What Are Essential Oils and Their Precautions

In the world of natural remedies and self-care, essential oils are like little drops of liquid magic. Whether you're diffusing lavender to help you relax, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your skincare routine, or using peppermint oil to ease a headache, essential oils can be powerful tools. But as magical as they seem, they also require some care and attention to use safely.

Understanding these potential risks doesn’t mean you have to shy away from using essential oils—it just means you should take a few extra steps to ensure you’re using them the right way.

When it comes to essential oils, safety isn’t always the first thing on everyone’s mind. After all, they’re “natural,” right? However, the potency of these oils means that they should be treated with respect. So today, we’re going to dive into the world of essential oil safety. I'll break down some basic guidelines, common mistakes to avoid, and ways you can maximize their benefits without running into trouble. Grab your favorite tea, relax, and let's chat!

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Essential oils are organic compounds extracted from the bark, flower, fruit, leaf, seed or root of a plant or tree and have several healing properties. The oils in the plants are made up of very small molecules that can penetrate your cells, and some can even penetrate the blood-brain barrier. These oils are highly concentrated and have a strong aroma and can be used in aromatherapy and their benefits range from mental to physical healing.

Essential oils are generally safe to use and have very few negative side effect or risks associated with their use especially when used as directed. If you are trying to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle, they make for great alternatives to over-the-counter medications for both physical and mental health. Overall, there is good evidence that essential oils are both safe and can be a powerful healing tool in natural medicine.

We won't dive in too deep about extraction methods, but I wanted to give you an idea of how those potent and powerful oils get into the bottles for our use. 

Essential oil extraction is a delicate blend of art and science, employing methods like steam distillation, cold press, solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction to capture aromatic compounds from plants. Steam distillation uses steam to evaporate oils from flowers, leaves, and stems, while cold press relies on mechanical pressure, primarily for citrus fruits. Solvent extraction uses substances like hexane to dissolve oils, making it ideal for delicate flowers, and CO2 extraction, which operates at lower temperatures, preserves more of the oil’s sensitive compounds from various plant parts.

There are so many methods to enjoy the magic of essential oils. You can apply them topically (directly on the skin), inhale or diffuse them, and in some cases, take them internally. But here’s the catch: not all essential oils are created equal when it comes to application methods. That’s why doing your research and investing in high-quality oils is crucial to using them safely. Some oils are great for one method but might not be safe for another, especially if you have sensitivities or specific health conditions.

When it comes to topical application or applying essential oils to the skin, most need to be diluted with a carrier oil. This not only helps protect your skin but also allows the essential oils to be more easily absorbed. Popular carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. These oils provide the perfect base for diluting essential oils while also offering their own skin-nourishing benefits.

It’s important to never apply essential oils directly to your eyes or ear canals. If by chance some oil gets into your eyes, you can flush it out by applying a few drops of carrier oil and blinking until the irritation subsides. Always wash your hands after using essential oils to prevent accidentally spreading them to sensitive areas like your eyes.

When you breathe in essential oils, you're practicing aromatherapy. Inhaling the aroma of essential oils allows the molecules to enter your nasal cavities and stimulate the limbic system in your brain, which can trigger emotional responses and support mental well-being.

There are many ways to experience aromatherapy, including adding essential oils to your bath or shower, diffusing them in a diffuser, using sprays for your room or body, inhaling directly from the bottle, or using essential oil inhalers and roll-ons. Each method offers a unique way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils, whether you're looking to relax, uplift your mood, or support your overall well-being. By choosing the right method, you can tailor your aromatherapy experience to suit your personal preferences and needs, making it a versatile and enjoyable practice.

Some essential oils can be safely ingested, but this should be done with care and only with oils specifically labeled as safe for internal use. When ingested, essential oils can be added to foods, beverages, or taken in capsule form. Popular oils for internal use include lemongrass, ginger, and peppermint. Chamomile tea is another common way to consume essential oils as part of a soothing herbal remedy.

