{"id":154051,"date":"2023-03-06T02:11:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T09:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=154051"},"modified":"2023-10-18T01:25:01","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T08:25:01","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-essential-oil-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/the-dos-and-donts-of-essential-oil-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dos And Don\u2019ts Of Essential Oil Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you want to harness the healing power of plants, adding essential oils to your wellness routine is a great start. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts made by steaming or pressing plant parts to capture those unique compounds and scents. Besides the potent aromas from essential oils, the plant compounds in these oils offer unique health properties. However, if you want to reap those benefits, there are some tricks to using essential oils safely<\/strong> and effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use various essential oils to address various ailments in the body. Some essential oils are great for your hair and skin, while others can help relieve muscle soreness, joint pain<\/a>, or even ease depression. You don\u2019t have to use essential oils topically, either. Adding them to a diffuser or a warm bath is a common practice in aromatherapy<\/a>. The following tips will help you be safe with essential oils, all while reaping their health benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Dilute Your Essential Oils<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important rules of essential oil use is that you have to dilute them in a carrier oil<\/a> prior to topical application. The vast majority of pure essential oils are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. Some essential oils, such as tea tree, eucalyptus<\/a>, or cinnamon bark, can cause serious irritation. Great carrier oils<\/a> to use are sweet almond, jojoba, olive, grapeseed, or borage. The general rule of thumb is to mix 8-10 drops of an essential oil in one ounce of carrier oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Assume All Essential Oils Are Created Equally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because essential oils aren\u2019t regulated in the United States, their quality can vary<\/a>. Some essential oils contain synthetic ingredients instead of 100% plant material. They may smell like the plant, but they don\u2019t have the same beneficial compounds that are responsible for the health benefits you\u2019re after. Even if the essential oil is made from plants, a few factors can impact quality. The use of pesticides, packaging and handling errors, and improper storage can affect quality. WATCH OUT FOR THE WORD \u201cFRAGRANCE\u201d ON LABELS! Always do your research to ensure the quality of the oils you choose to buy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Store Them in A Cool, Dry Place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like most natural beauty and healthcare products, essential oils have an expiration date. Most essential oils tend to last six months to a year, with citrus essential oils having the shortest shelf lives. Floral oils like chamomile<\/a> and lavender, for example, have longer shelf lives. Heat exposure, however, will make the essential oils break down faster in sunlight, so store them in a cool, dry place to prolong their shelf life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Use Certain Oils While Pregnant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safety is always key when it comes to essential oils. Do not use certain essential oils topically while pregnant, especially during the first trimester. Several studies concluded that the following oils should be avoided in any form, whether topical, diffused, or in hydrotherapy, during pregnancy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n