General Guidelines for Using Essential Oils Safely

Essential Oils are volatile and are highly flammable. I know many people who make wrong use of such products because they underestimate the power of natural remedies. Never assume that because a product is natural, then it's safe to 'use and abuse'.

When using essential oils, please follow these general safety guidelines:

• Keep away from fire or open flame
• Store in a cool place
• Keep out of sunlight
• Plastic bottles are a no as they allow the essential oil to evaporate and take on the plastic smell; additionally, plastic bottles generally collapse as they start to absorbed the essential oil
• Expensive essential oils should be kept in the fridge
• Wash your hands after using essential oils
• If you mix your essential oil with a fixed oil to make it skin safe, keep in mind that your fixed oil has a shorter shelf life than your essential oil and may go rancid. Always mix in small batches.
• Essential oils can stain and also remove nail polish and furniture finish
• Have an eye rinse station nearby. If you get essential oils in your eyes, use milk or a carrier oil first to help neutralize the oil and then move on to water
• Essential oils are generally not soluble in water
• Essential oils do not mix well with computers, pets, children, furniture, carpet and even indoor plants
• Make sure your bottles are labeled correctly
• Use caution when working around essential oils if you have any open cuts or wounds
• Essential oils can negate the effect of sensitive homeopathy remedies
• Some essential oils are photo sensiziers, like bergamot, orange eo and most citrus essential oils
• Only buy your essential oils from a reputable place.
• If you are pregnant, be extra careful with essential oils during your first trimester
• When working with undiluted essential oils, keep a good air flow in the room
• Always have a fire extinguisher near by. Essential oils are volatile, flammable liquids.