How can you deal safely with essential oils?
Precautionary measures for diffusion
Essential oils can be used in various different ways. Diffusion is one of them. It is important to remember that the oils are highly concentrated. The following precautions will allow you to use them safely at all times.
- Always respect the recommended dose/dilution as mentioned on the packaging. If a large quantity (more than half a millilitre) of essential oil is accidentally swallowed, drink some edible vegetable oil and contact the Poison Control Centre.
- Essential oils should never be swallowed or applied to the skin in their undiluted state. For the ingestion of essential oils, you can use a carrier substance like honey or a herbal infusion, but be careful with irritating oils like thyme. For the diffusion of oils, add just a few drops to the recommended quantity of water. For applying oils externally to the skin, make use of a vegetable oil, cream, gel or shampoo as a dilutant. Once again, take special care with oils that are known to be irritants, such as thyme, oregano, clove and wintergreen.
- Some essential oils are only suitable for external use. This will always be mentioned on the packaging. The continuous internal use of any essential oil is not recommended.
- The use of essential oils is not suitable for children and for pregnant or breast-feeding women. External use is not advisable for children younger than three years of age. Internal use is not advisable for children younger than twelve years of age. The essential oils of Eucalyptus radiata and true lavender are both very mild oils and therefore form an exception to this advice. In some circumstances, the use of essential oils by pregnant and lactating women may be permitted under the expert guidance of a health professional.
- The inhalation of diffused essential oils is possible for children aged six years or older. Once again, the exceptions are Eucalyptus radiata and true lavender, who vapours can be diffused in the presence of children from the age of three years onwards.
- Are you a patient with a specific medical condition? Consult your house doctor before using essential oils.
- Essential oils contain natural components that can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive people. For this reason, it is advisable to do an allergy test before external use. Dilute a drop of essential oil in a quantity of vegetable oil and apply it to the inside of your elbow. If, after 24 hours, your skin is not red or itchy, you are not allergic. If you already know that you are sensitive for certain cosmetic allergens, you will always find these listed on the packaging.
- All citrus essential oils are photo-sensitising. This is the result of the interaction between UV-rays and the sensitising substances contained in the oil. In this case, the skin will turn red and look burnt. If using these oils externally, avoid exposure to UV-rays for at least 12 hours after use.
- Avoid all contact between essential oils and the eyes and mucus membranes. If contact with a mucus membrane occurs accidentally, 'rinse' as quickly as possible with vegetable oil.
- Keep essential oils in a cool and dark place.
- Keep essential oils in a firmly closed bottle and do not expose them to high temperatures (they are volatile and inflammable). Miron Violet glass bottles are high-quality bottles that protect the oils against damage by (sun)light.
- Essential oils must be kept out of the reach of children.
The effect of essential oils
- Important beneficial effects for both body and mind
- Powerful and purifying
- Skin care
Quality oil
How do you know if your bottle of oil is of good quality? What do you need to watch out for when you are buying it? And which labels are important?