Jo's Health Corner: Safety

Read this Before You Start Using Essential Oils

First of all, perform a skin patch test before using the essential oils.
If the skin has been exposed to cosmetics, soaps, cleaners and personal care products that contain synthetic chemicals caution needs to be exercised. Petroleum based chemicals can remain in the fatty tissues for weeks after being applied. Essential oils may react with these chemicals and cause a toxic reaction in form of skin irritation or head aches.

Toxins from chemicals in the environment, water, food and work can build up in the body which essential oils can react to. If a reaction occur while you use the essentials oils it is wise to discontinue their use for a while. An internal cleansing program is suggested as well as double the intake of water when you use the essential oils.

Here are some alternatives to a detoxification program:

Use single oils or blends, one at a time. By starting with one blend or oil it is easier to monitor any reactions.
Reduce the dose, and use a 1 % dilution when blending massage oils.
Use the oils less frequently.
Make sure you drink plenty of distilled or purified water.
Make sure you perform a skin test. If irritation occur, dilute with vegetable oil or massage oil. Then cleanse with soap and water.
If skin irritation or other reactions persist, discontinue the use on that location. Apply to the bottoms of the feet instead.

It is wise to avoid products that contain the following ingredients. This will aid in eliminating any potential problems:
Cosmetics, deodorants, and skin care products containing aluminum, petrochemicals, or other synthetic ingredients.
Hair colors and dyes, perms, hair sprays or gels containing synthetic ingredients. Avoid toothpaste, shampoos, mouthwash, and soaps containing sodium laurel sulfate, propylene glycol, or lead acetate.
Paints, detergents, garden sprays and cleansers containing toxic chemicals and solvents.

Don't apply essential oils near or on the eyes or in the ears. Many oils can be applied anywhere on the body while some may be irritating to sensitive tissues.

Keep the essential oils out of reach of children. Only apply on children under skilled supervision. In case a child swallows an essential oil:
Administer a mixture of milk, cream, yogurtt, or anoter safe, oil- soluble liquid.
Call a Poison Control Center or seek immediate emergency medical attention if necessary.

An acidic body, the body pH being low, could also react negatively to an essential oil. Avoid these oils if you are going to be out in the sun.

Check out my dilution chart and my safety page to make sure that you dilute the oils correctly and that the oils you use are safe for you.
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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

4:52 PM | Read more...

How to Perform a Skin Patch Test

A skin patch test can be conducted with a carrier oil or with undiluted essential oil. A skin patch test should be conducted when using oils listed as potential sensitizers or irritants. Individuals with allergies or asthma should always conduct a skin patch test before applying any essential oils. Always use the recommended dose when conducting the skin patch test.

When conducting a skin patch test using essential oils diluted in carrier oils: You first wash and dry the forearm, then apply essential oil blend enough to moisten the arm. Cover the applied area with sterile gauze and leave for 24 hours If signs of irritation are shown, remove the gauze and avoid using that particular oil in the future.

When testing an undiluted essential oil, you wash the arm with unscented vegetable soap, and dry before applying the oil. Add one drop of oil in the crook of the arm and close the arm, and open and close the arm again after five minutes. If any irritation is noticeable, the applied area can be washed with cotton dipped in milk or vegetable oil. Or simply wash with soap and water.

4:44 PM | Read more...

Avoid These Essential Oils if You Are Going to Be Out In the Sun

It is time for some essential oil safety information. The summer is around the corner and we will spend a lot of time outside in the sun. Well, it was 105 here in Texas yesterday so I didn't spend a lot of time in the sun, I mean would you when it is 105 degrees with fairly high humidity? I went for my walk as usual and then I hid from the sun for a few hours. Normally on hot days like this we go to the golf course and go swimming. Even though summers are hot here in Texas we still spend a significant amount of time outdoors, so there are certain essential oils that I avoid or use cautiously during the summer months.

Certain essential oils are considered to be phototoxic

Photosensitization, or phototoxicity, as it is also called, is a skin reaction caused by exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light. It can cause increased pigmentation and redness to the skin. Some essential oils absorb more energy from ultraviolet light than the skin does. These oils are photosensitizers and can only cause photosensitization when exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light. The photosensitizing oils need to be applied to the skin prior to exposure to ultraviolet light in order to produce the phototoxic reaction. Photosensitizing oils should not be exposed to the sun for at least 12 hours after applied to the skin.

Photosensitizers

Expressed citrus oils are considered to be photosensitizers. The furocoumarin bergaptene, or 5 methoxypsoralen known as 5-MOP, is the phototoxic constituent of citrus oils like bergamot or other citrus oils. The phototoxic effect is neutralized when the furocoumarin content is 0.0075%.

