Safety & Storage of Essential oils
Never use essential oils internally: Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and, if taken internally, they can do internal damage. If oils have been swallowed accidentally, seek medical help immediately.
Pregnancy Care: Certain essential oils are too powerful for use during pregnancy as they may stimulate the production of certain hormones, and can encourage bleeding. It is advised that you refrain from using the following oil throughout pregnancy: basil, camphor, clary sage, cypress, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram and rosemary. For other essential oils, only external applications such as bath and massage are recommended, and the essential oil concentration should not exceed 2%. Always consult a qualified registered aromatherapist for advice and use of the essential oils during pregnancy.
Epilepsy and Asthma: It is recommended that people who have epilepsy or high blood pressure avoid the use of peppermint and rosemary because of the reported stimulating actions these oils have on the nervous system. Calming oils like sandalwood, neroli, or orange are more appropriate. (never attempt to apply oils during a seizure.) If you have asthma, it is advisable not to do inhalations with essential oils- use them for bathing, vaporization, and massage.
High Blood Pressure: rosemary essential oil is very stimulating and should be avoided if you have high blood pressure. Calming oils like lavender or ylang ylang are preferred for their soothing effects.
Phototoxic oils: Essential oils from the citrus fruits, bergamot, grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, and mandarin contain an ingredient that can cause skin reactions in sunlight. If you massage or bath with a blend with citrus oils, avoid direct exposure to UV light or a sunbed for 12 hrs. after application.
Elderly skin: In cases where the skin is delicate and transparent with visible veins, you should use half the stated number of drops in any blend.
Babies & Children: Babies and young children have more sensitive skin than adults. Because of this, the number of oils recommended is limited to oils with a very mild and gentle action. Any oil used on a baby or child should be diluted as follows: 0-6 months: lavender, chamomile: 1 drop of oil to 10ml of sweet almond oil. 6-12 months: chamomile, lavender, rose: 1 drop of oil to 10ml of sweet almond oil. 1- 6 years : chamomile, lavender, neroli, orange, rose, tea tree: 2 drops of oil to 10ml of sweet almond oil. 7 -12 years : all essential oils. Use at 1/2 strength given for adults. Children over 12 years receive oils in the same dilutions as adults.
Skin Safety: It is advised that you do a patch test before using oil for the first time. Simply place a few drops your blend on the back of your wrist and massage gently onto skin. Wait 24hrs then check to ensure that no irritation or redness has developed. If sensitization occurs, bathe the area with cold water and refrain from further use. Before being applied to the skin, essential oils should always be diluted (lavender & tea tree may be applied neat) in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed. If you are sensitive to nuts, it is best to avoid sweet almond oil and use grapeseed instead.
Storage: Essential oils are volatile substances. Heat, sunlight and oxygen will result in deterioration and reduce their therapeutic value. Your oil has been bottled into a glass amber bottle to prevent evaporation and loss of potency. After use, cap the oil container and store in a cool dry place. Keep out of reach of children.
