. Any carrier will do for the skin, if you are experiencing an adverse reaction simply take any lotion, or carrier oil and rinse. Avoid rubbing in the rinsing agent. Dilute well and wash off. Do not rinse with water. Water will only enhance the oils ability to penetrate and push the oil deeper into sensitive tissues.
- ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTERNALLY! There are a few exceptions. One is peppermint oil. Put a drop of peppermint oil on the back of your hand and lick it. This will help relieve intestinal conditions. Use caution with this and do not over do it. There are other internal uses for essential oils, but the general rule is NEVER take them internally unless under the advice of your physician!
- Citrus oil can cause the skin to become photosensitive. Use caution and avoid sun exposure when using citrus essential oils. Photosensitivity will increase the chances of sunburn and other adverse reactions. Consider the use and the effects. If you live on the beach and spend a lot of time in the sun, you should find another oil, which is not affected by the sun, and can still give you what you need.
- If you are pregnant please do your research. Many essential oils have not been tested on pregnant women, and are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Most oils are safe for use, in moderation. Please check with a trained professional to be sure before using an oil. There are some oils that can cause premature labor. One oil that has been considered safe for use during pregnancy is Lavender oil--safe to use in diluted form, and in moderation, and NEVER internally.
- Avoid these oils if you have high blood pressure (hypertension): Hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme.
- Avoid these sedating oils if you have low blood pressure: Clary Sage, Ylang-Ylang and lavender.
- Avoid these oils if you have epilepsy: Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, and all types of Sage.
- Keep all essential oils closed tightly, in dark cool cabinets away from children. Ingestion of essential oils by children can lead to death.
- When using essential oils, discontinue if you experience redness, burning, itching, or any kind of irritation. Either you have not diluted the oil correctly, or you are allergic. Rinse with a carrier oil, to help alleviate the burning or itching. Do not wash with water.
- Essential oils are FLAMMABLE under most conditions. Do not drop oils onto a lit candle, or place near an open flame. Use caution when adding drops to the candle. Burn a candle for a few minutes. Extinguish the flame, and then add 2 to 4 drops of essential oil to the melted wax. Relight the candle.
- To add essential oils to a bath, dilute well. Essential oils do not mix well with water. The oil will stay at the top and can irritate the skin. Warm water allows the oils to absorb deeper into the skin. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil, or bath gel to dispense the oil evenly throughout the water. Do not use more that 6 to 10 drops of essential oil to the bath water. Enjoy your bath.
- Even though essential oils are expensive, they go a long way. Start small and add if needed. By being responsible with the oils and following the directions and being aware of the cautions you will be able to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. Remember to research each essential oil independently. Each oil has a life of its own. Oils can be mixed to get richer scents, and combined benefits. Be careful and enjoy the benefits of essential oils.
|
|
|
|
|
|