Essential Oils: Don’t Do Stupid Stuff

Knowledge is Power

Herbs and other natural health remedies have various do’s and don’ts, so do essential oils. Just because a thunderstorm is natural doesn’t mean its safe to fly a kite or stand in the middle of a field with a long metal pole during one.

The thunderstorm has cleansing benefits and other meteorological benefits for the air, ground, etc. Those who dream about what’s beyond the rainbow and dance in the rain, understand best how beauty transcends words. Uplifting the atmosphere in various ways.

Our Nemesis: Ignorance and Carelessness.

Knowledge can empower you to brush aside ignorant recklessness and misinformation. Then you won’t do stupid stuff. Well, we’re human, you probably do it about 98% less. With common sense as your sidekick, you’ll survive the adventure to enjoy the comedic relief.

Safety Tip #1: Oil in Eye? No Water!!!!!

If and when you accidentally rub your eyes with oils still on your fingers and get that highly uncomfortable reminder why that is a big “No, No.”

Remember – DON’T use WATER!!!!

Use a carrier oil, (olive oil if you don’t have any), or milk as a diluting agent. Water acts as a driver which will escalate that Ow, ow. into a more emphatic OWW, Gah!

Safety Tip #2: Don’t put oils directly into Eyes, Ears, and Nostrils.

News Flash: essential oils ARE NOT eye drops or ear drops. And must be heavily diluted to even use in a nose spray blend. Good rule of thumb is to keep oils, especially hot oils, out of those sensitive areas. What’s a hot oil? See Rule #3.

Effective methods for internal application – See page 11-12 of this e-book.
https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/internal-use.pdf

If the essential oil or blend does help to support eye health, put it on the temple &/or around the eye zone, (the forehead / cheekbone area should be close enough without it being too close.) Try not to let it drip into the eye(s).

If you do, remember Rule #1 – No water in the eyes.

If you want to put an essential oil on the outer ear, use a swab to apply it. Don’t poke the swab into your inner ear canal. Listen to your faithful sidekick, Common Sense, on this point. He’s looking out for you.

To clarify, yes some oils can be taken internally. A helpful reference list of which oils are GRAS. What’s FDA GRAS? (Generally Recognized as Safe)

See page 5 in the Cooking With Essential Oils e-book. https://www.doterra.com/US/en/ebooks-cooking-with-essential-oils

Some people have differing opinions of which can and can’t be taken internally. Check with the manufacture company directly. Their answer will the most conservative and probably the most accurate. Many brands, like Doterra, you can call them directly or check the FAQ section of their website.

How Do I Use Essential Oils Safely
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/using-essential-oils

FREE audio books and eBooks on Essential Oils
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/ebooks

Safety Tip #3: Be Sensitive – Not Neat!

Many oils may be applied topically to the skin neat.

“Neat” means applying oils on straight, without diluting with a carrier. Whether it be a carrier oils, lotion, shampoo, etc.

Heroes are strong, but have sensitive souls. Superman and Wonder Woman use their gentle strength for the innocents. So, like the awesome hero you are, don’t apply ANY oils without diluting them for children, the elderly, animals and others with sensitive skin. Some blends are already diluted, ready for use.

DON’T PUT HOT OILS on the skin without diluting it with carrier oil. Like *cough*Oregano*cough*.

Which oils should be diluted before topical use? See page 8 in this Essential Oil e-book: https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/topical-use.pdf

Different carrier oils? Why so many? Which ones are better? Your faithful sidekick, Common Sense, hands you this clue after he gives our arch-nemesis, Ignorance, a beautiful right hook into the next scene.

http://www.aromaweb.com/vegetableoils/

Followed with this punch line…

Topically speaking, what’s AromaTouch?
https://www.aromatouch.com

Safety Tip #4: Allergies, Asthma and Epilepsy…

Because essential oils don’t have protein molecules in them, they don’t cause allergic reactions. So, technically no. BUT, some people do have sensitivity reactions to some oils and/or allergic reactions to perfumes, scents, etc. Due to asthma or whatever.

As always, respect other people’s boundaries. Don’t be a preachy parrot. When the day is done, ride off into the wild orange sunset. Common Sense says, “Live and let live.”

There’s different species of Lavender. If someone really wants to use it, yet they’re have sensitivity reactions to it, have them check out another species that doesn’t have the chemical component that’s causing the sensitivity reaction.

Science focused articles for our chemistry geeks.

Learn more about Lavandula
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/dicine-and-dentistry/lavandula

Patch Testing with Main Sensitizers Does Not Detect All Cases of Contact Allergy to Oxidized Lavender Oil
http://www.aromaticscience.com/patch-testing-with-main-sensitizers-does-not-detect-all-cases-of-contact-allergy-to-oxidized-lavender-oil/

Here’s a simplified summery for us mortals:

The Difference Between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandin Essential Oils
https://www.gurunanda.com/blogs/essential-oils/the-difference-between-lavender-and-lavandin-essential-oils

Epilepsy: There’s a list of DO NOT USE essential oils for folks with this this condition. If you or someone you know deals with seizures, check out the oils with “Anticonvulsant” properties.

Article: Essential Oils that are safe and those to avoid for epileptics.
http://www.rscdiagnosticservices.com/blog/are-essential-oils-helpful-for-seizure-disorders

Exercise Induced Asthma: Doterra’s Breathe blend really helps me when I get winded or have shortness of breath from a workout.

Safety Tip #5: Sunny Oils for Night Owls

Good rule of thumb to remember: If you apply any citrus oils topically, avoid sunlight on your skin for 12 hours. You probably won’t turn into a vampire. But your skin won’t get all irritated and other uncomfortable stuff.

More details on Sun Sensitivity, see page 9 in this ebook: https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/topical-use.pdf

For the chemistry geeks among us, here’s an e-book you’ve been craving. Essential Oil Chemistry eBook
http://joom.ag/obYY

Uh, no its okay, you don’t have to teach me about the constitute types of the isoamyl angelate vs. the geranyl-acetate. Actually, I’m impressed you know how to pronounce those words. Here’s another link since you’re an awesome scientist.

Aromatic Science
http://www.aromaticscience.com

Common Sense points out a new trail for Indiana Jones to dig for more information.

Organic Essential Oils Information Link Directory
https://www.fragrancex.com/fragrance-information/organic-essential-oils.html

Congratulations, you now know how to avoid doing stupid stuff with essential oils! Breath easy and stay safe out there. Common Sense, your faithful sidekick, is rooting for you.

Please share this article to thwart our dastardly arch-nemesis, Ignorance and Carelessness. Knowledge is power and sharing is caring.