How to Use Essential Oils Safely

Essential oils are a great alternative medicine option. Essential oils use aromatherapy to treat stress conditions and health issues such as backaches, headaches, digestive problems, nervous problems and other issues. However, if you want to use essential oils, there are some safety issues to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Read the label. While you should dilute essential oils for safety, some essential oils come already diluted and will lose their efficacy if you dilute them more.
2. Do your homework. Understand any safety precautions about the essential oils you use. Some essential oils should not be used before going out into the sunlight, while others need a great deal of dilution to make them safe.
3. Check with your doctor before using essential oils, especially if you're currently on medications. Some essential oils may interact negatively with medications, while others may raise blood pressure to dangerous levels if you already have high blood pressure. Do not use essential oils on children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women without checking with a doctor.
4. Dilute your essential oils with carrier oil such as grape seed oil before application. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without the approval of a licensed aromatherapist.
5. Store essential oils properly. Essential oils should be stored in cool, dark places and in dark bottles. Keep lids tightly closed when not in use and do not use if the oil has separated, is cloudy or has clumps in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Never ingest essential oils, either by drinking them or by sprinkling them over food. Essential oils can cause health issues if taken internally.