Amateurs Beware – These Essential Oils Should Not Be Used »

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Amateurs Beware – These Essential Oils Should Not Be Used

Saturday, January 10th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Essential oils are aromatherapy tools that have been shown to have benefits for some people. However, if you do not know what you are doing they can be potentially dangerous. Here are some things to know about using essential oils safely.

First, it is important to understand that essential oils are very potent, as they tend to be extremely concentrated. Undiluted oils should not be applied directly to the skin as they can cause a burn. They are also absorbed through your skin, so applying too much could result in an overdose.

As with all drugs and herbs, essential oils should be stored out of the reach of children. Accidental ingestion could be toxic, as could be the effects of absorbing the oils through the skin. Store essential oils in childproofed cabinets well out of your child’s reach.

Be cautious to not get any of the oils in your mucous membranes. Always wash your hands thoroughly after use. You might also consider getting disposable latex gloves for when you are working with pure essential oils to avoid getting any in contact with your skin.

Essential oils are not designed to be taken internally. Even a small dosage could be toxic or fatal if ingested. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact your poison control center immediately. Make sure that all bottles are placed well out of reach of children and pets and are properly labeled to avoid confusion.

Before using a new essential oil, you should do a patch test for allergies. Aromatherapy products, such as lotions and creams, can be tested by applying a small amount to your arm. When working with pure essential oils dilute them by mixing one drop with ½ tsp of vegetable oil and apply to your arm. With either test, if the area where you applied the oil turns red, burns, or becomes itchy, you may have an allergy. You should wash the area thoroughly and discontinue use of the product.

Overuse of essential oils can have side effects as well, the most common being headaches and/or dizziness. Be careful not to exceed the recommended amounts. If you are making your own products such as lotions, candles, or bath salts do your work in a well-ventilated area, and take frequent breaks to go out for fresh air.

Different lifestyles and health conditions can be affected by essential oils as well. If you are concerned at all about interactions, speak with your primary care doctor.

If you like to tan, avoid oils that increase your sensitivity to sun. These include citrus oils such as bergamot oil and grapefruit oil.

If you have liver or kidney disease, always speak with your doctor prior to using essential oils. The oils that are absorbed into the skin make their way to the bloodstream, where they are cleared from your body by the liver and kidneys. If you use essential oils frequently, or if you already have compromised liver and/or kidney function, this can cause damage to these organs.

Some medications may also interact with essential oils. Particularly true is the case of sleeping pills or sedatives. These can react with essential oils that are designed to relax, such as chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. Always check with your doctor about possible interactions prior to use.

Another concern is if you use aromatherapy oils around pets. Some essential can be toxic and even fatal if a dog or cat ingests them. Since most pets are much smaller than their human counterparts, even a small dosage can be lethal. Read all labels and store all products well out of the reach of your family companion.

If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy

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