Essential Oil Safety

I decided to start my blog off with essential oil remedies, since I use essential oils more than anything else. I was going to dive right into the remedies, but then I heard one of my old teachers in my head saying "safety first"... so here we go with the safety lesson.

Do not eat/drink them!
The most important thing about essential oils is they are never for internal use. Don't put them in your mouth. They are highly concentrated and could cause internal damage. If someone does ingest essential oils, go get medical help.

Dilute.
When applying essential oils to your skin, you should always dilute them in a carrier oil such as sweet almond (if you're not allergic to nuts) or grapeseed oil. Lavender and tea tree can be used undiluted for certain purposes if you don't have sensitive skin.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding...
The safest thing to do would be to contact a specialist before using any essential oils. Always use half of the usual amount of oil and use gentler oils (usually fruit and flower oils) if you can.

Children
Children over 10 can have the same amount as adults. Children aged 2-10 should have half the amount. Most essential oils aren't safe for children under 2.

Elderly
As we age, our skin gets more delicate. Half the amount of oil should be used on elderly skin.

Citrus and Sunshine don't mix
When applying citrus oils to your skin, avoid direct sunlight (as well as tanning beds) for at least 12 hours. Any citrus oil might cause a skin reaction when exposed to UV light.

Heath conditions
People with high blood pressure should avoid certain oils, such as rosemary, which is very stimulating and could worsen high blood pressure. Stimulating oils also shouldn't be used if you are epileptic - and no one should ever try to apply essential oils during a seizure. If you have asthma, avoid inhalations with essential oils.