Phototoxic oils

bergamot, Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
cold pressed lime, Citrus medica
cold pressed bitter orange, Citrus aurantium var. amara
angelica, Angelica archangelica

Mild photosensitizers

Cold pressed grapefruit, Citrus paradisi
cold pressed or distilled lemon, Citrus limon, Lippia citridora
distilled lime, Citrus medica
cold pressed sweet orange, Citrus sinensis
cold pressed tangerine, Citrus reticulata blanco

Other oils that may cause phototoxicity

cedarwood, Cedrus atlanticum
cinnamon bark, Cinnamomum zeylanicum
clary sage, Salvia sclarea
elecampane, Inula helenium
ginger, Zingiber officinalis
lovage, Levisticum officinale
opoponax, Commiphora erythraea
patchouli, Pogostemon patchouli

As you can see, the phototoxic oils themselves are not causing any reaction when applied to the skin without exposure to ultraviolet light. Make sure that the essential oils are safe for you and that you dilute the essential oils properly.

Photo credit

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

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6:47 AM | Read more...

Essential Oil Safety and How to Administer a Skin Patch Test

Essential oils are safe to use as long as you follow the recommended dosage and research the contraindications before you use them. Essential oils are more potent than the herbs so less amount is needed in order to achieve the desired effect. Never use the oils undiluted on the skin unless the product information for a specific oil say it is safe to do so. Tea tree and lavender can be used neat in tiny amounts on stings, wounds or a small burn.

Do your research

I highly recommend that you do your research when you use essential oils to make sure you know the contraindications of the oils you use. Some essential oils have low therapeutic margin which means that the dividing line between therapeutic dose and a harmful dose is very small. These oils needs to be avoided orally and used with caution.

I actually don't recommend anyone to use essential oils orally unless you have consulted with professionals educated in essential oil safety. Extra care is required when taking an essential oil orally since a higher amount of the oil would reach the circulation, and the liver would receive a large dose via the portal circulation, which takes its blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver. Almost all of the reported cases of poisoning by essential oils has occurred by self-dosing of small quantities of undiluted essential oils.

Know the contraindications

Some oils need to be avoided in pregnancy, some oils can be toxic if not correct dosage or duration is used, and other essential oils are contraindicated in specific illnesses. Essential oils should not be used at all in the first trimester.

Know the quality

The quality of the essential oils also differ and there is a chance that you come across oils diluted with harmful substances. It is very important to choose good quality essential oils for aromatherapy since many are diluted with harmful substances and they are of inferior quality. If you wonder if the oils you are using are safe you are welcome to contact me.

Some oils are skin irritants

Some oils are known skin irritants and therefor it is important to conduct a skin patch test before you use essential oils. This is especially important if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or rashes. Some oils that may irritate the skins are: Anise, Basil, Bay, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, Cajuput, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Oregano, Peppermint, and Thyme

How to administer a skin patch test

When conducting a skin patch test using essential oils diluted in carrier oils you first wash and dry the forearm, then apply essential oil blend enough to moisten the arm. Cover the applied area with sterile gauze and leave for 24 hours If signs of irritation are shown, remove the gauze and avoid using that particular oil in the future.

When testing an undiluted essential oil, you wash the arm with unscented vegetable soap and dry before applying the oil. Add one drop of oil in the crook of the arm and close the arm, and open and close the arm again after five minutes. If any irritation is noticeable the applied area can be washed with cotton dipped in milk or vegetable oil. Or simply wash with soap and water.

Oils not recommended in pregnancy are:
Anise seed, basil, birch, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, sweet marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Essential oils not to be used by people prone to epilepsy are:
clary sage, cajuput, eucalyptus, Fennel, hyssop, lavender (lavandula stoechas), rosemary, sage and thyme

Essential oils not to be used by people with high blood pressure are:
Cypress, cajuput, eucalyptus, Hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme

Essential oils not to be used by people with asthma:
camphor, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, yarrow

Essential oils not to be used by people with hypotension:
Clary sage and marjoram

Essential oils not to be used by people with liver disease are:
Clove bud and clove leaf, garlic, oregano, sassafras, thyme, vetiver.

Essential oils not to be used by people with stomach and intestinal ulcers:
Cinnamon bark

Essential oils not to be used by people with estrogen dependent cancer:
Anise, basil and fennel

Essential oils which should not be used on the skin at all:
Ajowan, cinnamon bark, cassia, clove leaf, clove bud, elecampane, oregano, pine (dwarf)

Essential oils which should be used with caution on the skin:
basil (all varieties), cinnamon leaf, fir needle(Siberian), lemongrass, lemon, verbena, melissa, orange, peppermint, red and wild thyme.

Once again, please look into the contraindications of the essential oils you are using. Consult with your physician if you have existing medical conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to prescribe.

Thanks for visiting!

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

5:27 PM | Read more...

How to Dilute Essential oils

Here is a chart for you. You can make massage oil blends and rub on your own skin, it doesn't have to be done by a professional massage therapist. You might not get the whole body massage but it is still beneficial. I like to add essential oils to massage oil and use it instead of body lotion after the shower, or to put on aching joints or muscles.

