Using essential oils is both fun and relaxing, but it is important to think about safety when working with these oils. Problems can occur if one is not careful.
Most of what you need to know about the safety of essential oils comes down to a matter of common sense. Think about which medical drugs you may be taking. It's best if they don't interact with certain other drugs - it's the same thing with essential oils.
As with any drug, it is best not to ingest an essential oil without first contacting your doctor. Certain teas contain natural ingredients that will enhance the effect of prescription medications and herbal supplements. Think about teas that are used for relaxation and how these could interact with a sleeping aid. You would most likely experience a higher level of drowsiness, and the combined ingredients may not be safe.
As with hair dye, it's best to do an allergy test. You can do this by putting a few drops of the essential oil on your arm. Wait up to an hour to see if your skin turns red or you get itchy. These are both commons signs of an allergic reaction. If this happens, try a different kind of oil instead.
Certain essential oils are toxic, but the toxicity levels and the effects vary amongst the different oils. For example, Bitter Almond contains prussic acid (cyanide). When Bitter Almond is broken down for use as an essential oil, this acid is removed and replaced with another additive. Wintergreen oils are regularly used although they are poisonous in anything but the smallest quantities and have been known to cause severe allergic reactions due to the active ingredient (methyl salicylate).
When using essential oils on children, keep the level at half or one-quarter of what you would use on yourself. There are a few oils out there that are safe for children, including: tea tree, lavender and chamomile roman. Some of the oils that may not be safe for children are: basil, benzoin, clove, cumin, lemon, lemongrass and thyme.
Be careful if you're pregnant. If you use an essential oil during the early stages of your pregnancy, it could cause premature birth or complications with contractions. Another problem that may arise as a result of the use of certain oils is spontaneous abortion. It's wise to consult a doctor to see which oils are safe and which aren't, because studies on the effects of these oils have yielded conflicting results.
If you consult with your doctor and take some basic safety precautions, the use of essential oils can result in an overall improved sense of well-being.
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