What You Need to Know Before You Begin Using Essential Oils

By Lori Lines

Essential Oils are very potent, especially the high-end Therapeutic grade oils that you see in Young Living products.  The first thing you need to know prior to exploring the use of these oils is to know that you should begin slowly.  

Why?  Because not everyone is chemically created equally.  For example, I have very sensitive skin and there are some oils that just do not resonate with me, personally.  Always skin test an essential oil before using it.  Each person's body is different, so you will want to apply oils to a small area first.  It's important to apply only one oil or blend at a time.  When layering oils that are new to you, allow enough time (3-5 minutes) for the body to respond before applying a second oil.

If you suspect you are carrying residue from cosmetics, personal-care products, soaps, and cleansers containing synthetic chemicals, it is imperative that you use caution when applying these oils.

Essential oils can work against such chemicals and toxins built up in the body from chemicals in food, water, and work environment.  If you have this kind of experience using essential oils, it may be wise to reduce or stop using them for a few days and begin an internal cleansing or detoxification program before you resume regular use of these oils. It is also suggested you double your water intake during this time and keep flushing the toxins out of your body.

There are also alternatives to a detox program to determine the cause of the problem according to Young Living Essential Oils:

• Dilute 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex, massage oil, or any pure vegetable oil such as almond, coconut, or olive.  More dilution may be needed.
• Reduce the number of oils used at any application time.
• Use single oils or oil blends one at a time.
• Reduce the amount of oil used. With these EO's more is not always better!
• Reduce the frequency of the application.
• Drink more purified or distilled water.
• Ask your health-care professional to monitor detoxification.
• Test the diluted essential oil on a small patch of skin for 30 minutes.  If any redness or irritation results, dilute the area immediately with a pure vegetable or massage oil and then cleanse with pure soap and water.
• If skin irritation or other uncomfortable side effects persist, discontinue using the oil on that location and apply the oils on the bottoms of the feet.

You can use many essential oils anywhere on the body except on the eyes and in the ears.  Other oils may irritate certain sensitive tissues.  

Also, if you choose to drop a few drops of essential oils in your water or whatever you happen to be drinking, make sure you are not using a plastic or styrofoam cup. Most oils will eat away at the container when left sitting in them too long and you will have a mess on your hands.

There are oils that Young Living produce that are considered "hot."  These are Oregano, Cinnamon, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Mountain Savory, Lemon, and Orange essential oils or blends such as Thieves, PanAway, Relieve It, and Exodus II out of reach of children.  These types of oils should ALWAYS be diluted for both children and adults.

If there are children in the home, they will need to be taught how to use the oils so that they understand how to use them safely.  If a child or infant swallows an essential oil, do the following:

• Seek immediate emergency medical attention, if necessary.
• give the child milk, cream, yogurt, or another safe oil-soluble liquid to drink.

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