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Essential
Oil Warnings
Essential oils should be used with caution. Essential
oils are many times more potent than dried herbs.
Just like any medicine, essential oils can be harmful
if they are not used carefully or properly.
Wear
suitable gloves and eye and face protection when working
with essential oils. Prior to mixing oils, be sure
to read everything you can about the oils and their
effects. The use or handling of essential oils should
be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.
In fact, all essential oils should be used with caution.
Some
basic procedures should therefore be observed in order
to ensure safety but also the quality of the oils
in storage. Only small quantities of essential oil
combinations should be made up at a time, as vegetable
oils combined with the essences, tend to oxidize and
turn rancid. Once oils start to turn cloudy or smell
rancid they should be disposed of.
Essential
oils should be kept out of reach of children. It is
also advisable to fit bottles that don't have a dripolator
(orifice reducer) with a child proof cap for safety
reasons.
Essential
Oil containers are best kept in a dark, cool place
with temperature fluctuations kept to a minimum. Essential
oils are flammable and should therefore not be used
near naked flame.
Always
mix essential oils with carrier oils before applying
to skin. People with sensitive skin must take particular
care to make sure that essential oils are diluted
prior to using them. It is always recommended that
before you begin to use any formula, you read the
directions carefully and test it first. Always try
a small skin test with a diluted sample prior to using.
Test spots should always be conducted prior to using
an essential oil combination as certain essential
oils may irritate sensitive skins.
Essential
oils should not be taken internally, they are only
for external use.
Care should be taken when purchasing essential oils
as some retailers sell synthetic based oils that are
chemically created and are not natural, purchase oils
not by price but by quality and purity.
Essential oils may be used to for relaxation, emotional
enjoyment or healing. Depending on the type of oil,
the result on the body may be calming or stimulating
but they also must be used with care.
About
the Author
Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items
http://www.organic-items.com
and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net
leading portals for organic products and essential
oils.
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