General Safety Considerations for Essential Oil Use
(courtesy APRM, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, copyright 1994)
* Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Do not leave a bottle which has no fixed integral dropper where a child could take off the cap and consume contents.
* Do not use directly on or near the eyes; ensure caution with compresses? Most diluted essential oils will sting the eyes; if accidents happen, flush with clean warm water; if NEAT oils get is the eye, immediately flush with cold full fat milk, or vegetable oil to dilute. If stinging is not alleviated, seek medical assistance.
* Do not, unless otherwise advised by an expert, apply neat essential oil onto the skin.
* To remove neat oil spills on hands, use cream or vegetable oil to dilute, apply soap, wash with warm water; may need to be repeated.
* Never assume that an essential oil will have the same properties as credited to the whole plant from which it is obtained.
* Ingesting any oil should only be undertaken under the supervision of a professional health advisor and never exceed the suggested amount.
* Essential oils should always be used diluted over a large body area.
* Excess (of EOs) can cause headaches, nausea and general feeling of uneasiness; drink plenty of water, get fresh air, take frequent breaks.
* Do not drive a motor vehicle (or allow client to) immediately following a relaxation treatment or after using soporific oils (e.g., clary sage)
* Regulate the frequency when using essential oils. If used daily over a two week period, give a week’s grace before recommencing treatment.
* Reduce the chance of acquiring a sensitivity reaction from constant use of same oil(s) over several years by varying choices. This gives the body a break from constant use.
* If any kind of skin rash is observed when using a particular essential oil, stop using it immediately and try another oil.
When working daily with essential oils, follow these precautions:
* Use only safe essential oils in dilution, avoid contact with neat oils (wear gloves when bottling)
* Ensure adequate ventilation
* Take frequent breaks
* Tolerance increase with time
* Avoid transferring oils to sensitive areas (nose, face, neck)
* Vary the essential oils worked with (or diffused) daily
* Avoid sensitizing oils if hands become cracked or sore