Safety Factors for the use of Essential & Fragrant Oils. 

Essential oils and Fragrant oils can be poisonous and dangerous if used incorrectly.   

Although essential oils are natural substances, it does not guarantee that they are safe. It is very important to use essential oils correctly. The following information provided is of a general nature only and should not be replace the expertise of a qualified professional.

Please take note of the following to ensure you, your family and friends can enjoy the benefits of using essential oils to enhance your health and well being:

Dosages
Use on Sensitive Areas
In the case of a medical condition
Poisoning
Treating you and your family
Application frequency
Hazardous Essential Oils
    - photosensitivity
    - in case of pregnancy
    - other contraindications
    - treatment of children
Caring for your Essential Oils
Effects of Essential Oils on some surfaces
Fragrant oils

Dosages

"Less is More".  Follow the recommended dosages when using our essential oils and blends for your bath, oil burner, inhalation, massage and other application to the skin. Using greater concentrations of essential oils will NOT lead to quicker or better results.

DO NOT take an essential oil internally (see poisoning).

Do not apply pure essential oils, or essential oil blends directly to the skin. Use a carrier oil and follow directions on quantities.  It is generally recommended for adults that 1%-5% essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil. Care should be taken when massaging with any blended oils as some can be too strong for direct use on the skin. 

Skin irritation may arise from contact with undiluted essential oils. Wash with soap and warm water immediately. 

If used in excess they can often lead to skin irritation, headaches, nausea and a feeling of un-ease.

DO NOT use the same essential oil all the time. Alternate essential oils from week to week or stop use for a period of time.

Use on Sensitive Areas
Never use undiluted oils near sensitive areas such as the eyes.  If an essential oil gets into your eyes, rinse out with warm water or full fat milk.

 Some people may be sensitive to different oils - test on a small patch of skin - if a rash or irritation appears discontinue use immediately.

In the case of a medical condition
If you wish to use essential oils and have a medical condition and/or are taking medication ALWAYS consult your medial practitioner and seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist BEFORE use. 

Poisoning 
If swallowed DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING - go to a hospital or doctor quickly.

Treating you and your family
Always consult the advice of a professional aromatherapist before following advise of friends etc. Do this to ensure you and your family are treated on an individual basis and according to your own specific needs, as people respond differently to essential oils and have different sensitivity levels.

Application frequency
Massage:

Blend the essential oils in a carrier oil - dilute 6 drops of essential oil with 12ml of the carrier oil (grape seed or sweet almond are light oils suitable for body massages).   Massage using essential oils is recommended twice weekly at the most. 

Application on a small part of the skin tissue:

On a daily basis is considered safe. Always dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil. Never use undiluted Essential oils on the skin. 

Never use an essential oil for a prolonged period of time. Use as recommended or use for three weeks then stop use for the same period of time.

Hazardous essential oils 
Some oils are hazardous and are NOT suitable for conditions such as pregnancy or high blood pressure or for children.

        - Photosentivity

Citrus oils such as Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Orange, Grapefruit and Tangerine can increase photosensitivity as well as others. Avoid any direct exposure to sunlight or UV lamps for a minimum of 22 hours after applying any of the above oils. 

        - Pregnancy
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, ALWAYS check with a qualified professional prior to use. Oils such as jasmine, basil, clary sage, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and rose can have adverse affects such as induce miscarriage, menstruation, and affect the hormone balance.

- Treatment of children

KEEP ESSENTIAL OILS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES. 

Children can only tolerate very light dilutions. Consult a qualified professional before administering essential oils to children. Some oils are NOT SAFE for use on children.

        - Other Contraindications
If you suffer from high blood pressure, neural disorders, or epilepsy always consult a qualified professional BEFORE using essential oils. For example, rosemary, hyssop, sage and thyme should not be used if you have high blood pressure

Caring for your essential oils

To maintain quality and prevent degradation that could be dangerous, keep your essential oils tightly capped and away from open air, away from heat and light and do not store for a prolonged period of time (over two years). If your essential oils are subjected to these conditions, they will lose their therapeutic qualities and chemical changes may occur.

Effect of essential oils on some surfaces
Oils can effect surfaces such as plastic, varnished or painted woods.

Fragrant oils

Fragrant oils can be poisonous and dangerous if used incorrectly. 

Fragrant oils are manufactured from synthetic materials although they may contain non-synthetic materials as well.  Fragrant oils should not be burnt in oil burners (or similar) as the chemical composition may undergo changes during the burning or heating process.  Similarly, fragrant oil should not be ingested, or placed on the skin, hair etc.