Take care and be safe
Health and Safety Guidance
When dealing with potent compounds, health and safety becomes of utmost importance.
Pure essential oils are so valuable in benefiting your general health, but they can be unsafe when not applied sensibly or by not taking care to follow guidance on the recommended strengths.
It is wise to educate yourself in all aspects of essential oil uses, therefore minimizing the risk it has for the user.
For example, there are some essential oils which cannot be used on the body in massage therapy due to the toxic, irritant or sensitizing properties. Using essential oils with anti-spasmodic properties whilst you are pregnant, can be a serious risk and should be avoided.
Here are some practical guidelines in the use of essential oils at home:
If pregnant, be aware of the anti-spasmodic properties of some essential oils. When used during the earlier stages of pregnancy, it may cause contraction, which could lead to premature delivery.
Always keep essential oils out of reach of children.
Essential oils should never be taken orally or internally unless advised by a qualified medical practitioner.
If you are taking prescription medication, be aware of the fact that some essentail oils can interfere with the medication. Seek advice before using the essential oils.
Take care not to get any essential oils into your eyes.
If orally ingested, rinse the mouth out with milk and seek medical attention immediately.
After using undiluted essential oils, make sure that you wash your hands.
When using essential oils it is advised not to consume alcohol.
Avoid exposure to the sun when using essential oils with sun sensitizing properties.
Always dilute essential oils with a favourable carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, always try applying a small amount of oil to a small test patch of skin to monitor any reaction that it may have.