Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils are volatile, highly concentrated aromatic extracts, distilled from a variety of plant material. For example leaves, flowers, needles, fruit peel.
According to the International Organisation for Standardisation, an essential oil is described as a ‘Product obtained from natural raw material, either by distillation with water, steam or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by mechanical processing, or by dry distillation. The essential oil is subsequently separated from the aqueous phase by essential physical means’. Genuine means absolutely unaltered with even no addition of natural substances - therefore 100% pure/natural/complete.
Storage
Essential oils evaporate quickly when exposed to air, so they need proper storage. Keep them in dark bottles to protect from sunlight, and ensure the bottles have airtight caps to prevent moisture from clouding the oil. Use child-resistant caps and store them out of reach of children and pets. Always replace the cap after use to prevent evaporation and changes in oil composition. Store oils in a cool, dark place, as warm conditions can lead to oxidation. Never keep essential oils near open flames, as they can catch fire.
Dilution
Essential oils should never be used directly on the skin; always mix them with a carrier oil. Do not add essential oils to bath water, as they will float on top and may stick to your skin when you enter the bath. Please read my blog for further information on Carrier Oils.
Precautions Using Essential Oils
Eyes: Aways keep essential oils away from eyes. Use vegetable oil to flush away the oil if you do get any in your eyes. Note that water does not desolve essential oils.
Ventilation: Ensure you use essential oils in a well ventilated room as the smell of can become overpowering and cause nausea or make you light-headed or give you a headache. Caution if using around pets - especially dogs with their heightened sense of smell.
Application: Never swallow essential oils or use directly on the skin without first blending with a carrier. The only 2 exceptions to this are Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils, but again these oils can cause sensitivity to some people.
Photosensitive Oils: do not use Bergamot, Orange or Lemon essential oils on the skin before sunbathing or using a sunbed. This also applies to some other citrus essential oils.
There are some essential oils that should never be on the skin. These are: Bitter Almond, Boldo Leaf, Calamus, Jaborandi Leaf, Rue, Sassafras, Savin, Tansy, Wintergreen, Wormwood, Wormseed and Yellow Camphor.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Although essential oils can be very beneficial during pregnancy and childbirth, extra care should be taken when considering using essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Research is limited on whether they can enter the placenta. Some essential oils are safe to use after the third month and before the sixth month.
The following essential oils should not be used under any circumstances during pregnancy or breastfeeding:
Ainseed, Armoise, Arnica, Basil, Bay, Camphor, Carraway, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Fennel, Hops, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Marjoram, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Tansy, Tarragon, Thyme, Valerian, Wintergreen.
Avoid in first 3 months:
Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender and Rose. It is highly advisable not to use any essential oils should there be a history of miscarriage.