Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils

Safety when using essential oils

This guide is intended for normal use of essential oils and is not a complete, exhaustive reference manual. If you are unsure about the use of essential oils, we recommend contacting your professional therapist or medical personnel. You are also welcome to send us your questions.

Skin contact

If undiluted oil gets on your fingers or other skin, it can be washed off with lukewarm soapy water. Some oils have such a strong scent that it will linger on the skin for a long time – this is not dangerous in itself. If allergic reactions such as red, inflamed skin and blisters occur, we recommend seeking medical assistance.

Fire hazard

Essential oils are flammable and must be kept away from open flames and other ignition sources!

Storage and children

Store and use essential oils in the same way as medicines. Many essential oils smell good and children can easily believe they are safe to drink (e.g., orange oil, peppermint oil). Essential oils should always be stored out of reach of children.

Allergic reactions

Essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin. People who suffer from allergic skin reactions and/or have sensitive or damaged skin should exercise caution, especially when using: camphor, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper, black pepper, peppermint, clove, sage, and thyme.

If in doubt, you can test the oil on a small area of skin: Apply 1–2 drops of diluted essential oil to the inside of your upper arm and cover with a plaster. Wait 4 hours to see if a reaction occurs. Exercise special caution where the skin is extra thin, such as around the eyes and lips.

For external use only

Essential oils are only intended for external use. Some essential oils such as camphor, cinnamon leaf, eucalyptus, ginger, rosemary, and thyme can be harmful to the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. Do not remove the dropper from the oil bottles – this is an effective barrier against accidentally ingesting large amounts of essential oil.

Cinnamon bark, clove, and wintergreen can be used with caution in massage blends (0.25%) after thoroughly familiarizing oneself with the properties of the oils. If essential oil has been ingested, contact a doctor or the Poison Control Centre at tel. 22 59 13 00 (24/7).

Dosage – more is not better

Overdosing is unnecessary. If one drop is enough, do not use two. Feel free to use 6–7 drops in bath water, but reduce to 1–2 drops for oils mentioned under allergic reactions. For massage, 2–4% essential oil in a vegetable carrier oil is usually appropriate. For children, the amount should be reduced to a minimum – 0.25%.

Photosensitizing oils

Some essential oils can cause reactions in connection with sunbathing and solariums. The following oils should not be used before strong sun exposure: cinnamon (bark), ginger, and all citrus oils (orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, etc.).

Essential oils and pregnancy

Generally, essential oils should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy. The following oils should be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy: juniper, camphor, myrrh, sage, cedarwood, thyme, and thuja.

The following oils can be used for massage, inhalation, and bathing after 3–4 months: chamomile, geranium, jasmine (must be diluted), lavender (must be diluted), rose, and ylang ylang.

Eye contact

All essential oils, even when diluted, will cause stinging if they come into contact with the eyes and/or mucous membranes. Rinse immediately with generous amounts of clean, lukewarm water. If the stinging does not subside, medical assistance must be sought.

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