How To Use Essential Oils Safely

There are many concerns not only about the effectiveness of essential oils but also about their safety. These tips for using essential oils safely will help you and your family enjoy the aromatherapy benefits without fear. Utilizing essential oils in your daily life can help tremendously. Doing so safely is imperative, and we are happy to share our recommendations with you. 

How To Use Essential Oils Safely

Topical applications should only be done with a carrier oil.

Never apply an essential oil directly to the skin without a carrier oil.  Essential oils are highly concentrated and have been known to cause chemical burns to sensitive skin when applied without a carrier oil.  I recommend using at least one teaspoon of oil for every 2-3 drops of essential oil.  Since it is highly potent, this is more than enough oil for your needs.  Coconut, olive, and avocado oil are the most commonly used carrier oils.  Coconut oil is a favorite since it is readily available and has a pleasant scent that doesn’t overpower the essential oils. 

Never ingest essential oils orally.  

While many people recommend oral ingestion of essential oils, most do NOT advocate this method, particularly with children.  Even though therapeutic-grade essential oils may be safe when mixed into foods, there are no safe methods of ingesting an oil directly.  Just as much as oils can cause burns and irritation to the outside of your body when not applied appropriately, they could do the same to the inside.  

Use caution when using essential oils near children. 

While most essential oils are perfectly safe to use with children, either topically in a carrier oil or via a diffuser, it is very important to ensure your child is not allergic to a specific oil.  Try using a diffuser first, and only under extreme circumstances use topically for your child.  While it is rare for a child to react when an oil is used appropriately, it can happen, and there is no need to take unnecessary chances.  

Always keep your essential oils under lock and key. 

Treat your essential oils like any medication or chemical if you have children in your home.  Keep them under lock and key and away from children.  Exposure to oils directly on the skin or ingested internally can be harmful to children and much more dangerous than to adults.  A little goes a long way since they are so powerfully concentrated, and a child may not understand that.  Keeping them safely locked away is the best way to use essential oils if you have children. 

These simple tips for using essential oils safely will protect you and your family while providing you with the aromatherapy benefits you seek.