Proper Use of Essential Oils

Proper Care in Using Essential Oils

Parts of this were taken with permission from Essential Oils Overview and Reference Guide, published by: The Family Tree, 2008

Essential oils vary in their characteristics and each person is different in how they may respond to using them. Although it is unusual for improper use it is important to have an understanding of the characteristics of the various oils and any necessary precautions. The most common unwanted result is skin irritation. Not only are some oils 'stronger' than others but on occasion oils from some sources may not be pure and the impurities can cause skin irritation. This is an important reason to use dōTerra essential oils because they are CPTG giving a strong assurance that they have been tested for impurities./p>

Another reason for skin reaction is that some oils are 'hot' and may cause irritation especially on sensitive areas or those with sensitive skin. To avoid such situations it is always prudent to dilute oils with a carrier if in doubt and to perform a basic skin test if there is any question.

Basic Skin Test

· Place a small amount of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, followed by a small amount of the essential oil on the inside of the elbow, underside of the forearm, or wrist. After approximately 1 hour, check the area(s) for any type of reaction.

· If an essential oil causes irritation, diluting the oil with a carrier, or applying a carrier followed by the essential oil will usually make the oil usable. Essential oils neat (undiluted) will also not likely irritate the tough skin of the foot and will still enter the body.

· Most users will not react to quality, pure oils and they can be safely applied for a direct powerful effect. Melaleuca or lavender oils are very mild even for more sensitive skin and can be effectively used undiluted on burns, insect bites, pimples, and other skin eruptions. Essential oils are very powerful and are very efficacious even when they are applied with a carrier. Carriers are often used during massage to help lubricate larger areas.

The following are basic
precautions for using essential oils:

· Some Essential Oils Are Photosensitive. Some oils are photosensitive meaning they react to radiant energy or light such as natural sunlight, sunlamps, or other sources of UV rays. An adverse response appears within minutes, hours, or days after first application and exposure. These oils are primarily citrus oils and include angelica, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, wild orange, and tangerine. The result is a dark pigmentation or a rash on the skin. Bergamot contains bergaptene, a dominant photosensitizer, and can cause severe reactions. When using photosensitizing oil, wait a minimum of six hours before exposing skin to UV rays. The stronger and more lengthy the UV ray, the longer the wait should be.

· Use Care with Babies and People with Sensitive Skin. Quite frankly, some people just have sensitive skin. Common sense should be used. Increased watchfulness should be used when treating babies, young children, and the elderly. Their skin is much more sensitive and susceptible to irritation, burning, or stinging sensations. Using an effective carrier oil will protect sensitive skin against irritation.

· Use Care with Eyes, Ears, etc. Never apply oils directly to the eyes or ear canal. After application, be attentive to things like rubbing the eyes, areas around the eye, eyelids, handling contact lenses, or touching the interior of one’s nose. The skin is most sensitive and prone to irritation around the genitals and mucous membranes.

· Use care when applying oils to infants and children. After application the child should be supervised and areas where oils were applied should be clothed until the oils have been sufficiently absorbed to protect from cross contamination. A baby might easily grab their foot after oils were applied and then rub his or her eyes.

· Pregnancy. Aromatherapists generally agree that no oils topically (externally) applied at ordinary amounts have ever proven harmful to a developing fetus. However, pregnant women might want to consult a physician or licensed aromatherapist prior to using essential oils. If there are specific oils that pregnant women should be concerned about, it will be noted on the oil bottle from most reputable suppliers.

Kathi Keville summarizes it best “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 the chart at the following for specific recommendations.

· Critical Health Conditions. Persons with asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or other critical health conditions can benefit from essential oils, but should consult a healthcare or aromatherapy professional when addressing these serious conditions. See the chart at the end of this chapter for specific recommendations.

· Oils Not Suitable for Use in Aromatherapy. Caution or consultation should be used before using wormwood, pennyroyal, camphor, sassafras, onion, bitter almond, and horseradish. Ruta gravenolens or rue essential oil is classified as poisonous to humans and should not be used.

· A Little Goes a Long Way. There is a reason for the drip hole in top of oil bottles. All essential oils are pure concentrates. The higher quality the oil the more potent it is and smaller amounts are required. A little goes a long way.

· GRAS. Most essential oils are safe for ingesting. The oils section of this book will note if an oil is GRAS, generally regarded as safe by the FDA. If ingesting these powerful essences, consider diluting it in a water, agave, honey, or juice. These methods are especially appropriate for younger children. Some application techniques will direct you to oils which can be ingested without dilution. A number of essential oils are used in cooking. If there is a question of GRAS, consult a qualified aromatherapist.

