 | Read labels carefully and completely before using any essential oil. |
| Always keep essential oils out of reach of children. If a child swallows one, give them milk, honey or some other safe, oil-soluble liquid. You might also want to call your Poison control center or see a doctor. The latter is probably being too careful, but do you want to take a chance? |
| Keep all lids tightly closed. |
| Before using any essential oil in any fashion, first do a skin test to make sure you’re not sensitive or allergic to it. |
| Therapeutic-grade essential oils are usually used undiluted but skin testing is still essential because everyone’s skin is different and might be more sensitive then someone else’s. From my own personal experience, I know that certain oils will be fine one day and the next might produce a little heat or redness that means it needs to be diluted with a moisturizer or carrier oil. Most essential oils can usually be applied safely to the bottom of your feet without causing irritation. |
| To do a skin test: Place a drop on the inside of the elbow or wrist. Wait 20 minutes to a half an hour and check the spot. If there's no sign or redness or irritation, you should be fine. If just a small amount of heat or redness forms, you might just be a little sensitive, in which case diluting the oil with a carrier oil or lotion should solve the problem. If any bumps or irritation occurs, you may be allergic to the oil so act accordingly. |
| Do not use water to try to dilute an irritating oil on your skin. Water will just spread the oil further. Instead, apply a carrier oil of some type (vegetable oil will work in a pinch but I’ve also used lotions and moisturizers that I know didn’t irritate my skin). |
| Keep oils away from your eyes, ears and mucous membranes. If you get a drop of oil in your eye, use a drop of vegetable oil to dilute it. Washing your eye out with water will not help. |
| After using oils, especially oils that can be strong such as clove or thyme, make sure your hands are completely clean of the oils before rubbing your eyes. |
| It’s also wise to skin test if you switch brands because many "pure oils" are really diluted or may have been extracted using solvents that can irritate your skin or may have chemical components that irritate you. |
| It's possible to be allergic to a carrier oil as well. |
| Never use an oil marked for external use internally. If you don’t know if an oil is approved for internal use (some Young Living oils are FDA approved for internal use or are designated "GRAS" by the FDA, which means "generally regarded as safe."). |
| Do not take oils internally without the supervision of a health professional who understands how they work. |
| Certain oils, such as citrus oils, can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Always wear a sunscreen after using photosensitive oils on your skin (or use the oils in a spot that won’t be exposed to the sun). Photosensitivity can last up to 72 hours. |
| Do not use essential oils when pregnant without the supervision of a health professional. Pregnant women should especially avoid oils with constituents that mimic hormone activity, such as clary sage, sage and fennel. Idaho tansy should also be avoided. |
| Use caution when using oils on babies and the elderly. They tend to be more sensitive so the products might need to be diluted more then usual or you might have to substitute something else. They also might be too strong in general. |
| Do not use oils while taking medication without the supervision of a health care professional who understands the use of essential oils. |
| Use caution when using oils with animals. Small dogs and cats can especially be very sensitive to essential oils. |
| It's usually a good idea to first mix oils intended for a bath with a dispersing agent, such as Bath Gel Base or a mixture of bath salts. |
