This book is invaluable to the serious aromatherapy student, aromatherapy practitioner, health care professional, or anyone seriously interested in understanding the safety precautions and contraindications for essential oils.
For anyone past the stage of enjoying "recipe"-style aromatherapy books and seeking a solid knowledge about the safe and effective use of essential oils, this book is a wise choice.
Robert Tisserand is a modern-day expert in aromatherapy. His first work, The Art of Aromatherapy, was the first aromatherapy book written in English in 1977.
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Essential Oil Safety Guide enafety Guide
Essential oils are the fragrant, highly concentrated natural constituents that are found in plants. They are what gives the plant its characteristic odour and they contain the healing power of the plant from which it was extracted. When used correctly, essential oils bring a wide range of health benefits.
There are many beneficial ways to use lavender essential oil, but as with all essential oils, it is highly concentrated and should be treated with respect.
Our guide below is intended to provide you with more information on what precautions to take while using essential oils.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.
Important Safety Guidelines
Always purchase essential oils that are 100% pure. There are many perfume oils that are not essential oils and do not have the healing properties of pure essential oils. If the label on a bottle reads: 'Lavender aromatic or perfume oil', this is not an essential oil. However, if the label reads: '100% pure lavender essential oil', this would be the correct choice.
Lavender is one of the safest essential oils and many people use it to apply neat to the skin. To those not too familiar with essential oils some caution is recommended. Some individuals can become sensitised to neat oil if it is applied repeatedly. Apply one drop on to the inside of the elbow and leave for half an hour. If there is any redness or irritation discontinue use and seek professional advice.
Never, ever, use undiluted essential oils on children under the age of 3. Their under-developed and delicate internal organs can not eliminate the oils or deal with their metabolites efficiently. Lavender hydrosol, lavender cream or lavender massage oil proves to be a much safer choice when dealing with babies, infants or children.
Essential oils are easily affected by light, so always buy oils that have been packaged in dark glass. Do not under any circumstance store essential oils in plastic; the oils will cause the plastic to deteriorate and the oils themselves will lose their therapeutic properties.
Keep oils away from heat and moisture – do not store in the bathroom. Choose a cool, dry place.
Many essential oils are flammable, so never use or put your bottles of essential oil near a naked flame, fire, or any source of ignition.
Keep oils out of reach of children, pets or highly polished surfaces.
Do not apply essential oils when sunbathing. Some essential oils are mildly photosensitising and should be either avoided or used at a low level prior to sunbathing or using a sunbed.
Some essential oils are harmful to pregnant women. In time of pregnancy it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional. In general, avoid using the following essential oils: camphor, basil, cinnamon, clary sage, coriander, dill, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, sage and thyme. It is also advisable during the first four months of pregnancy to avoid fennel, peppermint, rose and rosemary. However, if you have a history of miscarriage do not use any essential oils at any time during your pregnancy since it is better to err on the side of caution under these circumstances.
Never take essential oils internally unless under the advice of a professional.
Keep essential oils away from the eyes. If accidentally you do get it in your eyes, splash with tepid water. Seek medical advice if discomfort persists.
Discontinue the use of an essential oil immediately if you suffer an allergic reaction, and seek professional advice.
