How to stay safe when using essential oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries in health and beauty treatments as well as around our homes. They are not just popular because they smell pleasant, but because they have a huge range of therapeutic benefits. However, it is important that you understand exactly what these are and how to handle the oils to ensure that they are always used safely and effectively.

To explain more, Chris Buck, Account Manager of Essential Oil specialists; JC Buck, shares his expertise on how to stay safe when using essential oils.

What is an essential oil?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts which have been condensed down into intensive oil forms. The reason that there are many warnings about using them safely is because they are 50-70 times more powerful than herbs, and so their effects can be great. They have been traditionally used in aromatherapy as they capture the plant’s scent and flavour. They are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing. Once extracted, they are often combined with a carrier oil to make them into a product that can be used.

Topical use

Essential oils are often applied to the skin as they are believed to have either skin-healing or pain-relieving properties. However, if used in the wrong way, these oils can create reactions such as skin rashes. There are a small number which may be poisonous if absorbed through the skin whilst others can cause phototoxicity.

To use them safely, it is first wise to check that what you are using is suitable for the task. You should also take into account your age, any other health conditions and any medication that you may be taking. As essential oils are so highly concentrated, they will usually need to be diluted before they can be used. This can be done by adding a few drops of carrier oil, which tends to be vegetable based, to take your essential oil concentration levels below 5%.

As with anything that you put on your skin, it is always wise to carry out a patch test first. To do this, rub a few drops of diluted oil onto a small patch of your forearm and leave it for 24 hours. This will allow you to see if there is any kind of reaction such as a rash, blister, itching or swelling and will warn you against using it elsewhere on the body.

Inhalation

Essential oils have been inhaled through diffusion techniques for hundreds of years as they are believed to help ease a number of mental health related conditions such as stress and anxiety as well as improving the quality of your sleep or easing respiratory conditions. These oils will also need to be diluted properly, and you should ensure that any diffusion takes place in a well-ventilated area.

It might be easy to think that something which smells lovely, and has so many benefits should be left to continue all day, but this can become overpowering and not good for the health. Instead, diffuse the oils intermittently, giving them an hourly break.

Pregnancy

Many people are cautious about using essential oils during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, and oils such as camphor, parsley seed, hyssop, pennyroyal, tarragon, wintergreen and wormwood should definitely be avoided.

However, some oils have some great therapeutic effects and are used within specialist pregnancy massages to soothe mum-to-be. If you are in any doubt, consult your midwife before using an oil.

Essential oils are hugely popular and can have some great effects, but it is important to use them carefully. Take the time understand the oil and what it can do before you put it into use and make sure that you always follow the proper instructions for use.