Essential Oil Precautions

Oral Use:
Essential Oils should never be consumed orally.  Accidental Ingestion Call 911

Caution:
Pure and/or Concentrated (Neat) Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin.  Essential oils should always be diluted into an unscented medium or carrier oil before application to the skin.

Children and Infants:
-We do not recommend diffusing essential oils in an infant or young child's bedroom.
-Diffusion of essential oils in a child's bedroom who is over the age of 6 years is up to your own discretion.
-Always choose gentle aroma blends to use in a child's bedroom.
-All essential oils and Diffuser Blends should be kept out of the reach of all children who are under the age of 12 years.
-All children under the age of 12 should be supervised when using essential oils.
-If a parent or guardian chooses to diffuse essential oils in their child's bedroom, we recommend that diffusion in child's bedroom should only be done so for 1 hour at a time and the bedroom door should remain open to all allow for cross ventilation.

Cats & Dogs:
Essential Oils can be used safely in your home via air diffusion in the presence of your cats and dogs as long as the space is large and if there is good cross-ventilation. No animal or small child should be confined to a small or enclosed room while diffusing Essential Oils.

Cat Warning:
Cats lack an enzyme in their liver to break down Essential Oils if they were to ingest oils.  Because cats spend a great deal of time grooming and licking—no Essential Oil product should be applied to the skin or fir of a cat. The application of Essential Oils to a cat could cause a toxic reaction.  However, it is still fine to use Essential Oils in the presence of your cat—such as in aromatic diffusers, or when using body care products for yourself or when you have applied an aromatherapy inspired spray to your linens or clothes.  However it is best to discourage your cat from licking your skin when you have just applied a product.

For more information about diffusion and pets visit our blog.

Essential Oils that require extra caution with all children and by persons who have epilepsy, high blood pressure or serious respiratory conditions are: Camphor, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Peppermint and Rosemary.

Well-tolerated essential oils in low dilutions are: Citrus oils, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Ho Wood, Lavender, Patchouli and Peppermint.

Keep all Essential Oils out of the reach of children, especially: Cinnamon, Clove, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Sage, Spearmint, Thyme and Wintergreen.

Citrus Oil Cautions:
Citrus oils such as Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin and Orange can cause dermal sensitization due to their limonene content which oxidizes very quickly, therefore store citrus oils in a refrigerator if you don’t use them up within three months. Citrus oils are best used in wash off products such as cleansers due to their de-oiling and exfoliating properties.* In body care products such as lotions, serums or toners always add a little Vitamin E to prevent oxidization. When adding citrus oils to body care products maintain at 2% or less in a solution. Citrus oils can cause skin photosensitization therefore avoid sun exposure or best to use while indoors or at bedtime. Bergamot contains bergapten which is well known dermal irritant and can cause severe photosensitization therefore it is best to use a Bergamot that is bergapten free in skin care products and natural perfumes.  Regular Bergamot is fine for air diffusion.