When it comes to relaxation, aromatherapy, and even the treatment of certain ailments, many people turn to essential oils. And while it is true that essential oils do bring a wealth of benefits to their users, it should also be clear that they can carry a few risks, too.
To learn more about essential oil safety, keep reading our essential guide right here. In just seven steps, we will tell you how to use essential oils safely and make the most of them.
1. Always Dilute First
Before using your essential oils, it is important to dilute them. This, in fact, can help to avoid adverse reactions. Generally speaking, you will need to keep your essential oil concentration levels to five percent or less.
To dilute your essential oils, you can either use water or carrier oil, such as vegetable oil.
2. Conduct a Patch Test
When you are using essential oils topically, particularly if trying a new one for the first time, it is vital to conduct a patch test.
This simply consists in applying your essential oils to a small area on your skin (your forearm, for example) and wait for 24 hours before checking whether there are any adverse reactions to the oil.
3. Diffuse in a Well-Ventilated Area
Are you going to use your essential oils for aromatherapy? This involves inhaling the essential oils, which in turn can help alleviate a wide range of physical and mental symptoms.
Before proceeding with your aromatherapy session, you need to ensure that you are in a well-ventilated room. Similarly, remember to take breaks at least every 30 minutes, and always follow the dilution guidelines.
4. Best Avoided in Pregnancy
Are you expecting? If so, you might be better off avoiding essential oils altogether, at least until your little one is born.
While there is still a lot of controversy around whether or not all essential oils are safe in pregnancy, it has also been established that some of them are an absolute no-go.
So, if you want to avoid confusion and minimize risks, you might prefer to steer clear of using all types of essential oils for the duration of your pregnancy.
7. Essential Oils and Pets: a Dangerous Pair
A bit like pregnancy, the relationship between essential oils and pets is a debated one. While there are some known toxicity risks associated with specific essential oils, other types might be safe to use with and around pets.
If you want to find out more about this, check out this blog.
Your ABC of Essential Oil Safety
If you want to make the most of your essential oils, our essential oil safety guide helped.
There are some situations in which using essential oils is discouraged, such as in pregnancy. Other times, essential oils can be toxic, especially if we talk about using them near or with pets or other animals.
Remember to always read the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions to maximize your essential oil experience.
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