Here are some recommendations for using essential oils, and warnings...
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Guidelines for Essential Oils
* Essential oils are very concentrated. Their safe use requires they be treated
with care and respect. The user should be knowledgeable about their properties
and actions before any use. Most personal applications require drops rather than
ounces.
* Keep oils out of reach of children and away from pets. Please do not ingest by
mouth. Because of the potency of certain essential oils, proceed carefully and
with guidance from a trained aromatherapist if any of the following situations
exist: pregnancy, high blood pressure, epilepsy, open wounds, diabetes, rashes,
neurological disorders, or if taking prescription medications or homeopathic
remedies.
* Undiluted pure essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. For
application to the skin, dilute in a pure vegetable carrier oil, such as almond,
grapeseed or jojoba. For full-body and foot baths, dilute the oils in water.
Special care is advised when using essential oils which heighten skin
sensitivity to ultraviolet light. These oils include angelica, verbena and
citrus oils such as bergamot, bitter orange, lemon and lime. Avoid exposure to
ultraviolet rays for a minimum of four hours following application of
photosensitive essential oils.
* Check this site for specific precautions about each essential oil. Essential
oils have different levels of potency. The more potent the oil, the smaller the
quantity used. Sage, fennel, hyssop and wintergreen are relatively more potent
than most oils; rose, lavender and chamomile are relatively mild. Most essential
oils are safe and nontoxic when proper dilution recommendations are followed.
When in doubt, seek guidance from a professional aromatherapist or medical
professional.
* Essential oils are not intended for use in the treatment of specific medical
conditions. For treatment of health ailments, please seek diagnosis and
recommendations from a licensed medical practitioner.
* Essential oils are very concentrated, so it's important to handle them with
care. Please read these cautions carefully:
* Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions.
* Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
Never consume undiluted oils. Cook only with those oils approved for food use.
* Don't use undiluted oils on your skin. (Dilute with vegetable oils.)
Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on your
inner arm. Do not use if redness or irritation occurs.
* Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
If redness, burning, itching, or irritation occur, stop using oil immediately.
* Avoid use of these oils during pregnancy: bitter almond, basil, clary sage,
clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint,
rose, rosemary, sage, thyme and wintergreen.
* These oils can be especially irritating to the skin: allspice, bitter almond,
basil, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, clove bud, sweet fennel, fir needle, lemon,
lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, tea tree, wintergreen.
* Angelica and all citrus oils make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet
light. Do not go out into the sun with these oils on your skin.
* Sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and rosemary should not be used by anyone with
epilepsy.
* People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage, and
thyme.
Guidelines for Essential Oils
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