Safety Tips

Safety Tips with essential oil use

• All essential oils must be diluted before applying them directly to the skin. Mix with unscented massage oil / lotion, witch hazel, alcohol or purified water.  Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is known for being an essential oil that is mild and can be used undiluted on the skin, but my suggestion is always do a small patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin –  to be safe not sorry.

• Essential oils are highly concentrated, therefore less is more.

• Citrus essential oils are photosensitive. Hyper-pigmentation may occur. Direct sunlight should be avoided for 12 hours after using these essential oils on the skin. Also avoid sun beds after topically applying. 

• Always test a diluted essential oil on small patch of skin to determine your skins sensitivity. Dilute with unscented massage oil or lotion.

• Pure E.O. are not water-soluble, their fat soluble- they will only mix in carrier oils not water.

• Keep essential oils away from the eyes. Use milk to flush if exposure occurs. Water may worsen the irritation.

• Never ever ingest essential oils.  Do not drink or add in food.

• Keep out of reach of children. Bottles are not child resistant !!! Essential oils are highly concentrated.

• Keep out of reach of pets and do not use with pets unless directed by a Registered Aromatherapist. Remember pets are very sensitive.

• Use caution with chronic or serious health conditions such as cancer, heart concerns and neurological disorders. Consult a professional healthcare provider before using essential oils.

• Do not use essential oils during pregnancy, if you think you might be pregnant or are nursing.

• People with high blood pressure or epilepsy must avoid rosemary, thyme and oregano essential oils. Epileptics must also avoid eucalyptus. Consult a professional healthcare provider before using essential oils and do your research!!!

• If you are applying topically to the skin, you may choose to take a periodic break, 5 days on / 2 days off or 3 weeks on / 1 week off.

• Do your research. These safety tips are not or may not be ALL the safety tips for the use of essential oils. Do your research before using any new product natural or chemical filled! After all only you are responsible for what you put on your skin.

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Disclaimer: Information provided is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be complete, or to counsel, treat, cure, diagnose or prescribe. Readers are encouraged to seek professional help for emotional, mental or physical issues. Some essential oils have contraindications so be sure to use caution if pregnancy, serious illness or disease exists.

Zen Age / Copyright /2012

Ravensara essential oil for colds and flu

My essential oil pick of the day...Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), from the leaves and twigs of the Ravensara tree . This is one of my favorite essential oils.

High in 1,8-cineole just like eucalyptus and cajeput, makes for a great essential oil for colds and flu.  It is known for its antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial and expectorant actions. I love Ravensara for opening up my lungs when I feel like I cannot get a deep breath.  I mix ravensara rosemary, lemon, cypress and pine essential oils in my cotton pad inhaler. 

Ravensara is good to use with those who are grieving as it opens up the lungs where we have the tendency to hold our grief. In turn it helps us with courage to move forward.  Its also a great oil to diffuse in the home when sniffles are invading our loved ones.  I have even added to a foot bath mixed with epsom salts when a cold is coming on. 

Information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, counsel or prescribe. Consult a medical professional for serious illness.  ~ Zen Age/Copyright/2012

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