Essential Oils 101 – Safety Guidelines & How to Store Essential Oils

Today:

• Safety Guidelines
• How to Store Essential Oils

Safety Guidelines

Though essential oils are a natural remedy, they are very potent.  Use precaution and common sense when using essential oils.

• Read and follow label cautions and warnings
• Do a skin patch test on your inner arm before using essential oils topically. In case of skin irritation, stop using the oil.  If using the oil neat, try diluting it before using it again.
• Do not ingest essential oils unless you are sure of their integrity and know their properties
• Citrus oils are phototoxic and sun exposure should be avoided for 12 hours after use
• Essential oils are flammable so keep away from heat and flame sources
• If you are pregnant or nursing, have sensitive skin, epilepsy, heart or kidney problems, or any serious medical condition, do not use essential oils unless advised by a physician or medical professional or aromatherapist
• If a given essential oil is used daily over two weeks, allow one week of rest before continuing use
• Vary oils to reduce the chance of acquiring a sensitivity reaction
• Keep essential oils away from your eyes. If oil get into eyes, flush out with a carrier oil or milk, never use water
• If you don’t feel right after using an essential oil, stop using it, or if you feel like you need to use a certain one, try it – use your intuition
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

How to Store Essential Oils

Essential oils are volatile and can be damaged by exposure to heat, oxygen and sunlight. Always store oils in amber or cobalt blue bottles.  After use, the cap must be securely fastened and the bottle stored in a cool, dry place.  When properly cared for, most essential oils have a shelf life of two to five years. Citrus oils oxidize easily so they have a shorter shelf life of between six months and one year.  To extend the life of oils, store them in a fridge. The test of freshness in an essential oil is its fragrance.

 

DISCLAIMER

Information provided is for personal information and interest only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and does not offer medical advice or treatment for any condition. It is recommend you consult your doctor or aromatherapist if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication, have any health/medical conditions and want to include using essential oils.

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