It’s easy to think that because something is natural, it’s automatically safe to use in any quantity or way. But essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts. It can take pounds of a plant to create just a small bottle of oil. This concentration makes them potent, meaning that while they can deliver amazing benefits, they also have the potential to irritate your skin, cause allergic reactions, or even be toxic if used incorrectly.

Our skin is super sensitive to highly concentrated substances, which is why it’s important to use essential oils correctly. Undiluted oils can lead to redness, burns, or other skin issues. You wouldn’t want to apply pure lemon juice directly to your skin, right? Well, using pure lemon essential oil can have a similar (or worse) effect.

One of the first rules of essential oil safety is proper dilution. Essential oils are way too strong to apply directly to the skin (with a few exceptions like lavender or tea tree in very small amounts). Most oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, to reduce their concentration. Think of dilution as giving your skin some protection while still allowing you to enjoy the oil’s benefits.

A safe dilution ratio for adults is typically 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil, but this can vary depending on the oil and the intended use. For children or those with sensitive skin, the ratio should be even lower.

When choosing essential oils, it’s best practice to find high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable sources for optimal safety and efficacy. You also want to ensure that there aren’t any added chemicals to the essential oils as well.

Here’s a quick list of some great carrier oils to pair with essential oils:

• Coconut Oil: A versatile, lightweight oil that absorbs quickly.
• Jojoba Oil: Known for its similarity to the skin’s natural oils, making it great for sensitive skin.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Perfect for moisturizing dry skin and blending with essential oils.

Ever heard of a patch test? If not, let me introduce you to one of the most important steps before applying any essential oil to your skin. A patch test helps ensure you won’t have an adverse reaction, like redness or itchiness.

To do a patch test, dilute the essential oil and apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of skin, like the inside of your forearm. Wait 24-48 hours. If there’s no reaction, you’re good to go! If your skin shows signs of irritation, it’s best to avoid using that oil on your skin.

Using citrus oils like lemon, lime, or bergamot on your skin before heading out into the sun can be a recipe for disaster. These oils can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, leading to sunburns or discoloration. If you’re using citrus oils, it’s best to avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after application.

If you're on medication, keep in mind that essential oils can potentially interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Oils like clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary can impact blood pressure or hormone levels, so always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.

More is not always better when it comes to essential oils. Since they’re so concentrated, you only need a few drops to see the benefits. Overusing essential oils, whether topically or through inhalation, can lead to headaches, dizziness, or skin irritation. Moderation is key!

Children have delicate skin and are more sensitive to essential oils than adults, so it's important to dilute oils more heavily for them. Certain oils, like eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint, should also be avoided altogether in young kids, as they can cause respiratory issues.

When using essential oils on children, always consult with a pediatrician or an aromatherapist who specializes in oils for kids. And remember, diffusion is often a safer method of use for children than topical application.

If you’ve got furry friends in the house, essential oil safety is something to pay extra attention to. Dogs and cats have different metabolisms than humans, and some essential oils can be toxic to them—even if you're just diffusing them. Oils like tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus are particularly dangerous for pets. If you’re diffusing oils in a shared space, make sure your pets can leave the room if they’re uncomfortable.

If you're pregnant, it’s best to be cautious with essential oils. Some oils, like clary sage, rosemary, and cinnamon, are known to trigger contractions or other complications, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Essential oils need a cool, dark environment to retain their potency and stay safe to use. Light and heat can cause them to degrade, making them less effective—or worse, irritating. Store your oils in dark glass bottles and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Also, after use, ensure the lid is on tightly.

Essential oils can be a fantastic addition to your wellness routine, but safety should always come first. From proper dilution and patch testing to being mindful of which oils are safe for kids, pets, or during pregnancy, using essential oils the right way ensures you can fully enjoy their benefits. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the unique properties of each oil, and you’ll be well on your way to a safe and fulfilling essential oil experience.

There are so many natural remedies in this world, and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future! 

XO Zaya.

Do you have a favorite essential oil or a unique way you like to use them? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear about your experience or any tips you’ve picked up along the way.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.