Guidelines for Essential Oils

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Guidelines for Essential Oils

* Essential oils are very concentrated. Their safe use requires they be

treated with care and respect. The user should be knowledgeable about

their properties and actions before any use. Most personal applications

require drops rather than ounces.

* Keep oils out of reach of children and away from pets. Please do not

ingest by mouth. Because of the potency of certain essential oils,

proceed carefully and with guidance from a trained aromatherapist if

any of the following situations exist: pregnancy, high blood pressure,

epilepsy, open wounds, diabetes, rashes, neurological disorders, or if

taking prescription medications or homeopathic remedies.

* Undiluted pure essential oils are never applied directly to the skin.

For application to the skin, dilute in a pure vegetable carrier oil,

such as almond, grapeseed or jojoba. For full-body and foot baths,

dilute the oils in water. Special care is advised when using essential

oils which heighten skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light. These oils

include angelica, verbena and citrus oils such as bergamot, bitter

orange, lemon and lime. Avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays for a

minimum of four hours following application of photosensitive essential

oils.

* Essential oils have different levels of potency. The more potent the

oil, the smaller the quantity used. Sage, fennel, hyssop and

wintergreen are relatively more potent than most oils; rose, lavender

and chamomile are relatively mild. Most essential oils are safe and

nontoxic when proper dilution recommendations are followed. When in

doubt, seek guidance from a professional aromatherapist or medical

professional.

* Essential oils are not intended for use in the treatment of specific

medical conditions. For treatment of health ailments, please seek

diagnosis and recommendations from a licensed medical practitioner.

* Essential oils are very concentrated, so it's important to handle them with care. Please read these cautions carefully:

* Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions.

* Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children.

Never consume undiluted oils. Cook only with those oils approved for food use.

* Don't use undiluted oils on your skin. (Dilute with vegetable oils.)

Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the

skin on your inner arm. Do not use if redness or irritation occurs.

* Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.

If redness, burning, itching, or irritation occur, stop using oil immediately.

* Avoid use of these oils during pregnancy: bitter almond, basil, clary

sage, clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh,

peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage, thyme and wintergreen.

* These oils can be especially irritating to the skin: allspice, bitter

almond, basil, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, clove bud, sweet fennel,

fir needle, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, tea tree,

wintergreen.

* and all citrus oils make the skin more sensitive to

ultraviolet light. Do not go out into the sun with these oils on your

skin.

* Sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and rosemary should not be used by anyone with epilepsy.

* People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/oils.htm

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