If you are reading this post, you are probably aware that essential oils have become highly popular in recent years. Many people have come to realize that essential oils can bring about many wonderful benefits, such as more relaxed sleep, muscle pain relief, headache relief and more!
However, not many people are aware that the improper usage of essential oils can be dangerous. After all, they are highly concentrated plant substances and they need to be handled with caution. That is why we put together this post to help you avoid common errors that people make when using these amazing wellness supports.
Don’t Ignore Safety Recommendations
Disregarding basic safety recommendations is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make when using essential oils. These types of oils can cause adverse reactions in cases of excessive use. Certain essential oils may react with some prescription drugs or health supplements, leading to harmful effects. You should also note that essential oils may have different effects on the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immunity. Before you use essential oils on yourself, it is essential to take the time to educate yourself on the proper usage and contraindications of the essential oil. This will allow you achieve the desired effect of the essential oil as well as maximize the benefits!
Don’t Use Essential Oils Inappropriately
These products can be applied in many ways and each of these methods come with their own precautions. Let us look at two of the most popular application methods.
- Inhalation: This is probably the safest way to use essential oils. It is also the method that allows you to experience the effects of the oil the fastest. Use a diffuser to help you inhale the essential oil safely. When diffusing essential oils, you should always adhere to dilution guidelines, diffuse it in a well-ventilated area, and diffuse for half-an-hour intervals with regular breaks. Make sure that your pets, if you have any, will be able to exit the room if the smell doesn’t agree with them.
- Topical Use: Some essential oils can cause skin irritation if you use it in an overly high concentration, leave it on your skin for too long or use it too many times a day. Before you apply any kind of essential oil to your skin, always find out the essential oil’s appropriate dilution ratio, usage duration guidelines and recommended daily dosage. Dilution of essential oils can be done by mixing it with a carrier oil. If you have highly sensitive skin, do a skin patch test to check for potential irritants before you use essential oils in this way. People with sensitive skin may require a lower concentration of essential oil for topical use.
Avoid Using Photosensitive Oils in the Sun
Some essential oils are photosensitive. This means that they contain furocoumarins which can lead to serious burns and even increase your risk of skin cancer when your skin is exposed to UV light or sunlight. You should never apply photosensitive essential oils to your skin before you go out in the sun or before you use a tanning bed.