Seven Facts for Using Pure Essential Oils
When you are first starting out with essential oils, it can seem like there is a lot to learn. However, if you keep a few important things in mind, read the labels on the bottles, and exercise safe practices, you will definitely have the most positive experience. Here's a quick summary of seven tips to help you start out right in receiving the benefits of your essential oils:
1. Pure essential oils are potent and economical. You only need 1-2 drops of oil in most situations, which is why your little bottle goes such a long way. Remember when using pure essential oils that "less is more". It is safer and beneficial to only use the recommended amount.
2. Avoid using pure essential oils on sensitive areas. These sensitive areas include your eyes, inside your nose, your inner ear, and on broken skin. When using oils on skin (topically), follow recommendations for dilution with a carrier oil. If at any time you happen to experience a reaction to any oil (ex. redness, burning, itching), remove the oil using a soft cloth and fractionated coconut oil.
3. Diluting with fractionated coconut oil decreases sensitivity and increases benefits. Diluting with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil does not lessen the potency of the oil; in fact, it makes the oil absorb more effectively into your skin. There are some oils that should ALWAYS be diluted when using topically, including Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Geranium, Lemongrass, Oregano, and Thyme (dilute these using a 1:10 ratio). It is a good idea to dilute any essential oil, though, especially if you have sensitive skin (dilute other oils using about a 1:4 ratio).
4. Before using an oil internally, check the label for supplement facts and internal use. The doTERRA oils that can be used internally contain 'Supplement Facts' on their labels and specify internal use; oils not to be used internally only specify aromatic or topical use. You can also learn a lot more about each oil by reading the product information page on doTERRA's website.
5. Some essential oils, especially citrus, can cause photosensitivity in UV light. Photosensitivity can cause your skin to sunburn more easily. Again, be sure to check labels, and use care to avoid exposure to sunlight or other UV light for 12 hours on areas where citrus oils or blends that contain citrus oils have been used topically.
6. Children are more sensitive to oils than adults. Use a diffuser or dilute a small amount. I like to apply diluted oils to the bottom of my daughter's feet, where the skin is less sensitive. Diffusing oils is the best way to use oils with kids under two years old. Store your oils out of reach and do not allow children to use them unsupervised.
7. There are endless uses for essential oils in your life for wellness, cleaning, emotional health, cooking, beauty, and personal care. The diverse and unlimited uses are yet another reason the oils are so economical. Your cabinets will also be less cluttered with commercial single-purpose products. If you started using oils for one reason, like wellness, try them out in other areas of your life, too! Check out my other blog articles for ideas and inspiration.