Precautions when using essential oils

Essential oils are powerful concentrates of active ingredients extracted from plants. Due to their high concentration, they should be used with caution and moderation. Here's a detailed guide to the precautions you need to take to use essential oils safely.

Dosages and recommendations

• It is crucial to follow the dosage and directions for use indicated by a health professional or aromatherapist.
• Dosages vary according to need and use, and must be adapted to your state of health.

Children and essential oils

• Never give essential oils to children under 7 years of age without consulting a physician. For some oils, this threshold may be even higher.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

• It is generally not advisable to use essential oils during pregnancy or while breast-feeding without medical advice, as some oils may cause adverse effects such as contractions or reduced lactation.

Specific medical conditions

• Essential oils are contraindicated for people with epilepsy, asthma, allergies or known hypersensitivity. They should not be administered without prior medical consultation.

Avoid the following routes of administration

• Never inject essential oils intravenously or intramuscularly.

Allergy test

• Before using for the first time, we recommend testing the essential oil on a small area of skin. Mix a drop of essential oil with a vegetable oil and apply to the crease of the elbow. Wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reaction.

Precautions for atmospheric diffusion

• Some oils can be irritating to the respiratory tract, especially when diffused over long periods. It is important to avoid continuous diffusion or diffusion in closed rooms.
• Never diffuse essential oils in the presence of young children, pregnant women, asthmatics or allergy sufferers without medical advice.

Accidental eye or skin contact

• In the event of accidental eye contact, wipe immediately with absorbent cotton soaked in vegetable oil. Never use water, as essential oils are not water-soluble.
• If pure essential oils come into contact with the skin, dilute them immediately with a vegetable oil to avoid irritation or burns.

Sun sensitivity

• Some essential oils are photo-sensitizing (e.g. Bergamot and Lemon). After applying them to the skin, avoid exposure to sunlight or UV rays for several hours.

Storage of essential oils

• Keep your essential oils in well-closed bottles, away from light and heat, to preserve their properties.
• Avoid putting them to bed, as they can be corrosive, leaving the oils in prolonged contact with the plastic dropper.

Specific precautions for diffusing essential oils

Diffusion is a common way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils, but it also requires some precautions:

• Suitable oils: Use oils that are 100% pure and natural, and prefer those recommended for diffusion (e.g. Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Eucalyptus).
• Diffusion time: Limit diffusion to 5-10 minutes per hour in an airy room, to avoid respiratory irritation.
• Position of diffuser: Place the diffuser at a sufficient distance from people so that they do not receive the vapors directly on the face.

Diffusion in the presence of pets

• Some pets may be sensitive or even allergic to essential oils. Be careful not to expose them to prolonged diffusion.

Ingestion of essential oils - Precautions

Ingestion of essential oils is not recommended except on medical advice. If you choose to ingest an essential oil, please observe the following guidelines:

• Food grade: Make sure the essential oil is certified for food use.
• Dilution: Never ingest essential oils neat. Dilute them in vegetable oil or honey before consumption.
• Daily dose: Never exceed the recommended dose, and never substitute them for a balanced diet.

Storage and shelf life of essential oils

• Shelf life: Essential oils generally keep for 5 years, but some essences, particularly citrus-based ones, should be used within 2 years for cutaneous application.
• Evaporation of active ingredients: Always close bottles after use to avoid evaporation of aromas and active ingredients.