Natural Living Articles - Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

 

Aromatherapy Cautions

Aromatherapy can be extremely powerful. For this reason it is important to adhere to the following guidelines. If you are unsure about any particulars, it is a good idea to contact a professional aromatherapist for further advice.

Because essential oils are so concentrated, always remember less is more. Sometimes a single drop is sufficient.

Do not apply pure essential oils directly to children’s skin – always use a carrier oil.

Not all essential oils are suitable for skin use – check the properties of each oil before using it – especially for oral intake or skin application (I recommend comparing at least 2 sources).

Keep out of reach of children and pets. While essential oils are very safe when used correctly, they are very concentrated and many should never be ingested. Better safe than sorry.

Citrus oils react with the sun – be sure to avoid applying topically if there is a chance your skin will be exposed to the sun within 6 hours after application

Use sparingly with young children. Children have a very highly developed sense of smell (babies can even identify their mothers by scent within just a few days of birth). Essential oils are generally not recommended for infants and it is best to use them only therapeutically for very young children.

Avoid direct sunlight or sunbed rays for 12 hours following use of Bergamot, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon or Tangerine.

Essential Oils are for external use only.

Dilute essential oils before using. Carrier oils such as Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Jojoba, or our own blend of Pure are recommended.

Keep essential oils away from eyes and ears (if you do get oil in your eyes, rinse with vegetable oil, not water!).

Consult an aromatherapist before use with epilepsy, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Keep out of sunlight and store in a cool place in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Cap tightly.

Oils to avoid during pregnancy:

Anise
Bay
Basil
Camphor
Caraway
Carrot
Cedarwood
Cinnamon
Clary Sage
Clove
Comfrey

 Cypress
Fennel
Hyssop
Jasmine
Juniper
Marjoram
Mugwort
Myrrh
Nutmeg
Oregano
Pennyroyal 		Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Sassafras
Tansy
Thuja
Thyme
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Yarrow

Oils to avoid in first trimester: Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Melissa, Rose

 

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