SAFEGUARDS AND CAUTION

The following are important for safe usage of essential oils.

Skin
Before using an essential oil, do a skin test. Dot some oil on the wrist pulse point; if the skin becomes irritated or inflamed, wash off the oil with water and do not use.

Blood pressure
Caution is required if you suffer from low blood pressure; oils such as eucalyptus and lavender should be avoided. If blood pressure is high avoid oils such as cypress, peppermint, rosemary, hyssop, sage, clary sage and thyme.

Asthma
Special care must be taken to check each oil if you suffer from asthma. It is safer not to use inhalations because of the risk of suffering palpitations.

Pregnancy and babies
The body is particularly sensitive in both pregnancy and infancy, and special care must always be taken before any oil is used.

Pregnancy
Only "safe oils" should be used during pregnancy since it is not known what effect the natural essences have on the placenta that feeds the growing fetus. Even when using safe oils it is important to remember to mix at half the measured amount.

Babies and children
There are various ways essential oils can be beneficial in treating babies and cildren, particularly for sleep disorders, irritability, colic, colds and coughs.

The elderly
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way of relaxing and treating elderly people, but check carefully for toxicity and in general use half the measured amount. All oils that are safe for children are excellent for the elderly.

Epilepsy
Avoid essential oils such as clary sage, sage, hyssop, and fennel since they work very powerfully on the nervous system.