Description
Essential oils are very concentrated extracts from flowers, leaves, roots and bark, generally acquired by steam distillation. There is a reason they are called ‘volatile extracts’ as they should be used with care and properly diluted. A carrier oil (coconut, almond, etc) or some form of alcohol (recommend plant derived like vodka not isopropyl from petroleum) should be used to dilute essential oils for skin use. Water is NOT a proper dilution medium.
Essential oils have many uses for home, body and self-care when used properly and safely. Please review the safety information and website references below for more information on how to use essential oils with care.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being through inhalation and/or diluted skin application. There are many benefits including relaxation, alertness, relief from insomnia, muscle soreness, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections and many more. Aromatherapy is gaining popularity in western medicine practices due to its effectiveness in helping patients reduce medical-related stress.
Essential Oil Safety & Usage
~ Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before use on skin unless otherwise advised by a Certified Aromatherapist. This is particularly important with regard to pregnant women, children & the elderly.
~ Keep EOs out of the reach of children & pets. Call the Poison Control Center if a child/pet has ingested EOs.
~ Pregnant or nursing moms should consult a Certified Aromatherapist or their doctor before using EOs.
~ People taking medications or with medical issues should consult a Certified Aromatherapist, Pharmacist or their doctor before using EOs.
~ Discontinue use if a rash or redness occurs. This is your body reacting, not “detoxing.”
~ Do not ingest EOs unless advised to do so by a Certified Aromatherapist whom is trained to assess medical health history. There are not yet studies on how EOs affect the lining of the digestive system or their impact on beneficial gut flora.
~ Use caution when diffusing. Break up diffusing schedules with equal time of non-diffusing. Over-exposure can cause nausea & headaches. Particular caution should be used when diffusing around children, the elderly & pets. Cats should have access to choose a room with fresh air. Be mindful that dogs’ sense of smell is far more sensitive & diffusing could be irritating or stressful. Do not diffuse around birds.
~ Always consult a specifically trained Aromatherapy Professional or your Veterinarian before using EOs on your pets.
Visit these sites for more information on safety & usage:
naha.org
tisserandinstitute.org
aeota.org – unfortunately this website no longer exists, but their Facebook page facebook.com/AEOTA.US/ has lots of information.
essentialoils.org
