essential oil safety

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Young Living essential oils are cultivated to be as pure and potent as possible. We strongly recommend you read individual label instructions and the following guidelines to ensure safe use of essential oils:

 

· The stopper located in the oil bottle opening helps you follow correct dosages. It also helps prevent small children from accidentally swallowing large amounts of essential oil. If you suspect that a child has consumed a large quantity of oil, give them milk and seek medical advice.

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· When applying a new oil, test 1 drop on a small patch of skin first (e.g., on the underside of the forearm). Skin sensitivity is highly individual. If the skin feels hot or turns red, apply a carrier oil to the area to dilute. Washing the area with water is less effective.

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· Use only 1 new oil at a time to determine how your body responds. Wait 30 minutes before applying another new oil. 

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· Avoid putting essential oils directly into the ears.

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· Pure citrus oils may compound the effects of sun exposure. Limit prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for up to 12 hours (up to 24 hours for angelica and lime; up to 48 hours for bergamot) after applying these undiluted essential oils to the skin.

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· Cosmetics, personal-care products, or cleansers with synthetic ingredients penetrate the dermal layers of the skin. Avoid applying essential oils to areas where you use these products, as it may take these chemicals deeper into skin, fatty tissue, or the bloodstream.

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· Avoid using essential oils on skin that has been damaged or affected by chemical burns.

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· When adding essential oils to a bath, first mix 5–10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of Young Living Bath & Shower Gel Base or Epsom salt and then add to running water.

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· Limit the diffusion of unfamiliar essential oils to 10 minutes/day, increasing the time after determining their effects. The length of time should depend on the size of the room and potency of the oils.

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· See individual label directions or check with a health professional before using essential oils if you have a serious medical condition or are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. DO NOT use wild tansy, clary sage, sage, fennel, wintergreen, or hyssop during pregnancy.

· Consult a health professional about any serious disease or injury. DO NOT attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances for conditions that require professional attention.

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· Direct inhalation is a easy and popular way to use essential oils but not always be the best choice for asthmatics.  Please check with your doctor prior to using essential oils.

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· Oils rich in Menthol, like Peppermint and Panaway should not be used on the throat or neck area of a child younger than 18 months.

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· Some EOs, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. All YL EOs and oil blends that contain these compounds are labeled with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12 to 48 hours after applying. Caution should always be used when starting to use a new oil: use patch testing (see above), dilute and apply the oil to skin that is protected from sun/UV exposure to reduce the risk of sensitivity. YL beauty and cosmetic products are formulated to remove sun-sensitizing agents to reduce the risk of sun sensitivity. Some of these are Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Bergamot, Citrus Fresh, Lime and Angelica.

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· Keep essential oils away from eye area.  Clean your hands thoroughly after using oils.  If you accidentally get essential oils in your eye, do not use water.  Dilute with carrier oil to slow down absorption.  Never put oils into ear canal.  The Essential Oils Desk Reference says to apply 1-2 drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball, diluting with a carrier, and place it at the opening of the ear.  Also applying oils to the exterior ear, behind, around, and down the lymph nodes can be very helpful.

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· Epileptics and those with hypertension should also contact and get clearance from your medical doctor prior to using any oils.  Once clearance is given, pay close attention when using high ketone oils such as Basil, Rosemary, Sage and Tansy oils.

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· The bottoms of our feet are a great place to apply oils for children and adults.

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· Many EOs are appropriate for use with children, and they should be diluted prior to use. Some YL products are pre-diluted with carrier oil as indicated on product label and are intended for direct application on children. Children generally respond well to EO, and use of a carrier oil is recommended. One-2 drops of EO such as SleepyIze, RutaVala, Gentle Baby and Peace & Calming may be diluted in carrier oil and applied to the bottom of the feet.