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Safety
Guidelines
Please take a moment to read through these points in order to get the best out of your oils and to avoid any unnecessary risks.... |
Safety Guidelines
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and, as such, should be treated with respect. The following guidelines are important.
- Make sure you use only pure, high quality and unadulterated oils.
- Never use essential oils neat on the skin unless you are professionally advised to do so (e.g. lavender can be used in first aid).
- When blending essential oils with a carrier oil, always stick to a maximum two or three per cent dilution for a body massage and a one and a half per cent dilution for the face.
- For children under the age of seven, only lavender should be used.
- Always use the recommended skin test before you try any essential oil for the first time.
- Do not use essential oils every day and do not use the same one consistently
- Keep essential oils out of children's reach and away from your eyes.
- Never take the oils internally
- Never use essential oils in place of prescribed medication.
Massage
- Do not massage over rent scar tissue or skin infections; if there are cardiovascular problems; or cancer.
- Massage only lightly over varicose veins, the abdomen during pregnancy, or the first three days of a period. Halve the recommended dilutions and avoid the following oils: clary sage, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose, rosemary.
- The following oils may irritate a sensitive skin: ginger, lemon, rosemary, pine, benzoin (if it is not pure).
- Do not sunbathe or use an ultraviolet lamp for at least 24 hours after using any of the citrus oils, especially bergamot.
Trying a Skin Test
This is very important if you are not sure how your skin will react to a strong fragrance. It is also a good test if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions.
Dilute one drop of oil into 5ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil. Rub a little onto the inside of your elbow and leave for 24 hours. If there is any reaction, do not use that oil. The same procedure applies to carrier oils if you are not sure about them.
Storage
If you follow these simple guidelines, your oils (except for the citrus) will have a shelf-life of approximately two years.
- Keep oils in amber glass bottles
- Store at room temperature and out of strong sunlight
- Buy in small amounts
- Keep oils tightly capped and do not open too frequently
- Check all citrus oils after three months and replace after no more than six months.
