Safe use of essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances with strong action, so we must use them very carefully.

Before use, check:

• purity and quality of essential oil, dosing amount (how many drops),
• how it is used (for inhalation, as an ointment, as massage oil),
• who is the end-user; risk groups that need professional advice are infants, pregnant women, patients with asthma, epilepsy, or skin problems,
• expiration date, essential oils of citrus, tea tree, and conifer have a shelf life of one year, after which they like to oxidize and therefore irritate the skin.

It is a good idea to take an allergy test before using an individual essential oil. Apply a mixture of essential oil to the inside of the forearm, diluting it in a base oil (e.g., olive, jojoba, avocado oil).