How to Use Pure Essential Oils Safely

Those who are new to essential oils often ask, “Are essential oils really safe?”

Essential oils have a long history of safe and effective use for a variety of purposes, ranging from personal hygiene to cooking to emotional and health benefits. Pure essential oils, when used in proper proportions, are completely safe to use at home for yourself and your family. High-quality essential oils go through extensive purity testing to ensure safety. Essential oils, like everything else you'd use in your house, are safe if you stick to the suggested dose amounts and use them properly. One of the numerous advantages of essential oils is that they provide peace of mind to those who are concerned about using chemical-ridden items for cleaning, cooking, and other daily tasks. Essential oils are a safe alternative to many of the products on supermarket shelves that contain synthetic poisons or potentially dangerous chemicals.

How to Use Pure Essential Oils Safely

Before you use essential oils, know that not all oils are created equal. High-quality essential oils are usually put through a series of tests to guarantee that they are safe to use. Many essential oil distributors use synthetic fillers that change the potency of the oils, and not all companies use thorough testing methods.

One reason why I have chosen doTERRA is because of the fact that they have created the CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade™ testing process to ensure that every single bottle of doTERRA essential oil is made without contaminants or adulteration. It’s important to choose high-quality essential oils that have been tested and cleared for safe use before using them with your family.

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines When it comes to essential oils, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines for using essential oils safely:

• Always read the labels. Pay attention to any specific cautions on your essential oil packaging and follow the manufacturer's advice.

• Avoid certain areas. Avoid putting oils into your nose, inner ears, eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas.

• Dilute oils. Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil to reduce skin sensitivity. When using an oil for the first time, putting it to sensitive skin, or utilizing essential oils with children, always dilute it.

• Know your strong oils. Some essential oils should always be diluted with fractionated coconut oil before putting them on your skin. Some of these oils include Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, and Thyme. Keep in mind that this isn't an entire list, so read labels carefully for any warnings about strong oils.

• Be careful of sun sensitivity. Some essential oils, particularly citrus oils, can cause sun sensitivity. Some of these oils include Bergamot, Green Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and any essential oil blends that contain these oils. Check the label for any sun sensitivity warnings before applying an essential oil topically. After using these oils on your skin, stay out of direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours (this includes tanning beds).

• Practice safe storage. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children. This measure will help prevent accidental ingestion. You'll also want to keep your oils away from direct sunlight or heat, as these can significantly alter their chemical composition.

• Supervise young children. Always supervise essential oil application with your children. Because children have more delicate skin, it’s a good idea to dilute oils before applying them topically. Before moving on to other places, start with the bottoms of a child's feet. You can use Child Resistant Caps in addition to safe storage practices to guarantee that your children do not accidentally ingest oils.

• Talk to a healthcare professional. If you have specific health concerns, consult with your doctor before using essential oils.

Is It Possible to Have an Allergic Reaction to Essential Oils?

Some people ask, “Can you have an allergic

reaction to essential oils?” An allergic reaction occurs when the body experiences an abnormal immune reaction after exposure to a protein molecule that is typically harmless. CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade™​​​​​​​ essential oils are completely made up of aromatic compounds found in nature; they don't contain any protein molecules, therefore they do not trigger allergy reactions in the same way that for example peanuts or eggs do. However, with some people, essential oils can bind to proteins in the skin and create a type of molecule that the body may recognize as an allergen, creating an allergic response. This process depends on many things, such as the type and amount of oil being used, the person’s individual protein levels, and even genetics. If you experience any allergic reaction symptoms it’s important to stop using that essential oil immediately so that you don’t make the reaction worse. It’s advisable to take a break from the application method that caused the reaction (for example, if you have a skin reaction, avoid topical use) and choose other ways to enjoy the benefits of the oil. Essential oils are safe to use, as long as the appropriate dosage and application methods are observed. In the most extreme cases, exceeding dosage recommendations for oils can lead to toxicity. Any substance can become toxic if used in an inappropriate dose. Even natural, seemingly harmless substances like water, minerals, or vitamins, can become toxic when used or consumed in excess.

Essential Oil Guidelines: Aromatic Use

Essential oil diffusion is a safe and effective way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils when appropriate levels are used in well-ventilated spaces. Diffused essential oils have long been studied for their ability to enhance feelings of relaxation, encouragement, excitement, focus, or well-being. As with all application methods, diffusion should be used in smaller doses and multiple times throughout the day to achieve maximum benefits.

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines: Topical Use

Topical application is an efficient way to use essential oils for a localized effect. Because essential oils are a lipid-soluble substance, they can easily penetrate the skin.

When it comes to safe topical use of essential oils, dilution is one of the most important principles to understand. Dilution actually makes for better absorption into the skin—extending the benefits for even longer. By diluting an essential oil with a carrier oil, you slow the rate of evaporation, enhance absorption into the skin, and protect against sensitive or delicate skin. In reality, dilution doesn’t take away from the essential oil experience. Rather, it allows for more effective topical application.

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Stay tuned for upcoming recipes. I'll upload posts of both Diffuser Blends as well as Roller Recipes.