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General Safety Considerations for Essential Oil Use
(courtesy APRM, Sylla
Sheppard-Hanger, copyright 1994)
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Keep essential oils out of reach of
children. Do not leave a bottle which has no fixed integral dropper
where a child could take off the cap and consume contents.
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Do not use directly on or near the eyes;
ensure caution with compresses. Most diluted essential oils will sting
the eyes; if accidents happen, flush with clean warm water; if NEAT oils
get is the eye, immediately flush with cold full fat milk, or vegetable
oil to dilute. If stinging is not alleviated, seek medical assistance.
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Do not, unless otherwise advised by an
expert, apply neat essential oil onto the skin.
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To remove neat oil spills on hands, use
cream or vegetable oil to dilute, apply soap, wash with warm water; may
need to be repeated.
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Never assume that an essential oil will
have the same properties as credited to the whole plant from which it is
obtained.
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Ingesting any oil should only be
undertaken under the supervision of a professional health advisor and
never exceed the suggested amount.
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Essential oils should always be used
diluted over a large body area.
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Excess (of EOs) can cause headaches,
nausea and general feeling of uneasiness; drink plenty of water, get
fresh air, take frequent breaks.
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Do not drive a motor vehicle (or allow
client to) immediately following a relaxation treatment or after using
soporific oils (e.g., clary sage)
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Regulate the frequency when using
essential oils. If used daily over a two week period, give a week's
grace before recommencing treatment.
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Reduce the chance of acquiring a
sensitivity reaction from constant use of same oil(s) over several years
by varying choices. This gives the body a break from constant use.
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If any kind of skin rash is observed when
using a particular essential oil, stop using it immediately and try
another oil.
When
working daily with essential oils, follow these precautions:
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Use only safe essential oils in dilution,
avoid contact with neat oils (wear gloves when bottling)
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Ensure adequate ventilation
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Take frequent breaks
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Tolerance increase with time
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Avoid transferring oils to sensitive
areas (nose, face, neck)
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Vary the essential oils worked with (or
diffused) daily
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Avoid sensitizing oils if hands become
cracked or sore
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