Monday, July 1, 2013

Safety with essential oils

Most of my perfumes have a blending of several essential oils, and although my web site and Etsy shop list essential oils and their own sensitivity/pregnancy/allergy contraindications, I always like to keep you all as informed as I can :)
As always, allergy patch test your perfumes on a very small area of your arm, and leave it on for 24 hours before committing to applying a larger amount of your natural fragrances.


Here's a helpful list I thought you all might like:



ALLERGIES. People with skin allergies should do a test before extensive topical use of an oil. A good way is to put a small diluted amount on the inner side of the upper arm. The safest place to put essential oils is always the bottom of the feet.
FLAMABILITY. Some essential oils are flammable. Keep all essential oils away from fires, open flames, sparks, and electricity. Always remember to think of safety with essential oils.

BATH. All essential oils to be used in bath water should be mixed with a bath gel base or Epsom salts. Do not add them directly to the water. They will float on top of the water and this may cause skin irritation. Always Keep safety in mind.

EYES. All essential oils need to be kept away from the eyes. Do not even touch contact lenses. Be careful to not rub or touch your eyes when you have oils on your fingers. Essential oils will not do permanent damage to your eyes but will cause irritation - some may cause SEVERE irritation. Please be careful when using EO's.

EARS. Do not drip essential oils into ears. Be very cautious when applying oils on the ear that they do not drip or run into the ear. Essential oils may safely be used on the exterior of the ear using the Auricular Probe Technique.

TOUCHING. After using an essential oil, it will take approximately 20 minutes before all of the oil is absorbed into your skin. Please be careful with what you touch. You won't want to touch children, your face or other sensitive area, or go to the bathroom (especially MEN) within that time frame. Also be careful when touching objects - paint can be removed with essential oils and some plastics can begin to decompose. Just think about safety with essential oils first.

CHILDREN. Some essential oils should never be used on children 18 months and younger. And some shouldn't be used on children under 5 years! Remember, the safest place to put any essential oil is the bottom of the feet. Think - Safety with Essential Oils!

Do NOT use on children under 18 months of age: Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Citrus Hystrix (Combava or Limette), Lemongrass, Mountain Savory, Mugwort, Thyme.

Do NOT use on children under 5 years of age: Bergamot, Birch, Calamus, Idaho Tansy, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Tarragon, Wintergreen.
Back to Safety with Essential Oils List

PHOTOSENSITIVITY. Some essential oils are photosensitive, which means sensitive to sunlight. When these oils are applied to the skin they can cause a rash or burn when exposed to sunlight. It is recommended that you simply stay out of the sun (or UV rays) for a few days. If you apply these oils to your feet or somewhere under clothing, you will be fine. Be extra safe - If you have very fair skin and usually burn in the sun you may want to double these times.

Avoid sun exposure for 12 hours: Cumin, Tangerine, ImmuPower

Avoid sun exposure for for 24 hours: Angelica, Citrus Hystrix (Combava or Limette), Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange

Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours: Bergamot, White Angelica.

Avoid sun exposure for 72 hours: Lime.

ANTI-COAGULANTS. If you are taking anti-coagulant drugs these are the essential oils you should avoid: Birch, Clove, Ginger, Wintergreen.
EPILEPTICS. If you have epilepsy there are essential oils that you should avoid entirely and some you should use with caution.
Avoid: Basil, Birch, Hyssop, Idaho Tansy, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Wintergreen.

Use with Caution*: Dill, Fennel, Nutmeg.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. If you have high blood pressure you should avoid some essential oils and use others with caution.
Avoid: Hyssop.

Use with Caution*: Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Envision.

PREGNANCY. If you are pregnant there are oils that you should avoid and some you should use with caution.
Avoid: Basil, Birch, Calamus, Hyssop, Idaho Tansy, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Wintergreen.
Use with Caution*: Angelica, Cassia, Celery Seed, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus Dives, Fennel, Marjoram, Mugwort, Nutmeg, Peppermint.

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