Safety of Essential Oils

Pregnant women
All essential oils are best avoided during the first months of pregnancy. After the third of four months, there are many oils and products that can be used in aromatherapy treatments that can be effective. If in doubt, consult a qualified therapist.

Baths
Allow the water to run into the bath before adding your chosen Essential Oils. Use 6-8 drops of Essential Oils to 1tsps full fat milk or carrier oil and swish the water to disperse for 2 minutes, and inhale the aroma of the Oils whilst they are absorbed into the skin.

Shampoos and Bath Foams
Create your own blend of Aromatherapy shampoos and bath foams. Use 100mls of Shampoo Base or Bath Foam Base add 30 drops of your chosen blend of Essential Oils.

Inhalation
Neat Essential Oils may be inhaled directly from a tissue or on a pillow at night use 4-6 drops. They can be used as an inhalation from hot water, using 3 or 4 drops, though this must be avoided by asthmatics. Do not inhale directly from the bottle.

Pottery Oil Burners
A versatile way of effectively using Essential Oils is a room vaporiser. Add 4-6 drops of the Essential Oil of your choice to the water in the top bowl. The heat of the night light will result in the subtle release of the aromatic oils which can induce states of relaxation, stimulation etc.

Massage Oils
Only the finest quality carrier oils that are produced from the first pressing are used at our School. These can be massaged directly on the skin and they can also have essential Oils added to them. To 50mls of carrier oil add no more than 15 drops of essential Oils.

Creams
We have a full range of vegetable based creams to which Essential Oils can be added for several effects. These can be developed into facial products or topical creams. Do not add more than 15 drops of essential oil to 50mls of cream.

Floral Waters
These beautiful natural hydrolats obtained directly from the Essential Oil distillation can be used safely for children and the elderly. They are versatile, effective and make ideal facial products. There are no contra-indications to true waters of distillation.

Precautions

• Keep essential oils out of the reach of children
• Never remove a fixed dropper from a bottle of essential oil (to prevent spillage and accidental ingestion)
• Do not apply neat essential oil to the skin without consulting a qualified therapist. Some essential oils are PHOTOTOXIC and should never be used neat.
• Do not assume that an essential oil has the same properties as the plant from which it is extracted.
• Do not ingest essential oils without specific, professional advice
• Do not use more than the recommended doses as stated above remember less is sometimes more!

In Case of Accident

• If essential oil is splashed in the eyes dab gently with olive oil or another good quality carrier oil on cotton wool. WATER DOES NOT REMOVE OIL FROM THE EYE
• Remove neat essential oil from the hands by washing thoroughly with mild detergent to prevent transference to other parts of the body.
• If essential oil is ingested in quantity, you must seek immediate medical assistance.
• If a person shows signs of illness after consuming a few drops of oil, this may be an idiosyncratic, allergic reaction seek immediate medical assistance.