Essential oils are very effective either inhaled or used in massage lotions. There is no need to risk your health by taking them orally. Don’t forget to dilute them! Essential oils are highly concentrated and even if some essential oils can be used undiluted (e.g. lavender and tea tree), it is always a good idea to dilute them. In the case of essential oils ‘less is better’. Many oils can cause the opposite effect if taken undiluted. Also, many books will give you recipes good for adults. If you’re preparing a recipe for younger children, don’t forget to cut the dosage in half (or more).

Some essential oils have muscle-relaxant properties and can stimulate muscle contraction. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid using essential oils during the first three months of your pregnancy. Afterwards, keep them to the minimum and dilute them to 1% instead of the commonly recommended 2%. I take a very conservative approach, as do many midwives and doctors in Europe, and suggest using essential oils during pregnancy only under the supervision of an expert.

Do a Skin Patch Test when using new essential oils. If you already know you’re allergic to oranges for example, do not use neroli, orange, or petitgrain oil, because you’re very likely to get an allergic reaction. Stay away from the eyes! If a drop goes in your eyes, use a cotton swab drenched in olive oil to clean the area.Respect the power of nature. Essential oils are very potent healing and cosmetic substances. One drop equals thirty cups of herbal tea! So, please, follow the directions when combining them and always be conservative. You will not regret it!

Do not use essential oils on broken skin. Unless you’re using an essential oil on a small wound or burn because of its specific antiseptic qualities, stay away from damaged skin when applying them. Use only pure essential oils. The increasing demand for essential oils has flooded the market with many man-made fragrant substances that have nothing in common with nature-made essences. If you’re using your oils for your health, or the health of your loved ones, buy the best quality oils and do not worry about saving the dime. Your health is worth more than saving a few dollars!