Essential Oils - Facts to Ponder

As usual some facts to ponder before you indulge yourself into the world of Essential Oils:

FACTS TO PONDER:

* Check Your Compatibility

If you are a person who has medical conditions, please seek advice from A Certified Aromatherapy Consultant or your Doctor.
Even though the essential oils went through distilled extraction and considered natural, some of these plants contain stimulants by nature which may worsen your medical conditions.

For example:
"Rosemary | Hyssop | Sage | Thyme: 
NOT suitable for people with high blood pressure" 
 Please do read up my upcoming posts on "Essential Oils - Uses & Benefits".

* Get 100% Pure Essential Oils

Go for 100% pure essential oils / blends. Check by dripping a drop of essential oil onto printing paper/construction paper/sugar paper/blue paper (this is used in baking). If it leaves a stain, nope it's not pure as it may have been mixed with some other oils. If it does not, meaning it evaporates which is supposed to be 100% pure.

But if I do recall correctly, this... 
"DOES NOT apply to Sandalwood, Vetiver, German Chamomile, and Patchouli as it is heavier and rich in colour therefore will stain the paper" 

* Dosage & Dilution

"Water does not dilute essential oils."
This theory works the same as water and oil. If you happen to have any reaction or redness on application, do rub over with additional carrier oil.
"Recommendation: 2 to 3 drops of essential oils to 5ml of carrier oil"
My case of trying out solution for Hair Thinning, I have used a 5ml Jojoba Carrier Oil, with 1 drop each of Lavender, Cedarwood, and Ylang-Ylang into the Jojoba bottle. Labeled the bottle for my recipe and prior to use just turn the bottle upside down 2 to 3 times, then rub bottle in between palms to have it mixed. Dispense few drops on to finger tips, rub between fingers of two hands then apply thin layer and evenly on to scalp.

* Diffusing

When we drop the essential oil into ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser, it actually helps to vaporize the essential oils to the air via ultrasonic vibration. According to sources, it has this air disinfectant, air purifier, soothes respiratory ailments, and addresses emotional needs.
I normally used 1 to 2 drops for 300ml water.

* Food Flavoring

Preferably to check with respective brands of essential oils if theirs is suitable for consumption. Some actually recommended either a drop or a toothpick dip and swirl into beverages, soups, dressings, and sauces, and after cooking (heat may dissipate the oil flavoring).
I'm to chicken to try that out. Any sharing or comments?

* Application

For application, it is recommended to start on bottoms of feet especially for children (children tends to rub their eyes frequently) and we may want to avoid that. Check with respective brands consultant to see if it is okay to rub onto skin directly. Some may even recommend to dilute them in carrier oils.
If you stay tuned to my upcoming posts on "Essential Oils - Uses & Benefits". It will have suggested uses on essential oils. But then again, please do take extra precautions and read through the note section.

* Baths

Add few drops of essential oil to bath water to ease body aches and pain, soothes emotional and prepare body for good night's sleep. Avoid peppermint, or spicy oils such as cinnamon.

* Storage

Store in original bottle. Or if you must transfer, make sure that it is glass containers as essential oils can break down plastics. Storing in proper condition may prolong the shelf life.

* Follow / Read the Instructions

Always read the instructions stated on the bottle label / packaging prior to any use. Seek experts advise if you aren't sure or don't understand.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

* KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Children don't understand unless we expose or explain to them and going through the phase of learning. Same goes for us. Best is to leave this to the grown ups. You may need to dilute them and use accordingly based on each essential oils.

* Application

Avoid using in the eyes, inside ear, or on mucous membranes.
Water will not dilute essential oils. In case that redness or sensitivity occurs, apply carrier oil to affected area.
If you know that you are going for outdoor activities with lots of sun, allow at least 12 hours or more between application for oils or blends containing citrus.
"Citrus Oils increases sun sensitivity & repetition of use can lead to skin sensitivity."

* Aromatherapy Candle Burner

I know most of us would have already gotten a diffuser by now. A note to those who's still using the tea light candle burner type. Avoid using it in tight enclosed area / room or unattended state.
A Typical Aromatherapy Candle Burner
Main reason being: 
"Fire Hazards"
Second reason, brings us back to our school science mini experiments where we burn a candle and close it with a jar then slowly you observe the candle light being put out:
"Fire needs oxygen to burn. When it burns, it produces carbon dioxide. When a certain amount of carbon dioxide existed in the enclosed area, suffocation can occur rapidly."
So if you must use it, please do it where your room is aired (meaning windows open) and away from flying papers, decorations.

Please do help to comment if you feel there are more facts and safe precautions that we should be aware of. I'm just compiling and sharing what my friends and some experts have shared. I may have missed them. Thanks in advance~!

I'm compiling the list of essential oils for uploading in my upcoming posts. Do check out on "Essential Oils - Uses & Benefits"

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