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Safety and Precautions for using Essential Oils
First and most importantly, only the utmost quality of essential oils should be used, and expected to produce the effects noted above.  Only 5% of the essential oil produced are suitable for clinical, therapeutic use of essential oils.  Only buy oils from reputable sources and seek the help of a professional for using oils for health concerns.

• Remember anything that has the power to heal, has the power to poison.

• Keep out of reach of children, and keep orifice reducers on bottles to reduce chances of consuming large quantities.

• Do not use directly on or near the eyes.

• Do not apply neat essential oils onto the skin, unless under close supervision by a trained professional.

• Ingesting any oil should only be undertaken under the supervision of a professional health advisor and never exceed the suggested amount.

• Some oils are Phototoxic -such as bergamot, and most citrus oils. Do not expose the skin to direct sunlight after application of these oils. Check each oil for individual safety, each oil is unique.

• If you experience burning on the skin, immediately dilute or “wash” the area with a carrier oil or milk.  Then wash with warm soapy water.

• If undiluted essential oil gets in the eye, flush with full fat milk, then seek medical assistance if needed.

• Never use undiluted oils on children or elderly. Children’s skin is very delicate and required higher dilution rates than healthy adults. Dosages also should be reduced.  Consult a profession for dilution rates.

• Limit your use of essential oils around pets.  Do not diffuse large amounts into the air if there are birds, cats, dogs, etc. in the room.  Cats do not have the enzymes in their livers to detoxify essential oils like humans do. 

If any kind of skin rash is noticed when using essential oils, stop use of suspected oil immediately. When rash clears, try a different oil.  Allergic reactions do occur.  Test a small area on the inside of elbow or other thin skinned area to determine status.

Oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Birch, Anise, Bay, Benzion, Black Pepper, and Wintergreen are known irritants and may cause irritation on the skin. Irritation includes, redness, bumps, excessive heat.

If you have epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, estrogen dependant cancer, asthma, liver disease, ulcers or anorexia, there are some oils that are contra indicated for use.  Seek professional aromatherapy advice before using essential oils.

Regulate your use of essential oils.  Prolonged, daily use of the same oils is not recommended.  Allow the body to rest for a week before resuming use.  Prolonged use of the same oils applied on the skin, could lead to sensitization to that oil, which would make it impossible to use that oil any further.  Alternate oils with the same actions when possible.  Remember, more is not always better with essential oils. They are highly concentrated and often require small amounts.  Your liver will detoxify many of the oils absorbed by your skin, or breathed into your respiratory system.  Do not overuse. 

Remember, balance in all things.

Conversion and Dilution rates

• 20 - 27 drops essential oil = 1 ml

• 5 ml essential oil = 1 teaspoon or 100 drops

• 15 ml essential oil = 1 tablespoon or ½ oz.

• 1 ounce = 30 ml

• For a 5% dilution

• 5 drops Essential Oil to 5ml (one tsp.) Carrier oil

• For  2.5% dilution

• 15 drops essential oil to 1 ounce (30ml)  carrier oil

These are standard dilution rates in accepted strengths.  Personal choice, individual circumstances and the users level of knowledge concerning the safety of essential oils should all be taken into consideration when choosing what strength to use. Higher dilutions should be used with care, and hopefully advice from a trained Aromatherapist.