ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY
StorIng Essential oils
Degradation of essential oils is a process by which the quality of the essential oil is reduced. There are three main factors that are responsible for the degradation of essential oils: heat, light, and oxygen. Since light, as in sunlight, can deteriorate essential oils and destroy the beneficial properties, it is important to store most products made with essential oils in a dark, airtight container, in a cool place, away from sunlight. Using either an amber or cobalt blue glass container is best. Glass is ideal because essential oils can actually break down plastic over time.
UsIng Essential Oils
I cannot stress the importance of this topic enough — essential oils should not be underestimated in both their abilities and potency. I do not wish to make you feel hesitant or reluctant to bring essential oils into your home because they can be a wonderful support. I simply want to encourage you to do a bit of research and understand the power of essential oils to determine if they are right for you. Just think, to make a single 15ml bottle of organic lemon essential oil, approximately 50 organic lemons are needed — essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from their original nature counterpart.
There are two crucial topics under essential oil usage I feel inclined to discuss: dilution and ingestion. Essential oils, when applied to the skin, should always be diluted with a carrier oil. Applying essential oils directly to the skin may trigger allergic reactions in addition to chemical burns.
Dilution Ratios
Dilution ratios are very important and have been calculated by experts in the field. Typically, the recommended essential oil dilution ratio for the face is between .5% to 1%. For 1 ounce of carrier oil, a .5% dilution rate would be 3 drops of essential oil. For a 1% dilution, that would be 6 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil. And just as a reference, 1 ounce of carrier oil is equivalent to 2 tablespoons.
For daily essential oil use on the body, a 2% dilution ratio is suggested. If you have 1 ounce of carrier oil, that means 12 drops of essential oil should be added. Again, 1 ounce of carrier oil is equivalent to 2 tablespoons.
I am providing you with this information because when I first started exploring essential oils, I was not equipped with the knowledge I have today. I remember searching for essential oils to help with headaches and discovered peppermint to assist in relieving pain. I put about 6 drops of peppermint essential oil in a bowl of water, soaked a washcloth, and then applied it directly to my temple. I immediately felt a burning sensation, then my eyes and nose started running, and later a red rash appeared on my face that lasted for several days. I eventually learned that water is not an essential oil carrier (water and oil do not mix) so I was technically placing 6 drops of peppermint essential oil directly on my skin — an essential oil that should be used with caution due to the potential of skin and mucous membrane irritation.
Exercise Caution
Ingesting essential oils is a controversial topic, but it is something I feel very passionate about. Please, do not ingest essential oils unless under the direct supervision of a licensed professional. There are components in essential oils that render them beneficial for many things, but there are also contraindications that must be understood. You may have an underlying health condition that has gone undiagnosed and ingesting essential oils produces a direct path to vital organs, which can be extremely dangerous.
You must also exercise caution when using essential oils while pregnant and breastfeeding, or when around children, and even pets. There are some essential oils that should not be used by pregnant women, there are essential oils that are not safe for kids, and there are several essential oils that are hazardous to use around pets.
For example, when using an aromatherapy room spray, please be sure there are not any pets in the rooms or areas you are spraying. Wait at least thirty minutes before allowing your animals back in the room. Our furry family members do not metabolize volatile oils as humans do, and can be harmful to them.
Determine the contraindications and precautions of an essential oil before beginning use.
Purchasing Essential Oils
In regards to purchasing essential oils — verify the supplier is reputable and that the essential oils are pure. With an increase interest in essential oils has come a surge in the marketplace of companies attempting to sell diluted essential oils or fragrance oils. When purchasing essential oils, always confirm the label states ‘100% Pure Essential Oil.’ Fragrance oils are not essential oils and are often artificially derived from chemical compounds. If a bottle of essential oils says something like ‘Therapeutic Grade’ - it may not be a reputable brand. I know, it may seem confusing, but there is not an actual grading system for essential oils, and making such claims is often a marketing ploy.
As I mentioned previously, essential oils can offer an array of benefits when pursuing a more natural lifestyle — just be sure they are right for the needs of you and your family.
Feel free to send me an email at hello@honeycoatedlife.com if you have any questions.