Safety Guidelines to Use Essential Oils

Start gradually using only one oil at a time to find what works best for you and your family members.

Guidelines for Safe Use

• Have a bottle of pure vegetable oil handy when using essential oils. Apply the vegetable oil over the essential to dilute it and relieve any discomfort or skin irritation. (Do not use water as it would only increase the discomfort.)
• Essential oils rich in menthol (as is peppermint) should not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of age.
• Some oils are photosensitive and may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 3-4 days after application. Photosensitive oils include angelica, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange, tangerine, and other citrus oils.
• Keep essential oils away from eyes. Be careful not to touch near the eyes nor contact lenses after handling oils.
• Pregnant women, epileptics and those with high blood pressure should consult a health care professional before starting any type of health program.
• Those with high blood pressure should avoid using sage and rosemary.
• If using an oil for the first time, test a small amount on sensitive skin to check for allergies. Allow half an hour before applying to a large area. The bottom of the feet is one of the safest, most effective places to use essential oils.
• To use in a bath, dilute the essential oil first or use with Epsom salt.
• Some essential oils are potentially flammable, caution is advised.
• Avoid applying essential oils on skin that has been exposed to cosmetics, and products containing synthetic chemicals. The essential oils may react with the chemicals and cause irritation, or other effects. Essential oils can also react with toxins built up in the body. If you experience a reaction temporarily discontinue use of the essential oils and start an internal cleansing program before resuming regular use of essential oils. Your water intake should be the same number in ounces, as your weight in pounds divided by two.
  (If you weigh 120 pounds, divide by 2 = 60 ounces you should drink of pure water per day. You can purify a quart of water by adding 2 drops of lemon essential oil.)
• If your body pH is very acidic you may have a negative reaction to the oils. 
• Treat essential oils with respect as any product for therapeutic use, and keep them out of the reach of children. 
• Keep bottles of essential oil tightly closed in a cool location away from light to maintain their potency for many years.