Are Essential Oils Safe To Use In Your Home?
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Essential oils can be used in the home in many ways. They're a great way to relax and de-stress. Some people also use them to scent homemade cleaners, though essential oils are chemicals too and are not proven disinfectants.
The Environmental Working Group now has a list of over 2000 cleaning products that it rates, and it flags many for ingredients of concern. Natural doesn't automatically mean safe, though, so treat essential oils with the same care as any other household product.
Having a safe home environment is crucial. This article will help you understand unsafe use of oils as well as introduce you to a few great products.
Most aromatherapy oils are safe when used correctly. However, it's important to arm yourself with knowledge to avoid adverse side effects.
Different people may react differently to some of these oils, and the way in which they're used can also have an impact. Placing undiluted oils on the skin may cause irritation, and strong scents can bother people with asthma, as well as pets.
I recommend using an aromatherapy oils chart such as the one found here. These charts can be a very useful way to access information regarding the specific properties of a specific oil as well as how they can be used. Print it and post it somewhere for easy reference.
Important Factors In Safe Essential Oils
Dosage:
Follow the dosage instructions carefully. A dosage that's too high can be harmful to the skin and cause unpleasant reactions.
Purity:
Any time an essential oil is mixed with another type of the oil or chemical, the quality and effectiveness of its properties are altered. Companies often do this to make the product more cost-effective. Make sure you read the labels carefully. Pure oils still need to be diluted in a carrier oil before they go on your skin.
Method of application:
Applying an essential oil directly to the skin can increase the chance of an adverse reaction. Follow the directions carefully, and I would suggest using small amounts of oil to perform a patch test. Test a small amount of oil on your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reactions occur. If they don't, it's generally safe to carry on using the oil.
Pre-existing conditions or medications:
It's always best to confirm with a medical professional if you're using medication. Pregnant and nursing mothers should also speak with a doctor to ensure that particular essential oils are safe to use during this time.
Storage and swallowing:
Keep bottles locked away from children and pets, and never swallow essential oils. Some, such as camphor, eucalyptus and wintergreen, are poisonous if swallowed. If someone swallows an oil, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Radha Beauty Sample Aromatherapy Set
This small box set by Radha Beauty gives you a simple introduction to the benefits of using essential oils.
The variety of popular aromatherapy scents allows you to experience all they have to offer before you decide upon your favorites.
The set contains lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, sweet orange. I like that it comes with a small information card that explains the benefits of each of these common oils, as well as information on how to use them.
I'd recommend the idea of purchasing a ‘sample set’ such as this to experiment and discover what works best for you.
The oils are sold as 100% pure, which means they must be diluted before they touch your skin.
Overall, I believe this set to be the perfect introduction to using essential oils. The purity of the oils along with the variety will ensure you find what you're looking for, and it's an easy way to start.
Triple AAA+ Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most common essential oils and is generally well tolerated when diluted. It's found on just about every aromatherapy chart. It offers calming and relaxing properties. Many people also use lavender to help induce a restful sleep, though research on aromatherapy for sleep is limited.
The Lavender Oil by Triple AAA+ comes with an easy-to-use dropper. This makes it easier to measure small amounts. Dilute it in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
I like a drop on the edge of my pillowcase at bedtime. For a bath, mix a few drops into a carrier oil first, since oil doesn't blend with water and undiluted drops can irritate skin.
If you're happy with the lavender oil, Triple AAA+ offer a large range of other aromatherapy scents for you to purchase and use in the same, safe way.
Overall, Triple AAA+ Lavender Oil is a pleasant way to relax when used with care.
So there you have it, if you've ever asked yourself ‘are essential oils safe to use in my home?’ then now you have your answer, as well as two wonderful products to try.
Essential oils aren't proven to improve your overall health, but if you enjoy them, it's worthwhile to take some time to experiment a little and find the oil that works for you.
Sources
- Essential oils: Poisonous when misused, Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center)
- Aromatherapy, NCCIH
