Are Essential Oils Safe?

What You Should Know About Our​ Essential Oils

Our essential oils are labelled as cosmetics by the Therapeutic Goods Administration Australia. This is why you will not find any medical or therapeutic claims on this website in regards to our essential oils. We are unable to make these claims, and can be heavily fined if we do so. We believe this is for your safety, and ours.
We highly recommend doing your own research when it comes to using essential oils for therapeutic use.    

Basic Knowledge about Essential Oils

Not all essential oils are created equal, and you will get what you pay for. 
Make sure your pure, high quality essential oils come from a reputable supplier.
They should have no added fillers or synthetics.They should be sourced from an ethical, sustainable source. Just 100% pure essential oil as the only ingredient.


Essential oils are a highly concentrated form of herb or spice,
so it's important to dilute them with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) if applying to the skin.
This means a little goes a long way, you won't need more than a couple of drops at a time. 
Yep, just two drops. Also as with anything new, patch test first.  

​
If you are a bit nervous, and would like to "start slow"with essential oils, 
We recommend essential oil diffusers as a pleasant way to enjoy the benefits of your oils, without the concern of using them the "wrong" way, as they are dispersed into the air in very tiny particles, and can be used safely around pets when used this way.
We also stock ready-to-use massage oil blends that have been pre-diluted for you.
We hope you enjoy a long and happy relationship with these amazing essential oils.

Where to apply ESSENTIAL OILS on your body...

Where do I use essential oils infographic The Oil House
Where do I use essential oils?

Why are essential oils so expensive?

Some oils take more botanicals to produce the pure oil.
Rose oil for example has twenty-two pounds of rose petals distilled to make a 5ml bottle!
Long story short though, you get what you pay for. Our essential oils have been overseen from the very beginning: From the seeds planted on the farm, distilled from sustainably sourced botanicals, quality tested in independent labs, with the final pristine product sealed in the bottle. This way you know you are getting the best quality essential oil available.
​ We believe in keeping the quality of our essential oils to the highest standards, especially as you may be using them for topical use.

Disclaimer:

The information contained on this website should be considered as general in nature, and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or condition.  We recommend doing your own research before using essential oils. Some essential oils are not suitable for those on medication, with medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Please consult your healthcare professional for advice that is relevant to you personally.We do not take any responsibility for the misuse of essential oils. Please keep essential oils out of the reach of children and pets. We recommend you always dilute your essential oils before use.

FAQ's

Abbreviations:  YL - Young Living   EO - Essential Oils
What if I experience skin discomfort or irritation? – If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the EO, and apply V-6 vegetable oil or other carrier oil to the affected area. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off the skin, as this may increase discomfort.

If a rash occurs this may be a sign of detoxification; drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of body toxins. Toxins present in petrochemical based soaps and skin care products, detergents and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider discontinuation of these agents if a reaction occurs. Before using the EO again, perform a patch test and dilute with carrier oil as needed.

Water drives oil into the skin and the eyes. If EO gets in your eye, flush with V-6 carrier oil or other carrier oil such as olive oil to alleviate any discomfort. Discomfort should be alleviated within minutes. If eye discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, please seek medical attention. Be aware that some documents suggest diluting the oil with water. YL suggests that you dilute with carrier oil to ensure that discomfort is alleviated as quickly as possible. 

Can essential oils be applied to sensitive areas? – YL recommends that you avoid contact with EOs and sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals and mucous membranes. If you choose to use the oil in any sensitive area, dilute 1 drop of the essential oil to 5-10 drops of V-6 carrier oil.

How often can essential oils be applied? How much do I use? – Proper usage is indicated on each EO label. Please follow label instructions. The idea of “if a little is good, a lot is better” is not always correct. Essential oils are very potent and powerful– start low and go slow. In most cases 1-2 drops are adequate and using more may waste product. Depending on the EO you can gradually build up to 3-4 uses per day if desired. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions. 

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding? – As with any medical condition it is strongly recommended that, prior to use of essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in EO usage. It is generally recommended to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils.

