There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. However, there are guidelines to follow to safely incorporate essential oils into your life. If you don’t use essential oils properly, you risk harming your health. Follow these rules to ensure you stay safe and healthy when using aromatherapy in your daily life.
Is aromatherapy safe to apply to the skin?
Some essential oils are very mild and are able to be applied to the skin without dilution. Most essential oils require dilution before application to the skin. When in doubt, ask a qualified aromatherapist. For aromatherapy massage on a large area of skin, pure essential oils should always be diluted first in a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil.
Is aromatherapy safe for ingestion or internal use?
No, it is not recommended that you ingest any essential oils. Avoid putting any essential oil inside your nostrils, ears, eyes or open wounds. Essential oils can irritate or burn the sensitive tissues of the body.
Is aromatherapy safe for children?
The safest way for children to enjoy aromatherapy is through diffusion in the air using an oil burner or diffuser, or carefully inhaling directly from the bottle. Some essential oils can cause irritation as children can have sensitive or delicate skin. If applying to children’s skin, dilute essential oil in any cold pressed carrier oil before application.
Is aromatherapy safe for pregnant women?
Some essential oils should not be used around pregnant women as there is a small risk they may be harmful and cause complications in the pregnancy or to an unborn child. There are certain essential oils that can cause uterine contractions which may induce labour before the baby is ready to be born.
Is aromatherapy safe for animals?
Animals have a very sensitive sense of smell so you must be careful about which essential oils you diffuse in the air of your home or office. There are many essential oils that should not be used around pets as they can be irritating or toxic to their airways. Also be aware of applying essential oils to areas of your skin that may come into contact with your pets.
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