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All essential oils are not alike. Knowing which oils must be
diluted, and which are generally regarded as safe for use is very important. The more
information you have before you start using a particular oil, the more likely it will be
that you will have the desired outcome. Remember to consult your health care professional.
What Are
Essential Oils? Household Uses Oil Properties Oil
Safety Prices
Keep all essential oils out of the
reach of children.
We hope that your experience with essential oils will be a pleasant
one. With that in mind, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when dealing
with essential oils.
For any serious disease or injury, you should consult your health
care professional. You should not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural
substances, such as essential oils, for serious health conditions which require
professional attention. Talk to your health care practitioner about using essential oils
in your care. Many professionals are very open to their use.
All essential oils, whether steam distilled, expressed or
absolutes, are very strong. They need to be used sparingly --a little goes a long way.
The following chart is only a
guideline. Consult your health care practitioner or an experienced aromatherapist for more
specific information.
Additional Cautions located in Individual Oil Properties list.
Key
to symbols
 = Generally regarded as safe for
internal use by the FDA and/or used in general food use. If not using in a recipe, then
before taking any oils internally, dilute wih an oil-soluable liquid like honey, olive
oil, or soy milk. (Be sure to consult the proper
professionals, and watch amount ingested.)
 = Dilution usually not required for
adults unless they have sensitive skin. We always recommend dilution for children.
 = Dilution recommended for topical or internal use. These oils can
cause skin irritation. Especially important to dilute before using on sensitive areas of
the body (face, neck, armpits, genital areas, etc.).
 = Recommend to avoid using on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV
rays within 3 to 4 days of application. These oils may cause a rash or darker pigmentation
when exposed in this way.
 = Those with high blood
pressure should use with caution
 = Epileptics should use with caution
 = Use with caution during pregnancy
 = Always dilute before applying to skin or taking internally.
 = Do not take internally.
Remember to keep all essential oils
out of the reach of children.
| Essential Oil
Symbols... |
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| Allspice |
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| Angelica Root |
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| Anise |
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| Balsam Peru |
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| Basil |
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| Bay Leaf |
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| Benzoin, Resin Absolute |
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| Bergamot (Bergaptene Free) |
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| Birch |
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| Cajuput |
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| Calamus Root |
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| Camphor, White |
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| Cardamom |
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| Carrot Seed |
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| Cedar, Canadian Red |
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| Cedarleaf |
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| Cedarwood |
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| Chamomile, Roman |
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| Cinnamon Bark |
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| Cistus |
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| Clary Sage |
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| Clove |
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| Coriander |
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| Cypress |
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| Dill |
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| Eucalyptus |
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| Fennel |
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| Fir |
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| Frankincense |
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| Galbanum |
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| Geranium |
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| Ginger |
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| Grapefruit |
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| Helichrsum |
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| Hyssop |
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| Jasmine |
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| Juniper Berry |
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| Lavender |
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| Laurus Nobilis |
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| Lemon |
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| Lemongrass |
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| Marjoram |
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| Melaleuca |
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| Mountain Savory |
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| Myrrh |
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| Myrtle |
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| Nutmeg |
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| Orange |
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| Oregano |
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| Patchouly |
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| Pepper, Black |
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| Peppermint |
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| Petitgrain |
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| Pine |
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| Ravensara |
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| Rosalina |
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| Rose |
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| Rosemary |
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| Rosewood |
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| Sage |
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| Sandalwood |
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| Spearmint |
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| Spikenard |
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| Spruce |
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| Tangerine |
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| Tansy, Idaho |
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| Tarragon |
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| Thyme |
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| Valerian Root |
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| Vetiver |
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| Vitex Negundo |
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| Wintergreen |
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| Ylang Ylang |
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| For blends, you must
be aware of the cautions for each individual oil contained in the blend. |
| References: Flavor and Fragrance materials-1993. Allured
Publishing Company. Worldwide reference list of materials used in compounding flavors and
fragrances. 1993.
Herbs Of Commerce - 1992. American
Herbal Products Association.
Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural
Origin. Arctander, Steffen. Reprint July 1982.
How To Use Essential Oils. Young
Living Essential Oils. Revised 8/1999. |
Essential oils can react with toxins built up in the body. These
can be from food, environment, or chemicals in cleaners or personal products. If you
experience a reaction, it may be wise to
Essential oils rich in menthol (such as peppermint) should
not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of age.
Keep essential oils away from eye area. Do not handle contact
lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on your fingers. Oils with high phenol content
(oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove, lemongrass, bergamot, etc.) may damage contacts and
irritate eyes.
Do not put essential oils into ears.
Do not add undiluted essential oils directly to bathwater,
especially those with a . A dispersing agent, such as Bath Gel Base
should be used.
Always consult the properties of
the individual oil and use it according to the instructions you are given.
A patch test should be performed, especially if the user has
sensitive skin. (This is especially important for people with allergies.)
Apply oils to a small area first.
Apply one oil or blend at a time. When layering oils that are new
to you, allow 15 to 30 minutes for the body to respond to each one before applying the
next.
Ingesting some oils can cause problems, rather than solve them,
or even prove fatal. Do not ingest an oil unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE it is safe for
ingestion, and then BE VERY CAREFUL of the amount you are using.
Never put oils directly on children's skin.
Always do a patch test for children and then apply oils only when diluted in a carrier oil
first.
Pregnant or lactating women should be careful of certain oils
--see individual oil properties. Some oils contain
constituents with hormone-like activity, such as clary sage, sage, and fennel. Consult
your health care practitioner.
Epileptics and people with high blood pressure should consult a
health care professional before using essential oils. Avoid hyssop, fennel, and Idaho
tansy oils.
Always keep a carrier oil handy (like olive, almond, or v-6
mixing oil) if you are applying oils directly to the skin. The essential oils can be
diluted immediately with the carrier oil if discomfort is felt.
That being said, essential oils are safe if used correctly. Know
the oils you are using and what their recommended uses are.
For further cautionary information,
What Are
Essential Oils? Household Uses Oil Properties Oil
Safety Prices
* These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for education
only. We cannot dispense medical or health advice. Please consult your health care
professional.
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