· Keep Out of Reach of Children. Treat essential oils the same as medicine. Oils can be painful or harmful if used in the eyes or if large quantities of the wrong oil are ingested.

· Essential Oil and Bath Water. One common application method is use of a bath. Full body, foot or hand baths are all common. When using undiluted oil in bath water, agitate the mixture because the oil can pool as a concentrated drop in one spot in the water. You can also use a dispersing gel. Oils will evaporate very quickly in hot water. If you want to enjoy a hot bath, Start it hot, then add the oils and agitate the water after the temperature has gone down.

· Many Oils Are Flammable. Keep them clear of open flame, spark, or fire hazards.

Summary

On the chart following is a summary of information gleaned from respected authors regarding the characteristics of most common oils.

Legend for Chart Below
Mild	Skin Sensitivity	Photosensitive	GRAS	Pregnancy
Typically mild to use	Strong cooling sensation. Do not use with infants. Can be a skin irritant over time. Use a skin test. Can be a skin irritant. Use a skin test. Can be a strong skin irritant’ Do not use without dilution.	May react to sunlight or UV rays. Follow precautions described later.	Certified by the FDA as ‘Generally Regarded As Safe’ (for ingestion)	Use care. for these cases consider dilution of the oil and not using repeated application over long time periods. consult: Users may wish to consult an aromatherapist or physician before using these oils.

Single Oils	Mild	Skin Sensitivity	Photo- sensitive	GRAS	during Pregnancy
Basil		3		x	consult
Cassia		3			consult
Cinnamon Bark		3		x	consult
Clove		3		x	use care
Cypress		3			use care
Eucalyptus	mild				use care
Frankincense	mildest			x	yes
Geranium	mild			x	yes
Ginger	mild		yes	x	use care
Grapefruit	mild		yes	x	yes
Lavender	mildest			x	yes
Lemon		2	yes	x	yes
Lemongrass		2		x	use care
Marjoram	mild			x	use care
Melaleuca	mild				use care
Myrrh	mild			x	use care
Orange, Wild	mild		yes	x	yes
Oregano		4		x	use care
Peppermint		1		x	use care
Rosemary	mild			x	consult
Sandalwood	mild			x	yes
Thyme		4		x	consult
White Fir		3			use care
Wintergreen		4**			consult
Ylang Ylang	mild			x	yes

**Wintergreen: Contains methyl salicylate that has very positive properties but if applied too strongly can be an irritant and even toxic at high levels. Some recommend storing wintergreen out of reach of children since it has an odor familiar in many sweets.

Other precautions: Avoid rosemary and thyme in cases of high blood pressure: Avoid the use of basil, rosemary, and wintergreen oils for those that suffer from epilepsy.

A note on grapefruit: I have been doing some research on grapefruit, as there has once again been mention of concern with grapefruit oil and meds. The compound naringin, found in the fruit of grapefruit, which causes problems with prescription meds by interfering with or amplifying the body’s ability to absorb the drugs, is not present in grapefruit essential oil. You may still choose to avoid taking grapefruit oil internally, but with a little research, you will find that the ingredient of concern is not in the oils! Tamalu

28 April 2010

Rob Young of doTERRA corporate headquarters shared the following on using essential oils internally.

Most of the oils that are marked for external use only would not pose any harm, they simply would not provide any benefit and they don't taste very good either.

There are oils, however, that you would want to be careful to use internally such as wintergreen. In very high amounts, wintergreen essential oil can make you sick and even severely ill if you are a child. But you would have to drink the whole bottle (pretty hard to swallow that much) but it is a possibility nevertheless. Essential oils are very concentrated botanical extracts and you might get stomach upset if you use too much of any essential oil, or any botanical extract for that matter.

If someone were able to drink a whole bottle of Deep Blue or Breathe (it would be very difficult to swallow such an amount without gagging) then you would want to watch them closely and call poison control with any signs of strong stomach or chest pain, elevated temperature, sleepiness, etc. as you would as a general household first aid rule. Some essential oils are "hot" (e.g. cinnamon, oregano) and might sting the mouth for a while but generally speaking there is not a great danger of long-term damage with the oils.

Using the oils as directed on the labels with moderation will help you avoid any undesirable side effects from the oils. We ere on the side of safety and conservatism on our labels and reference materials so follow the directions and you will be good to go.

Essential Oils and Your Health learn, ask, share

Proper Care in Using Essential Oils

What is CPTG?
Watch this video!

Essential Oils and Your Health learn, ask, share

Proper Care in Using Essential Oils

What is CPTG? Watch this video!

What is CPTG?
Watch this video!