There is no doubt that aromatherapy is a great tool to enhance our lifes. Yet, if you want to benefit from it, you need to know how to use it safely to prevent any problems occurred. This Health safety when using aromatherapy is a good way to make that happened.
There are several important things you should consider when it comes to aromatherapy including health safety when using aromatherapy such as:
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Because many essential oils (such as sweet orange) smell tantalizing, children may be tempted to drink them. Please store essential oils tightly capped and away from children.
- Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions
- Keep away from your eyes. If accidents happen, flush with large quantity of clean warm water immediately. Seek medical advice immeiately.
- Always remember that each essential oils has their characteristics, even though they come from the same plant.
- Always use essential oils as suggested amount. Over use of essential oils can cause headaches, nausea and general feelings of uneasiness; drink plenty of water, get fresh air, take frequent breaks.
- Essential oils should always be diluted first before apply to body. Do not apply neat essential oil onto the skin. To remove neat oil spills on hands, use cream or vegetable oil to dilute, apply soap, wash with warm water; may need to be repeated.
- Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to he skin on your inner arm. If redness, burning, itching, or irritation occurs, stop using oil immediately.
- Never consume undiluted oils. Cook only with those oils approved for food use. If essential oil is ingested, rinse mouth out with milk, and then drink a large glass of milk. Seek medical advice immediately.
- When driving,you should keep away from marjoram and chamomile as either one could cause drowsiness.
- When drinking alcohol, don’t use clary sage, as it will intensify the effects of the alcohol acting like a narcotic.
- If you already use the aromatherapy treatment for over 2 weeks please take a one week break before you continue to use it again.
Bottling Essential Oils- Wearing gloves when bottling essential oils that not be diluted.
- Have a good ventilation in the room.
- Take frequent breaks.
Avoid in cases of High Blood Pressure: Rosemary, Thyme
Avoid in cases of Epilepsy: Fennel, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme.
Use Caution in cases of Low Blood Pressure: Chamomile, Marjoram, Ylang ylang.
Skin Irritants (Use with caution, especially for sensitive skin. Use in 1/4 -1/2 adult dosages): Basil, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Ginger, Lemongrass, Melissa, Petitgrain, Thyme, Grapefruit, Lime, Orange.
Photosensitisation Citrus Oils may cause the skin to become sensitive to sunlight ultra-violet exposure): Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Petitgrain Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.
Avoid during Pregnancy & Breast Feeding The following Essential Oils should not come into contact with the body during pregnancy. However, vaporisation is safe: Basil, Jasmine, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Juniper, Rosemary, Chamomile, Marjoram, Fennel, Melissa, Thyme, Myrrh.
Avoid in Infant Care All other Essential Oils should be used with caution or by professional recommendation when treating infants: Basil, Clove, Lemongrass, Fennel, Thyme, Ginger.
If you suffer from diabetics, you should avoid using angelica.
If you suffer from hypoglycemia, you should not use geranium.
Someone with kidney problems should use juniper, sandalwood or coriander with caution.
If you taking aspirin, heparin or warfarin, you should avoid bay.
If you taking paracetamol, you should not use fennel.
Avoid use with fever: lavandin, spike lavender.
Avoid use with liver problems (including alcoholism): Fennel and rosemary.
Health safety when using aromatherapy is only a guide for you. Please seek professional advice from a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional if you have serious symptoms or occur serious problem when applying it.
Source: www.aromatherapy-at-home.com