Safety & Cautions For all Essential Oils

Essential Oils are Highly Concentrated
Essential oils are much more concentrated than the herb, leaf or flower they were distilled from. Pure therapeutic grade essential oils are delicate living substances, yet have very powerful, positive effects on body and mind. Because it takes many pounds of plant material to make one drop of essential oil, they are very concentrated and far more potent than fresh or dried herbs.

When you are using essential oils remember that they are more powerful than dried herbs or teas, use only a few drops at a time. For example, using an essential oil like peppermint for digestion is much more powerful than drinking peppermint tea or using peppermint candies. 

Cautions:

·       Children - Essential Oils are powerful plant substances that should not be handled by children.Do not use any essential oils on children under age three. Lavender essential oil is the most gentle and suitable for young children. Other essential oils can be used with care for older children. 

·    Pets -  Essential Oils are powerful plant substances that should not be used on pets without specific veterinary guidance or a qualified aromatherapy practitioner who can specifically work with your pets to determine the best essential oils for your situation.Dogs are very sensitive to smells as their noses are many more times sensitive than human's.

Cats have a very sensitive system to almost everything. Do not allow pets to lick your hands after using essential oils, as some may be toxic to their system. Be aware that dogs, cats and birds are generally very sensitive and may be affected by using diffusers and oil burners in their space. 

·    Eyes - Be careful not to get in your eyes. If you wear contact lenses be very careful about using essential oils - put your contacts in BEFORE you handle essential oils. Even handling the bottle can transfer some to your fingers. A tiny bit on your contact lens or in your eye may burn and sting and may permanently damage your contact lens. Oils are not water soluble and some will remain on your fingers even after you wash your hands. In case of accidental eye contact, call your doctor. 

·   Pregnancy SAFETY DATA: If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician prior to use. You should not use any essential oils at all during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Then if you wish to use them, research carefully before using or see a qualified herbalist. Many essential oils contain natural plant hormones. Essential oils are very concentrated and powerful substances and there are some oils that should never be used at all during pregnancy. 

·    Epilepsy – do not use essential oils without an ok from your doctor. Essential oils are powerful substances that directly affect brain chemistry. 

·   Skin Sensitivity - Some oils may be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Be cautious about using essential oils directly on the skin as skin sensitivity varies by individual and can be affected by health, allergies, heredity, age, medications, sunlight. Redheads and blonds tend to be most sensitive. Pure Therapeutic Lavender essential oil and the floral blends form Young Living are gentle and generally safe used “neat” -- directly on the skin. Be aware that essential oils and blends like Thieves, Oregano, Clove, Citronella, Peppermint and spicy oils are considered to be “hot” oils and must be diluted in some type of carrier oil like canola, almond, grape seed or jojoba before using on the skin or feet. If you accidentally get too much of one of these “hot” essential oils on your hands or skin, FIRST dilute with another oil, even a few drops of olive or cooking oil, before you wash. 

·    Photosensitivity - Some essential oils can cause PHOTOSENSITIVITY which means they could cause a reaction on the skin when exposed to sunlight (or tanning beds!) These include all the citrus oils – lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, and the Citrus Fresh blend. Be sure to avoid using these oils for at least 6 hours before going outside to work or play. If you are using an oil blend, check to see if it contains any orange, lemon or lime before using if you plan to be outdoors. 

·    Illness & Medications - Caution: If you have a severe or chronic illness, are taking lots of medications, do not use essential oils without an ok from your doctor. 

·    Medications - be aware that using some essential oils every day could interact with your medication. It is known that Grapefruit Essential Oil can interact with some blood pressure medications. Ask your pharmacist for information about specific interactions with your medicines. 

·    Homeopathy - several internet sources indicated that some essential oils can interact with ongoing Homeopathy treatments, causing them not to work properly. The oils listed were: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Camphor, and Black Pepper, be aware that using some essential oils every day could interact with your medication. Ask your pharmacist for information about specific interactions with your medicines  

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