Using Essential Oils Safely
 

Aromatherapy is compatible with conventional medicine and most other forms of holistic treatment. However, if you are taking medication, consult your physician. Some oils are not compatible with homeopathic treatment. Aromatherapy is safe to use for minor and short-term problems provided you follow certain guidelines.

• Do not take essential oils internally.

• Do not put essential oils in the eyes.

• Keep oils away from the children.

• Do not apply oils undiluted to the skin, unless it is stated that it is safe to do so.

Consult a qualified practitioner for advice and treatment if you:

• are pregnant

• have an allergy

• have a chronic medical conditions such as H.B.P or epilepsy.

• are receiving medical or psychiatric treatment

• are taking homeopathic medicine.

• have chronic or serious health problem or if a problem is of a persistent nature.

• intend treating babies or very young children
   

Who should avoid this therapy?

Many essential oils can trigger bronchial spasm. If you have asthma, do not use any form of aromatherapy without first consulting your physician and a trained therapist.

If you have respiratory allergies, do not use the oil of a plant, the fragrance of which is known to trigger allergic reactions, even though the oil suits your body type. It is better to consult a trained Aroma therapist.

If you have skin allergies, do not use essential oils in your bath. To check whether your are allergic to an oil, place one drop to the inside of your elbow and wait for 24 hours to see if it produces a reaction.

As with any medication, it is best to avoid aromatherapy during pregnancy. Be especially wary of sage, rosemary and juniper oils. These herbs have been known to cause uterine contractions when taken in excessive amount.

Infants and children are especially sensitive to potent essential oils. Keep the oils away from their faces. Do not use peppermint oil on children under the age of 30 months.

What side effects may occur?

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, taking them internally can easily lead to a toxic reaction. Do not ingest even the tiniest amount without your doctor's approval.

Except for lavender, do not use any highly concentrated, undiluted oils on your skin. Be careful to keep the oils away from your eyes. Close your eyes while inhaling aromatic vapors.

Many essential oils can cause skin irritation if used frequently. They can increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight, making it susceptible to skin burn. Excessive or frequent inhalation of vapors can cause headache and fatigue. There is an extent to which oils should be used; otherwise they can have the opposite effect. For example, too much of peppermint can cause insomnia rather than relieving it.

When should the treatment stop?

If the treatment seems to help, it can generally be continued as long as needed. However, if you develop allergy to any of the products you are using, stop treatment immediately and seek another form of therapy.

Visit a conventional doctor

Continued symptoms or the development of new ones, are a signal to check with your doctor. Many seemingly minor symptoms can be evidence of serious underlying problems. You owe it to yourself to get a professional diagnosis whenever your conditions change for the worse.