Essential oils are very versatile, and one can use them in many ways, with aromatherapy being one of the easiest. But the question here is, “Are essential oils safe?”. In this blog, we will share some valuable dos and don’ts of incorporating essential oils into your daily wellness routine. This way, you will know how to use them safely and effectively. So, let’s dive right into the blog!
Made through cold pressing or steam distillation, essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. If you use essential oils properly, these amazing natural substances can offer many benefits, like helping you feel calm, protect against colds and flu, reduce pain, etc.
Not only this, but they can be used to create fragrances, in aromatherapy, and are included in many products. However, you can only enjoy the healing properties and benefits of essential oils and improve your well being once you mix them carefully with a carrier oil.
Now that you know what essential oils mean, quickly jump to the next section to learn about the do’s of essential oils!
Undiluted essential oils are too concentrated to use directly on the skin. It means you will need to dilute them with carrier oils. It is the only way to use these oils safely.
Always look for a reliable essential oil manufacturer & exporter that makes pure and safe essential oils without anything added. That is because natural oils do not cause any allergic reactions if used properly.
Related: Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrances: What You Need to Know to Make the Right Choice
Essential oils like Lavender, Rosewater and Chamomile can help feel calm by promoting relaxation. You can either inhale their aromas or gently rub diluted versions of them on your skin.
The aroma of these oils sends signals to parts of the brain and influences mood and feelings. While these oils would not completely take away your stress, they can still help you relax.
Your doctor can help you find out if the essential oils are safe for you and make sure they will not interact with any medications you take. For instance, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oil might affect how your body absorbs the cancer medication 5-fluorouracil. In addition, you could have an allergic reaction that also leads to hives, rashes or breathing issues.
Young children and older adults may be more sensitive to essential oils. It means you might need to dilute the oils more than usual for such people.
Certain strong essential oils should be avoided altogether because even small amounts can cause serious health problems in children six or younger. It is advisable to always consult your pediatrician before using essential oils on a baby.
The placenta is the organ in the uterus that supports the baby. Some essential oils for massage can enter the placenta and may cause problems during pregnancy. Although it usually happens when you use the oil in very high amounts, avoiding essential oils usage during pregnancy is the safest thing to do.
Generally, it is not recommended to keep essential oils for more than 3 months. That is because older oils are more exposed to oxygen, which, in turn, can affect their composition and effectiveness.
Simply put, such oils may not work as desired and could even cause allergic reactions and irritate skin. Therefore, it is better to throw the old oils out if you see a big change in how the old oil looks, smells or feels.
While some people might get good results after using essential oils, some might get rashes, little bumps, itchy skin or boils. In case of damaged skin after using essential oils, more of the same oil can make your skin even worse. So, stop using the oil immediately if you notice these signs.
Essential oils that are safe for your arms and legs might not be safe for your face and other sensitive areas of the body. Therefore, consider using essential oils like Cinnamon, Peppermint and Lemongrass with caution.
Just because essential oils are made from plants does not mean that they are 100% safe to put on your nose, eyes and skin. Even if certain oils are labeled “pure” or “safe”, these natural substances can irritate the skin.
Moreover, they can trigger allergies and can be toxic. That is why testing essential oils safety is essential. You can do so by using a small amount of the oil on a small area of your skin. This will allow you to check if the oil suits your skin.
Edible essential oils should not be used on the skin. For example, Cumin oil is safe to use in food but can cause blisters if you apply it to your skin. In the same way, citrus oils that are fine for eating can harm your skin, especially if you are in the sun.
The opposite of this is also true: Eucalyptus oil can be calming when used on the skin or inhaled, but swallowing it can lead to serious health issues, like seizures.
Since damaged skin absorbs more oil, applying essential oils may cause unwanted skin problems. Undiluted oils, which should not be used at all, can be even more dangerous on injured or inflamed skin.
Sometimes, essential oils can be very concentrated and side effects essential oils may lead to serious health issues. This is especially the case when used the wrong dose or not used in the right way. Therefore, it is better not to make these oils too handy. Keep them away from children locked away out of sight and reach.
Using more of something is not always better. Even when you are using essential oils after diluting them, using larger amounts or too often can still lead to negative reactions. This can be the case even if you are not allergic or particularly sensitive to essential oils.
Now that we have reached the end of this blog, you must have realized that using essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your wellness routine. You can follow the dos and don’ts we discussed in this blog to enjoy the benefits of these natural oils safely.
Looking for the best essential oils? Check out our website to explore our natural oils range, and contact us to learn more about our high-quality essential oils!