Are you new to using essential oils? If so, you probably have many questions about essential oil safety! You’ve come to the right place. Here are some answers to commonly asked safety questions for essential oils.This article contains affiliate links.Let’s see what we can do with some drops of essential oils!
Safety Questions for Essential Oils
Before we get started on the FAQ, here’s some general information about essential oils:
We know the benefits of essential oils, however, it’s also important to take all the safety precautions needed to ensure we are not putting our health at risk. Although using essential oils is generally a safe practice, there are a number of things you will want to be mindful of to avoid adverse reactions and an allergic reaction. Simple but important things such as proper use, side effects, maximum doses, drug interactions, and more need to be taken into account before getting started in the world of pure essential oils.
This is especially vital if you have health conditions since some essential oils might be counterproductive to your medicine. When you store essential oils, you need to ensure they are out of reach of children, especially small children. Make sure to get medical advice before the use of these oils and do a patch test the first time.
Finally, we also recommend getting high quality essential oils. Our favorite oils are Young Living because they have both therapeutic grade and food grade oils, making them safe to use in our daily lives. However, regardless of the brand you choose, you should never use or apply undiluted essential oils. They must be diluted or used along a carrier oil to prevent adverse reactions.
Some good carrier oils include jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, and sweet almond oil.
Are essential oils safe to consume?
While many popular essential oils are good for internal use and can be consumed, there are a few basic guidelines. You will want to make sure you are only using Food Grade essential oils, which are approved by the FDA for consumption. You will also never want to consume essentials directly from the bottle. They should always be diluted. Some essential oils are not safe for the digestive system, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time before trying a new oil.
Can you apply essential oils to your skin?
While some essential oils are safe for topical application, others are may cause skin irritation, redness, pain, and other symptoms. Be extra careful if you have sensitive skin. No essential oil should be applied to damaged, broken or wounded skin. Always do your research before applying any essential oil to your skin!
Are essential oils safe for young children and babies?
Many essential oils are not safe for babies and young children. Some may be okay if they are more diluted than they would be for adults. To find out for sure, be sure to talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Is it safe to use essential oils in the sun?
While some essential oils can offer great sun protection, others are not recommended for use in the sun or in tanning beds, which are called phototoxic essential oils. They may cause sunburn or skin discoloration. Some of the essential oils which should be avoided in the sun include cumin, bergamot, as well as citrus oils like bitter orange, lemon, lime, rue, grapefruit, and Angelica Root. Again, do your research prior to using essential oils in direct sunlight!
Make sure to read these FAQ before using essential oils for the first time.Are essential oils flammable?
Yes, essential oils are highly flammable. It’s important to keep them away from gas burners, matches, candles, and any other open flames at all times!
Can you apply essential oils to sensitive areas?
Although some diluted essential oils are good for topical use, you should never apply essential oils to your eyes, genitals, or ears! If contact with a sensitive area occurs, visit the emergency room.
Is it safe to use essential oils during pregnancy?
Not a whole lot of research is available on whether or not essential oils are safe during pregnancy. That said, there are different essential oils that pregnant women should avoid camphor, wormwood, oak moss, parsley seed, sage, hyssop, rue, and Lavandula stoechas. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and thinking of using essential oils.
Are essential oils safe to consume if you take prescription medications for a medical condition?
If you take prescription medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist before using any essential oils. Some essential oils may react with your medications. For example, you should not cook with grapefruit essential oil if your medications cannot be absorbed with grapefruit juice.
These are just a few questions you may have been wondering about essential oils! If you are unsure, be sure to contact your doctor or do your research before using essential oils.
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