Essential oils are very powerful substances and any essential oil will be 100 times more concentrated than the plant on its natural form. Here you will find some advices on how to use them safely:
- Never take them internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally with a prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapist.
- Keep them away from children. Treat essential oils like medicines.
- Never use essential oils undiluted on the skin. Always mix them with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil. There are two exceptions: lavender (used for minor cuts, minor burns and insect bites) and tea tree (minor cuts and insect bites). However, cases of severe sensitivity could still occur, be cautious!
- Cases of allergy: Some essential oils can cause allergy reactions in some individuals. If this happens to you, wash the affected area with an unscented soap and after that apply a carrier oil, like grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil.
- Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, or by those with asthma, high blood pressure, heart conditions, epilepsy, kidney and liver disease and other health conditions. Please seek advice of a qualified aromatherapist.
Essential oils should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy. After this period, all massage blends should contain half of the normal dosis.
Essential oils to be avoided during pregnancy: Rosemary, Spanish Sage, Myrrh, Yarrow, Fennel, Juniper, Basil, Angelica, Jasmine Absolute.
Recommended essential oils during pregnancy:
Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Geranium, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Otto Rose, Mandarin, Neroli.
Babies and infants
Essential oils should only be used on babies during massage or bath from the third month on. The recommended essential oils for babies and children up to 2 years old are: Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli and Rose Otto.
Source: Harding, Jennie, Aceites Esenciales, 2008 Art Blume
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