The least you need to know is that all essential oils are NOT created equal. There are many different qualities. Learn more about proper growing and distillation practices and why these are vitally important.

When I speak or write about essential oils, I am ONLY referring to the Young Living Essential Oils. Do NOT take the information you find here and expect to get the same results you could get with Young Living essential oils.

I CANNOT vouch for the quality and purity of any other brand of essential oil on the market. Many of them contain solvents or petro chemicals, or both. Others still, contain no real essential oil in them and are ENTIRELY synthetic. In either case, none of these types of essential oils are, in my opinion, fit to ingest, apply topically, or even inhale – as your body WILL be absorbing whatever nasty stuff the manufacturer allowed in the processing.

Disclaimer: My articles are for educational purposes only. How you chose to use any essential oil is entirely your own responsibility. Please, use them mindfully – they are extremely potent.

Get Young Living oils at TheVeryEssence.com

BEFORE YOU START

YL oil applied directly to the skin w/V-6 massage oil.

• Always skin test an essential oil before using it. Each person’s body is different, so apply oils to a small area first. Apply one oil or blend at a time. When layering oils that are new to you, allow enough time (3 to 5 minutes) for the body to respond before applying a second oil.

• Exercise caution when applying essential oils to skin that has been exposed to cosmetics, personal care products, soaps, and cleansers containing synthetic chemicals. Some of them—especially petroleum-based chemicals—can penetrate and remain in the skin and fatty tissues for days or even weeks after use. Essential oils may react with such chemicals and cause skin irritation, nausea, headaches or other uncomfortable effects.

• Essential oils can also react with toxins built up in the body from chemicals in food, water and work environment. If you experience a reaction to essential oils, it may be wise to temporarily discontinue their use and start an internal cleansing program before resuming regular use of essential oils. In addition, double your water intake while using essential oils.

• If skin irritation or other uncomfortable side effects persist, discontinue using the oil(s). 

You may also want to avoid using products that contain the following ingredients to eliminate potential problems:

- Cosmetics, deodorants, and skin care products containing aluminum, petrochemicals, or other synthetic ingredients.

-Perms, hair colors or dyes, hair sprays or gels containing synthetic chemicals.

Avoid shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwash, and soaps containing synthetic chemicals such as sodium laurel sulfate, propylene glycol, or lead acetate.

-Garden sprays, paints, detergents, and cleansers containing toxic chemicals and solvents.

If you are uncertain if the personal care products you’re using contain toxic ingredients find out here.

CAUTION: Essential oils may sting if applied in or around the eyes. Some oils may be painful on mucous membranes unless diluted properly. Immediate dilution is strongly recommended if skin becomes painfully irritated or if oil accidentally gets into eyes. Flushing the area with a vegetable oil should minimize discomfort almost immediately. DO NOT flush with water!  Essential oils are oil soluble, not water-soluble. Water will only spread the oils over a larger surface, possibly exacerbating the problem.

**Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and only apply to children under skilled supervision. 

If a child or infant swallows an essential oil:

Administer a quality vegetable oil, such as olive oil, or a mixture of milk, cream, yogurt, or another safe oil-soluble liquid. Call a Poison Control Center or seek immediate emergency medical attention if necessary.

Note:  If your body pH is low (4.0 to 5.0), you also could have a negative reaction to the essential oils.

There are important guidelines to follow when using essential oils, especially if you are unfamiliar with essential oils and their benefits.

• No list of do’s and don’ts can ever replace common sense.

• It is foolish to dive headlong into a pond when you don’t know the depth of the water. The same is true when using essential oils.

• Start gradually, and find what works best for you and your family.

FURTHER GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS

1. Always keep a bottle of a pure vegetable oil handy when using essential oils. Vegetable oils dilute essential oils if they cause discomfort or skin irritation.

2. Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their potency for many years.

3. Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Treat them as you would any product for therapeutic use.

4. Essential oils rich in menthol should not be used on the throat or neck area of children under 30 months of age.

5. Angelica, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, orange, tangerine, and other citrus oils are photosensitive and may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 3 to 4 days after application.

6. Keep essential oils away from the eye area and never put them directly into ears or directly into the nasal cavity. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on your fingers. Oils with high phenol content—oregano, cinnamon, thyme, clove, lemongrass, and bergamot—may damage contacts and will irritate eyes.

7. Pregnant women should consult a health care professional when starting any type of health program.

8. Epileptics and those with high blood pressure should consult their health care professional before using essential oils. Use caution with hyssop, fennel, basil, wintergreen/birch, nutmeg, rosemary, peppermint, sage, tarragon, and Idaho tansy oils.

9. People with high blood pressure should avoid using sage and rosemary.

10. People with allergies should test a small amount of oil on an area of sensitive skin, such as the inside of the upper arm, before applying the oil on other areas. The bottom of the feet is one of the safest, most effective places to use essential oils.  

11. Before taking GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) essential oils internally, dilute one drop of essential oil in one teaspoon of an oil-soluble liquid like honey, olive oil, or soy or rice milk. Never consume more than a few drops of diluted essential oil per day without the advice of a physician.

12.  Do not add undiluted essential oils directly to bath water. Using Bath Gel Base or Sea Salt for all essential oils applied to your bath is an excellent way to disperse the oils into the bath water. When essential oils are put directly into bath water without a dispersing agent, they can cause serious discomfort on sensitive skin because the essential oils float, undiluted, on top of the water.

13. Keep essential oils away from open flames, sparks, or electricity. Some essential oils, including orange, fir, pine, and peppermint are potentially flammable.

Get Young Living oils at TheVeryEssence.com

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information found here is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe, or substitute for professional medical assistance. It is provided as information only for your better understanding of holistic health. Always apply common sense and careful handling practices when using essential oils. In case of medical need, please consult an appropriate licensed professional.

Learn more about making the switch from poisonous products to safe solutions.