Essential oils are highly concentrated versions of plants. You only need to use a very small amount to get results. You must use them with care and closely follow their guidelines. Read on to learn how to safely use essential oils at home.
Dilution
Dilute your essential oils. Be it in a carrier oil for use on the skin, for inhalation via an oil burner, or in water for diffusion.
A safe use of essential oil is in a carrier oil. Use almond oil with essential oil on the skin in a 3-5% solution. That is 3-5 drops per 5ml of carrier oil. Not only is a carrier oil useful in spreading the essential oil around, they protect the skin from irritation and reduce risk of allergic reaction.
Sun Sensitivity
Sun sensitivity (phytotoxicity) occurs when certain essential oils are used on the skin and exposed to direct sunlight. These oils cause the skin to be more sensitive to ultra violet – light, increasing the risk of skin burn and damage. Safety guidelines suggest waiting a full 24 hours after using phyotosensitizing oils before spending time in direct sunlight.
Essential oils that may cause sun sensitivity include; angelica, bergamot, bitter orange (cold pressed), cumin, dill, grapefruit (cold pressed), lemon (cold pressed as well as distilled), lemon verbena, lime (cold pressed as well as distilled), orange, mandarin, tagetes, tangerine (cold pressed) and yuzu.
Inhalation or diffusion?
Inhalation or diffusion are safe ways to use essential oils. A good way to treat respiratory issues is with inhalation, while mood disorders can benefit from diffusion. Use inhalation or diffusion in a well ventilated area. If you can smell the oil your room it is not well ventilated enough. Therefore you’re putting your respiratory system at risk of irritation. Good oils for inhalation or diffusion include; cedarwood, fir, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, spearmint, tangerine and are generally safe to use with children or pets in the room.
Essential oils that must to be diffused with caution are; bay, cinnamon bark or leaf, clove bud or leaf, lemongrass, peppermint, and thyme.
When diffusing, use the oil for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Using for longer does not increase the benefits but may cause undue pressure on the nervous system.
Can I Safely Use Essential Oils in Food?
Due to their potency essential oils should not be ingested. You should never orally ingest or use camphor, eucalyptus, nutmeg, sage, and wintergreen oils internally due to health risks.
Precautions
A lot of oils also have their own precautions, side effects and contraindications. You should take care with each oil individually.
For example; cinnamon, if applied without diluting or ingested, can cause mucous membrane irritation, contact dermatitis, facial flushing, double vision, nausea, and vomiting. Nutmeg may cause a rash or a burn if applied topically. It can also cause hallucinations and even coma when ingested in high concentrations. When applied topically, tea tree can cause rash or irritation. If swallowed, it can cause loss of muscle coordination and confusion. Ingestion may also affect hormones in prepubescent males.
Safe Use of Essential Oils During Pregnancy
Use essential oils with great care during pregnancy or under professional supervision. Some believe that the oil can cross the placental barrier and harm the fetus. However, most pregnant women develop a layer of fat to protect the placenta and the baby.
Do not use any oils on the body in the first trimester. Use a diffusion or inhalation instead. In the second and third trimesters, essential oils can be used in diluted form on the body; as an inhalation or diffusion; in baths or as a compress, particularly during labour.
Oils that may be beneficial and safe during pregnancy include; chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, rose, orange and tea tree oil.
Oils not recommended during pregnancy, labor or breastfeeding include; camphor, parsley seed, hyssop, pennyroyal, tarragon, wintergreen, and wormwood.
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