Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapy.
How we use essential oils.
Security
All volatile aromatic vegetable oils are concentrated. This means that they should be used sparingly, only a few drops at a time and always diluted in some other medium, such as simple massage oil (cold pressed vegetable oil) or unscented base cream (but not mineral oil cream, like most brands of sorbolene or baby oil). Fragrant vegetable oils do not dissolve in water unless first mixed with a solubilizer.
The use of essential oils is not recommended when they coexist in the body
the following conditions:
Asthma
Heart disease
Hypertension
Cancer – Chemotherapy
Epilepsy
Pregnancy
Kidney Disease
Neurological disorders
If essential oils are not used correctly and carefully, there is a risk that they can be triggered:
- Allergic reactions
- Headache
- Nausea
- Skin Irritations
- Skin irritations Skin irritations
- Excessive urination
- Negative feelings
- Photosensitivity
In addition, there is a risk of allergic reactions in a vulnerable person due to the components of the essential oil and not due to its incorrect use. Most allergic reactions during aromatherapy occur on the skin, where irritation is usually observed. Essential oils are involved in such reactions:
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Black Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Basil
- Cloves
- Lemongrass
- Certain citrus fruits
A common cause is the components of the essential oil. Compounds such as aldehydes or phenols are likely to be irritating to the skin and cause a reaction after a number of applications. Also, contact sensitisation is very likely to occur when the monoterpenes in the oil have oxidised due to improper or long-term storage. Essential oils containing furanocoumarins are commonly involved in phototoxicity incidents. Finally, cross-sensitisation with other essential oils or foods has been reported.
Information about Essential Oils
General precautions
- Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not use photosensitising essential oils before exposure to the sun or tanning beds. Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds for at least twenty-four hours after treatment if photosensitising essential oils were applied to the skin.
- Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils unless used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
- Avoid using undiluted essential oils on the skin unless otherwise indicated.
- Keep essential oils away from the eyes.
- Essential oils are highly flammable substances and should be kept away from direct contact with flames such as candles, fire, matches, cigarettes and gas cookers.
- Make sure your room is well ventilated.
- Do not use essential oils internally unless directed by a qualified medical practitioner or using a professionally formulated blend labeled for internal use. Safety instructions for dilution and use must be followed. Essential oils used must be pure and genuine.
- Not to be applied to body cavities (ears, mouth, vagina).
- Read carefully the instructions concerning interactions with drugs or alcohol.
- Use essential oils such as camphor, frankincense and wintergreen with great care because they are particularly toxic.
- In any case it is necessary to consult a specialist before using any form of aromatherapy.
- Due to the lack of clear information on the toxicity of essential oils during pregnancy, it would be best to follow general safety guidelines. The following essential oils should not be used during pregnancy: wormwood, dark, oak moss, Lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seeds, sage and hyssop.
(Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). Essential Oil Safety. New York: Churchill Livingstone./ https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety#general)
The following properly diluted essential oils appear to be safe for use during pregnancy: benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile (German & Roman), sage, cypress, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, tangerine, neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, orange (sweet), tea tree, ylang ylang.