Essential oils are amazing and have many uses. I think everyone can benefit from using these in their lives. However, just because they are natural does not mean we should use them willy nilly. They most definitely deserve the respect of proper education.
Oil Brands: Finding the best quality oils
Today you can purchase essential oils in a lot of places. But not every bottle of lavender oil is made equal. Just because an oil has the word “natural” attached to it doesn’t mean it is a good quality oil. Adulterated and mislabeled oils may present many dangers to consumers. Adulterated oils are mixed with synthetic compounds that can cause rashes and burns and other irritations, along with being devoid of any therapeutic effects.
Do not assume that just because an oil is “100 percent pure” that it is a high quality oil. In the U.S. you are only required to have 5% essential oil in the bottle to label it pure. Look for quality over quantity.
And check the price tag…
I know you probably don’t want to hear this… but higher is better. Check the price tag. You get what you pay for. Companies can charge less because it’s not the best quality. It doesn’t cost them as much to produce. And some are diluted with carrier oils or fillers…so you are not actually getting the oil you think you are.
Another tip: Be aware of the bottle colors. Essential oil bottles should be stored in dark colored (amber or blue) GLASS bottles. True oils can eat through regular grade plastic…so that is a big NO NO! The dark glass protects them from oxidation and sunlight.
OK, moving on! Now that we know how to look for good quality, how do we use them safely?
How Do I Use Them?
Everyone’s body is different and not all oils are perfectly safe to apply straight on the skin. Some oils can cause skin irritations to some people. I highly suggest testing new oils on a small patch of skin to see how it reacts to the oil.
Dilution:
It is also a good idea to dilute the oils (especially the hot oils, such as oregano, cinnamon, and some citrus oils), using a carrier oil. A carrier oil is a fatty oil whose molecules are much larger than essential oil molecules. Using these slows down the body’s absorption of essential oils… and it helps make it a little more gentle on the skin. Dilute essential oils with some vegetable oil (olive, coconut, V-6 or almond oil) until you know how it effects your skin. Watch out for redness or irritations, and be sure and dilute oils on children. Their skin is more sensitive and it absorbs the oils more quickly.
Oils and sunlight:
Certain oils are photosensitive, so you don’t want to go outside right after applying them. These oils are mostly citrus oils. Avoid applying these to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours.
Apply NOT everywhere:
Though essential oils are beneficial to just about every part of your body, this DOES NOT mean you ca apply them to every part of your body. They should not be applied to your eyes or your ear canal. Be careful when applying them topically to near your eyes. Some strong oils (such as peppermint and oregano) can cause a burning sensation. If you are applying oils near your eyes try using a Q-tip. You are much less likely to cause yourself unnecessary harm.
Internally:
What about using them internally? I have discovered two groups of people: Those who are all for using essential oils internally, and those who are completely against it.
The French have been safely using some essential oils internally for a long time. There are certain oils that are GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe). I don’t believe it is really about whether you should or you shouldn’t. It’s about being responsible and knowing about your oils. Some oils should not be taken for very long or in large amounts (such as clove and oregano), as they are very strong and can start causing harm after a while if you are not careful; and there are some oils that should not be taken internally at all (like birch and other tree oils).
Individuals:
With all this being said, and now that you have all the basic safety knowledge… it is very important to know the individual oils you are using. So be sure you look at the benefits, uses and cautions that come with the specific oil or blend you are using.
And ROTATE your oil usage! I know it’s tempting to find an oil that you absolutely love and use it all the time…but that is not good for your body. Using an oil too much can actually reduce the benefits (your body can get too used to them), some can actually cause damage if used for too long all at once, and your body can actually have so much of a specific thing that is starts to reject it! PLUS, each oil will last longer if you rotate them and don’t use up just one all at once.
Summing Up
All right! To sum it up in a nutshell, here is what you should remember:
-Keep oils away from eyes and ear canals and private areas
-Patch test and watch for irritation or rashes
-Dilute if you are ever in doubt, and especially with young children
-Make sure your oils are of the highest grade…and DON’T skimp on the price!
-Rotate your oils…don’t let your body get so used to one oil!
-Check the benefits and safety precautions of each individual oil that you use.
-It is always important to check with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or taking medications, as the oils can interfere
