How to Use Essential Oils Properly using essential oils feetThere are important guidelines when using essential oils. Some essential oils are stronger than other oils can can cause skin irritation. It is important to have an understanding about what oils are stronger oils in order to avoid skin irritation. These oils that skin is more sensitive are called “hot”. Some oils that are more “hot” include cinnamon, wintergreen, oregano etc. All oils in all causes should not be placed directly in the ear or near eyes. Essential oils, for the most part, are safe to apply on the bottoms of the feet. This is an area of the body that is not as sensitive as other parts such as the face. Also be sure to make sure the oils that you have are certified for therapeutic use. It is recommended that you dilute some oils with a carrier oil. Carrier oils include coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, sesame oil, avocado oil etc. When mixed with a more strong oil, the potency of the oil will go down and you can save money since carrier oils are much less expensive and can help your therapeutic oils cover more area per drop. Also you can do a skin test to find out what oils your skin may be sensitive to. Below is description how to conduct a basic skin test. Skin Test In a small bowl place a small amount of carrier oil (olive oil, coconut, or almond oil) then drop 1 – 2 drops of the oil you want to check if you are sensitive to in it. Place and rub a small drop of the blend of oils on the inside of the elbow, wrist, or under the forearm. If the skin becomes irritated the oil is probably more suitable to skin that that is less sensitive such as the bottoms of the feet. The bottoms of the feet is an excellent place to help the oil absorb into your body for therapeutic benefits without the skin irritation. Also consider diluting the therapeutic essential oil even more to reduce skin irritation. Most people’s skin will not react to oils that are especially made for therapeutic uses. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil are mild oils that can be applied on the skin. These two oils are examples of oils that can be used on more sensitive skin with out being diluted. We still recommend testing the oils to make sure you are not sensitive to the oils due to a possible allergy. Lavender and Tea Tree oil can be used undiluted on burns, insect bites, acne, and other skin related problems. List of Essential Oil Precautions Use Care With Parts of Body Never directly apply essential oils to the eye or ear canal. After applying oils, especially “hot” ones, wash your hands with soap to insure you do not accidentally touch your eyes and cause irritation. Skin is also sensitive around the genitals and mucous membranes. Some Oils Are Photosensitive Some oils react to sunlight. These oils are primarily citrus oils. Oils such as Angelica, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Wild Orange, and tangerine should be applied indoors. The result of photosensative oils is a dark pigmentation or a rash on the skin. After applying Bergamot to skin sunlight should especially be avoided because it contains bergaptene, a dominant photosensitizer, and can cause severe reactions. We suggest waiting at lease 6 hours before going out in the sun after applying the oils. (see chart below) Use Careful with Babies and Those with Sensitive Skin Some people have more sensitive skin and babies especially. Use special care when using oils on those with sensitive skin. Dilute all oils before use. Essential oils applied on the bottoms of the feet is one of the more safe areas to apply an oil. (see chart below) Pregnancy Many aromatherapists would agree that essential oils applied topically are generally safe to pregnant women. However we recommend consulting a physician or licensed aromatherapist prior to using essential oils when pregnant. It will be noted on the oil bottle from most reputable suppliers if pregnant women need to be concerned. Kathi Keville, a nationally-known herbalist and aromatherapist, says “Be cautious about using essential oils during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Even oils that are generally safe during this time may be too stimulating for women who are prone to miscarriage.” (see chart below) Poor Health Conditions People with asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or other critical health conditions can benefit from essential oils however we recommend consulting a health care professional or aromatherapy professional before using oils. Oils Not Suitable For Aromatherapy Some oils are not suitable for aromatherapy and we do not feature them on this website. Caution or consultation should be used before using wormwood, pennyroyal, camphor, sassafras, onion, bitter almond, and horseradish. Ruta gravenolens or rue essential oil are classified as poisonous to humans and should not be used. Keep Out of Reach of Children Placing essentials high up in a cupboard (where kids cannot reach) is ideal to insure kids do not ingest oils or get it in their eyes. Essential Oil Safety & Usage Chart On the chart following is a summary of information gleaned from respected authors regarding the characteristics of most common oils (Please be aware that some are very sensitive and may experience a reaction to the mildest of oils and a skin test (see above) should be used). Legend for Chart Below Skin Sensitity 1 Most find these the mildest of oils to use 2 Most find these mild to use 3 Strong cooling sensation. Do not use with infants. 4 Can be a skin irritant over time. Use a skin test. 5 Can be a skin irritant. Use a skin test. 6 Can be a strong skin irritant. Do not use without diffussion. Photosensitivity yes May react to sunlight or UV rays. Avoid sunlight or UV exposure up to 12 hours after topical use. GRAS yes Certified by the FDA as "Generally Regarded As Safe" (for ingestion). Pregnancy yes Most find these acceptable to use. use care Consider dilution of the oil and not using repeated application over long time periods. consult Consult an aromatherapist of physician before using these oils. Single Oils Skin Sensitivity Photo-sensitive GRAS During Pregnancy Basil 5 yes consult Bergamot 4 yes* yes yes Birch 4 no consult Black Pepper ? yes ? Cassia 5 yes consult Cilantro ? yes ? Cinnamon 5 yes consult Clary Sage 2 yes consult Clove 5 yes use care Coriander 2 yes yes Cypress 5 no use care Eucalyptus 4 no use care Fennel 4 yes consult Frankincense 1 yes yes Geranium 2 yes yes Ginger 2 yes use care Grapefruit 2 yes yes yes Helichrysum 2 yes yes Lavender 1 yes yes Lemon 4 yes yes yes Lemongrass 4 yes use care Lime 4 yes yes yes Marjoram 2 yes consult Melaleuca 2 yes use care Melissa 2 yes yes Myrrh 2 yes use care Oregano 6 yes use care Patchouli 2 yes yes Peppermint 3 yes use care Roman Chamomile 4 yes yes Rosemary 2 yes consult Sandalwood 2 yes yes Tangerine ? yes yes ? Thyme 6 yes consult Vetiver 2 yes consult White Fir 5 no use care Wild Orange 2 yes yes yes Wintergreen 6** no consult Ylang Ylang 2 yes yes - See more at: essentialoilspedia/proper-use/#sthash.kphaiv4J.dpuf Order or Join here at YoungLivingOilsPlus.younglivingconnect And/Or YoungLivingOilsPlus.vibrantscents
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 01:02:09 +0000
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