ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY

There can be fear when trying something new - especially when there seems to be so much conflicting information. Who do you believe? Are essential oils really safe to use? How do I use my essential oil safely? I hope to clear up some of the confusion for you, so hopefully, by the end of this post, you will know the key information to understand about using essential oils safely.

Essential Oil Safety

First, lets look over my disclaimer: 
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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. Some essential oils can make you sun sensitive. 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. 

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You will see in this disclaimer a few reasons why some might think that essential oils are unsafe. Lets go through and touch on the most important things to know about using essential oils, and address them here.

SNAKE OIL SALESMEN: The cure-all statements, unsubstanciated medical claims, and downright dangerous suggestions on the internet means we should all be aware of the source of information, as well as the source of a product these days. If you do your own research, you won't be deceived by second-rate products or false and misleading information. 

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH: As with much in this information age, it's important to do your own research. Essential oils are wonderful for restoring skin tone, to balance emotions, to make homemade, chemical-free natural products, and much more. For me, the little bit of research required to use these beneficial oils in my life is well worth it. The danger comes in when using a sub-standard product, in an inappropriate way.

ON MEDICATION / MEDICAL CONDITIONS: 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 Essential Oils prior to using an Essential Oil. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about ​potential interactions between the medication(s) and the essential oil(s). Consult a health professional about your personal situation, especially about any serious disease or injury. DO NOT attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for conditions that require professional attention.

PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING WOMEN: 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 Essential Oil 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.

FOR CHILDREN: Can essential oils be used on children? – Many Essential Oils are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some of our 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 Essential Oils, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. One or two drops of Essential Oils such as RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet. Keep your oils up high in a safe place where little ones can't reach.

SUN EXPOSURE: How does exposure to sun affect essential oil use? – Some Essential Oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. All of our essential oils 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. Our beauty and cosmetic products are formulated to remove sun-sensitising agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity.

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)

ABOUT DILUTION/MISUSE: Pure essential oils come in a highly concentrated form. This means use "a drop at a time." (These oils last for a long time due to this concentration!) If you understand that these oils are a concentrate, you can avoid the usual mistakes, such as the misuse of "hot oils." These hot oils are concentrates that feel like burning to sensitive skin if applied undiluted. All that is required is to dilute, dilute, dilute. One drop is really all you need, to a half a cup of carrier oil (vegetable, olive, coconut etc..) before use in massage for example. If this whole topic scares you, and you are wanting to start slow with essential oils to see whether it is for you or not, we recommend essential oils diffusers that mist the diluted oils into the air.

FOR PETS: High quality essential oils, of the correct variety, in the correct dose, are good to use for pets. It is important, however, to know which oils for which pets. Some essential oils are unsuitable for use for cats, for example, as they lack an enzyme in their liver to eliminate these particular oil varieties from their system, and so this can cause poisoning. If in doubt, use essential oil products that have been especially created for your fur baby, such as this Natural for Animals range, or use oils around your home in a diffuser. Do not apply essential oils undiluted directly to your pets skin. 

ABOUT QUALITY: Not all essential oils are created equal. We do not recommend using sub-standard essential oils, as they are not the same product, and will not produce the same results. You want a pure essential oil, from a sustainable source. Check your sources. It is our personal recommendation to avoid synthetic essential oils, and cheap essential oils as they can be unsafe to use on skin. Our essential oils are pure, from sustainable sources, and safe to use on skin and we even have products that are good enough to eat!

I hope this clears up a few questions you may have had about the safety of essential oils. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it covers the main points of using essential oils safely. If you have any questions regarding essential oils and their use, feel free to ask via our contact page.