Safe Use of Young Living Essential Oils

Safety When Using Essential Oils

* Always test for skin sensitivity and keep a bottle of carrier oil handy when using essential oils. Carrier oils (olive oil, coconut oil, V6) dilute essential oils if they cause discomfort or skin irritations. NEVER use water, as water and oil do not mix and will only spread the essential oil around!

* Keep essential oils away from your eyes and out of your ears! NEVER put essential oils directly in the ear or eyes! Do not handle contact lenses or rub your eyes with essential oils on your finters. If the oils should get into your eyes, soothe with a drop or two of carrier oil - again NEVER use water!

* Keep bottles tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Keep them up and away from children. If a child should swallow an essential oil, administer milk, honey or another safe, oil-soluble liquid such as rice milk.

* Do not use essential oils rich in menthol such as Peppermint on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months.

* Oils with high phenol content - Oregano, Helichrysum, Cinnamon, Thyme, Clover, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Thieves and ImmuPower = may damage contact lenses and irritate eyes. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses or touching your eyes.

* The citrus-based oils of Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange and Tangerine as well as oil blends with a heavy citrus concentration such as White Angelica and Purification should not be used on areas of the skin that will be exposed to the sun or UV rays within 72 hours. They may cause an increased reaction to the sun.

* Read the complete label before using essential oils GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe by the FDA) essential oils internally, always dilute with an oil soluble liquid like honey, olive oil or rice milk.

* Epileptics and those with high blood pressure should consult their health care professionals before using some essential oils. Avoid Hyssop, Fennel and Idaho Tansy oils.

* Do not add undiluted essential oils directly to bath water. Use Bath Gel Base as dispersing agent for oils in the bath. Or put in Epsom Salt before adding to water.

* Pregnant women should consult their health care professional before using essential oils containing constituents with hormone-like activity such as Clary Sage, Sage, Idaho Tansy, Juniper and Fennel.