Risks and Uses of
Essential Oils

Essential oils are all the rage lately, and with good reason.
They are, in a sense, a pharmaceutical grade natural
remedy with incredible power.
But with great power comes great responsibility, and there
are many essential oil resources online giving worrisome
blanket advice about their use.

Because of the strength of essential
oils, I want to make sure that my family
always uses them safely.
Here are some important things to know
about essential oils…

Essential Oils are Highly Concentrated

• A very small amount of essential oil often has the qualities of many
cups of herbal tea from the same plant.
• For instance, one drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to
26-28 cups of peppermint tea.
• This isn’t to say essential oils should not be used, but they should be
used carefully, with proper education and in safe amounts.

Essential Oils on the Skin

• I use essential oils in many of my
beauty recipes like lotion
bars and herbal face oil but in
diluted amounts.
• As a general rule, essential oils
should be diluted in a carrier oil
like coconut oil or almond oil in a
3-5% solution. On a practical level
this is 3-5 drops of essential oils per
teaspoon of carrier oil (and much
less if using on a baby or child).

• Undiluted use on the
skin can cause
irritation or an allergic
reaction in some
people.
• I personally test any
essential oil, diluted,
on my arm before
using on a larger part
of my body.

Photosensitivity of Certain Oils

• Citrus oils have certain constituents that can make the skin
more sensitive to UV light.
• This can lead to blistering, discoloration of the skin or burning
more easily from minor sun exposure.
• Oils generally considered photosensitive are: orange, lime,
lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot.

Internal Use of Essential Oils

• Since essential oils are the equivalent of 20x the
recommended dose of an herbal tincture of the same
herb, they should only be taken internally in situations
where they are absolutely needed and with extreme care.
• Essential oils are extremely potent plant compounds that
can have a very dramatic effect on the body.

• The very real antibacterial properties of essential oils
may kill many types of bacteria in the gut (including
beneficial and necessary bacteria).
• Some studies conducted about the antibacterial
properties of essential oils suggest that they may be
an effective alternative to antibiotics.

• Antibiotics, while life-saving in some situations, should
not be used regularly or without the oversight of a
medical professional.
• If essential oils can act in the same way as antibiotics,
we should exercise the same caution in using them
internally.

during Pregnancy and Nursing

• There is evidence that essential oils can cross the placenta
and get to the baby. The effects of essential oils can be
compounded in utero and extreme care should be taken
with essential oil use during pregnancy.
• Many oils are considered safe during pregnancy, especially
after the first trimester, but check with a professional and use
caution with any herbs used during pregnancy.

Oils Considered NOT Safe During Pregnancy
Aniseed, Angelica, Basil, Black Pepper, Camphor,
Cinnamon, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Clove, Fennel,
Fir, Ginger, Horseradish, Jasmine, Juniper,
Marjoram, Mustard, Mugwart, Myrrh, Nutmeg,
Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme,
Wintergreen.

Use on Babies and Children

• In general, oils like lavender,
chamomile, orange, lemon
and frankincense are
considered safe for diluted
use on children.
• In my opinion, essential oils
should never be given
internally to children or used
undiluted on the skin.
• Since the effects of essential
oils are more concentrated on
children, it is prudent to
exercise extra caution when
using essential oils on them.

Essential Oils in Plastic

• Essential oils should never be stored in plastic containers,
especially in concentrated forms.
• I make homemade cleaners with essential oils in glass
bottles for this reason.

Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils

• At the end of the day, essential oils can be
a great and safe natural remedy, if used
safely.
• The main ways I use essential oils are:
Aromatically (in a diffuser) and Topically
(diluted in homemade recipes).

To learn more about
safely using essential oils,
Click Here!

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