Can essential oils be used on children? – Many EOs are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some YL products are pre-diluted with carrier oil as indicated on product label and are intended for direct application on children. Children generally respond well to EO, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. One-2 drops of EO such as RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet. See our Essential Oils for Children range.

How does exposure to sun affect essential oil use? – Some EOs, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. All YL EOs and oil blends that contain these compounds are labeled with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying. Caution should always be used when starting to use a new oil: use patch testing (see above), dilute and apply the oil to skin that is protected from sun/UV exposure to reduce the risk of sensitivity. YL beauty and cosmetic products are formulated to remove sun-sensitising agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.

What about the use of essential oils if I have a medical condition? Can essential oils interact with prescription medications? – If you have a disease or medical condition, or if you are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that you consult with a health advisor who has experience with EOs prior to using an EO. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between the medication(s) and the essential oil(s).

​What is a hot oil? – “Hot oils” are oils that, when applied to the skin, can cause a hot or burning sensation. YL recommends using a patch test procedure prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of EO to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1-2 hours for any noticeable reaction; usually reactions occur within 5-10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or if you develop a rash, add V-6 carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Examples of “hot” oils include cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, oregano, thyme,  and Thieves.


Safety Guidelines

Our supplier, Young Living essential oils,  are cultivated to be as pure and potent as possible. We strongly recommend that you read individual label instructions and the following guidelines to ensure safe use of essential oils:
  • The orifice located in the oil bottle opening helps you follow correct dosages. It also helps prevent small children from accidentally swallowing large amounts of essential oil. If you suspect that a child has consumed a large quantity of oil, give them milk and seek medical advice.
  • Seek the advice of a health professional before topically applying any red-drop oils to children (see application chart).
  • When applying a new oil, test 1 drop on a small patch of skin first (e.g. on the underside of the forearm). Skin sensitivity is highly individual. If the skin feels hot or turns red, apply a vegetable oil (V-6™ or olive) to the area to dilute and follow dilution instructions on the bottle for future uses. Washing the area with water is less effective.
  • Use only 1 new oil at a time to determine how your body responds. Wait 30 minutes before applying another new oil.
  • Certain oils may sting the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oil residue on the fingers may damage contact lenses or cause eye discomfort. If accidental stinging does occur, put 1–2 drops of pure vegetable oil into the eye.
  • Avoid putting essential oils directly into the ears.
  • Pure citrus oils may compound the effects of sun exposure. Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for up to 12 hours (up to 24 hours for angelica and lime; up to 48 hours for bergamot) after applying these undiluted essential oils to the skin (see orange-dot oils on the application chart).
  • Cosmetics, personal-care products or cleansers with synthetic ingredients penetrate the dermal layers of the skin. Avoid applying essential oils to areas that you use these products, as it may take these chemicals deeper into skin, fatty tissue or the bloodstream.
  • Avoid using essential oils on skin that has been damaged or affected by chemical burns.
  • When adding essential oils to a bath, first mix 5–10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of Young Living Bath & Shower Gel Base or Epsom salt and then add to running water.
  • Limit the diffusion of unfamiliar essential oils to 10 minutes/day, increasing the time after determining their effects. The length of time should depend on the size of the room and potency of the oils (see application chart).
  • See individual label directions or check with a health professional before using essential oils if you have a serious medical condition or are pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant. DO NOT use wild tansy, clary sage, sage, fennel, wintergreen or hyssop during pregnancy.
  • Consult a health professional about any serious disease or injury. DO NOT attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for conditions that require professional attention.

Why the Controversy & Confusion over Essential Oils?

A lack of knowledge, misinformation, and misuse of essential oils has led to fear, controversy, and confusion surrounding the safety of essential oils. Despite this, we, and many others, continue to love and use high-quality essential oils for their multiple benefits. We cannot speak to the safety of other brands, or cheap "essential oils" which may contain fillers or synthetics.​ We do not recommend use of such oils, especially if applying to the skin. As stated above, we highly recommend you look for quality brands selling 100% pure essential oils.
​We hope the information above has put your mind at ease.
​Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.