Your Guide To Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to enjoy the aromas and therapeutic properties of plants and they are a natural and restorative way to support Mental, Physical and Spiritual wellbeing. However it is important to know how to use essential oils safely and effectively. Whether you are new to essential oils or looking to further your understanding, we are here to guide you as you navigate your essential oils practice.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential Oils are highly concentrated compounds from plants. They are often created through extraction from the petals of flowers as well as from citrus peels, roots, stems, resin, tree barks and grasses. The extraction of the oils is often carried out through steam distillation or cold pressing.
How do I use Essential Oils?
One of the many benefits of Essential Oils is their versatility.
1. Essential Oils Can be used Aromatically
One of the more well-known uses of essential oils is aromatically. You can add a few drops to water within a diffuser or add essential oils to your cleaning products or natural fragrance sprays.
How do I use a Diffuser with Essential Oils?
A. Select the essential oil that you want to use. (You may also use more than one oil to create an essential oil blend.
B. Add water no higher than the fill line in the diffuser.
C. Add your essential oil into the water.
D. Put the lid back on the diffuser and click the on butter. You are all set to begin your aromatherapy!
How many drops of oil do I put in the diffuser?
The amount of drops will depend on the oil or the blend that you are creating. If you are starting with just one essential oil then 4-10 drops can be a great starting point.
Please Note:It is recommended that you do not add essential oils to a humidifier. However, humidifiers that have added technology for the use of essential oils may be considered.
2. Essential Oils can be used Topically
There are several essential oils that provide benefits to the health of your skin. However, essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil prior to being applied topically. Essential oils are extremely potent and can irritate the skin if there is not a carrier oil present. Carrier oils “Carry” the concentrated essential oil without altering the property of the essential oil. Some recommended carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and grape seed oil.
Tranquility & Wellness does provide carrier oil options as well.
Can I use essential oils while pregnant?
We recommend reframing from essential oil use during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, please consult your doctor for further guidance. Additionally, there are some essential oils that should be avoided during the entire duration of pregnancy as listed below.
Aniseed
Basil
Birch
Black Seed
Camphor
Caraway
Cinnamon/Cinnamon Bark
Clary Sage -
Cypress
Eucalyptus (all types)
Fennel
Hyssop
Lemongrass -
Mugwort
Myrrh
Myrtle
Oregano
Parsley Seed or Leaf
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Tansy
Tarragon
Thuja
Thyme
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Yarrow
Can I diffuse Essential Oils if I have Pets?
As we enjoy the aromatic world of essential oils, it is important to ensure that our furry friends remain safe. Here are our recommended oils to avoid if there are pets in the household.
Tea tree
Citrus varieties
Pine
Clove
Oregano
Wintergreen
Pennyroyal
Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Cinnamon
Peppermint
Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils. We recommend avoidance of using the following essential oils around cats.
Tea Tree
Peppermint/Mint/Spearmint
Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Bergamot)
Eucalyptus
Cinnamon/Cassia
Wintergreen/Sweet Birch
Pine/Juniper
Clove
Ylang Ylang
Pennyroyal
Lavender
Thyme
Oregano
Rosemary
Rose
Sandalwood
Geranium
Additional Essential Oil Safety Tips for Pets
If your pet has respiratory issues, please diffuse in areas that your pet does not have access to or areas that they do not roam.
Do not apply essential oils to your dog or cat’s coat or skin without veterinary guidance.
Avoid allowing your pets to lick your skin after topical application of essential oils.
Keep all essential oil products out of paw’s reach.
Please consult a qualified veterinarian for any additional questions regarding Pet’s and essential oils.
Are Essential Oils Safe to use around Infants and Children?
Children are more at risk for having adverse reactions to essential oils. Here are some tips regarding essential oil safety around children.
Don’t use undiluted oils directly on your child’s skin. Safe dilutions for children generally range from 0.5-2.5% depending on the condition and the age/weight of the child.
Avoid adding undiluted oils to bath water. The oil will remain in it’s concentrated form which could irritate the skin.
Avoid use of peppermint and Eucalyptus oil around children under 30 months of age.
Ensure that essential oils are not used near eyes, ears or the nose.
Keep essential oils stored out of reach and away from children.
Complete a patch test on a small area of the skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction before using the oil again.
Ensure that children do not ingest essential oils.
We do not recommend use of essential oils on/around children under 3 months of age. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding essential oil use for children under 24 months of age.
Essential oils to avoid with children
Anise
Cardamon
Fennel
Myrtle
Niaouli
Peppermint
Wintergreen
Birch
Sage
Eucalyptus
Oregano
Cinnamon Bark
Is It Safe To Ingest Essential Oils?
While essential oils do offer a vast amount of health benefits, Not all Essential oils can be ingested. Some essential oils can be added to water, recipes or used as dietary supplements. It is important to reference the label on the essential oil for guidance as many essential oils can be toxic if taken internally. We offer Young Living’s Vitality Oils as a safe option for ingesting Essential Oils internally.