Please remember it is not advisable to massage in conditions such as inflamed or swollen joints, fractures, hemorrhages, inflammation, inflamed veins, or cancer.

I like to gently put on a massage oil blend in situations where my son has sprained his ankle or is in pain from football.

Please keep in mind:

1% dilution for children and the elderly.

2% dilution for general, whole-body massage.

4% dilution for concentrated, local massage.

Scroll down for dilutions for adults

Children:
This is Worwood's recommendations, and it doesn't necessary mean that oils not mentioned are not suitable for children in certain circumstances. I may mention other oils from time to time based on research I have come across.

Suitable oils for Babies and Young Children from Valerie Ann Worwood’s Book “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy”:

Essential Oils
NEWBORN BABIES
Chamomile Roman
Chamomile German
Yarrow
Lavender
Dosage: 1-3 drops diluted in 2 tablespoons Base Oil
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond

2-6 MONTHS OLD
As above plus:
Mandarin
Eucalyptus (Never apply on face)
Coriander
Neroli
Dosage: 3-5 drops diluted in 2 tablespoon Base Oil.
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond

6-12 MONTHS OLD
As above plus:
Calendula
Grapefruit
Aniseed
Tea tree
Dosage: 3-5 drops dilutet in 2 tablespoons Base Oils
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond

1-5 YEARS OLD
All the above plus:
Ginger, but only use 1/3 of the dosage directed for other oils
Dosage: 5-10 drops diluted in 2 tablespoons Base Oil
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond

5-7 YEARS OLD
All the above plus following used in 1/3 dosage directed for other oils:
Ginger
Peppermint
Rosemary
Thyme linalool
Clary Sage
Geranium
Nutmeg
Hyssop
Dosage: 5-12 drops diluted in 2 tablespoon Base Oil
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond,apricot, grapeseed

7-12 YEARS OLD
All those to 7 years old; plus the following at 1/3 dosage directed for other oils.
Fennel
Frankincense
Cypress
Basil
Dosage: 5-15 drops diluted in 2 tablespoons Base Oil.
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond, apricot, grapeseed

PUBERTY
All the above oils at full dose, plus:

Females:
Rose
Geranium
Sweet Marjoram

Male:
Marjoram
Bergamot
Dosage: 10-20 drops diluted in 2 tablespoons Base Oil.
Suitable base oils: Hazelnut, sweet almond

Oils like borage, wheatgerm and jojoba can be added to the base oil for extra healing. It should not exceed 10% of the base.

Adults:

Basic suggested dilution for essential oil massage blends for adults

CARRIER OILS	ESSENTIAL OILS
Volume	1% dilution	2% dilution	4 % dilution
½ oz. 1 tablespoon 15 ml	3 drops	6 drops	12 drops
1 oz. 2 tablespoons 30 ml	6 drops	12 drops	24 drops
2 oz. 4 tablespoons 60 ml	12 drops	24 drops	48 drops

1% dilution for children and the elderly.

2% dilution for general, whole-body massage.

4% dilution for concentrated, local massage

Add 8-10 drops of essential oils to a full bath. Dispersion is important because most essential oils will float on the surface and burn the skin. Here is a chart of different additives you can use in your bath.

ADDITIVES	AMOUNTS	BENEFITS	PRECAUTIONS
Castile Soap	Quick bath: 2 teaspoons bubble bath: ¼ cup plus ¼ cup glycerine.	Cleans skin, prevents tub ring, disperses essential oils.	Can be drying to the skin.
Massage Oil	1/4 cup	Moisturizes lightly, disperses essential oils.	Agitates the bath water. Be sure not to slip.
Jojoba Oil	1/8 of a cup	Moisturizes deeply and heals.
Epsom Salt	1/3 to 2 cups	Detoxifies the body, eases muscle pain and joint aches, disperses essential oils.	Do not use in cases of low blood pressure. Mix with essential oils before adding to water.
Sea Salts	1/3 to 2 cups	Detoxifies, aids eczema, remineralizes the body, disperses essential oils.	Use caution in cases of high or low blood pressure. Mix with essential oils before adding to water.
Dead Sea Salt	1/3 to 2 cups	Detoxifies, aids eczema, remineralizes the body, disperses essential oils.	Use caution in cases of high or low blood pressure. Mix with essential oils before adding to water.
Hydrated Bentonite Clay	½ to 2 cups	Detoxifying.	May absorb smell of essential oils.
Kelp	1/8 cup	Detoxifies, contains minerals.	Has a strong smell.
Honey	1/8 cup	Conditions skin, disperses essential oils.	Mix with essential oils before adding to the water.
Milk	3 cups or more	Conditions skin, disperses essential oils.	Mix with essential oils before adding to the water. Do not use if Candida is present.
Apple Cider Vinegar	½ to 2 cups	Conditions skin, detoxifies.	None