Essential oil has many benefits, but the premise is "correct use", because essential oil is similar to Chinese herbal medicine and has effects. Since it is effective, it sometimes has toxicity and some taboos, but don't worry too much. As long as you follow a few principles, it will be very simple to use essential oil correctly and safely!

Eight rules for safe use

1, must be diluted.

The concentration of essential oil is very high, so most of it must be diluted when used. As far as the use of essential oil is concerned, it is a dilution method to incense essential oil with air. If it is absorbed directly by the skin, it should be diluted with vegetable oil. Anyway, remember to dilute it first.

Of course, it is not impossible to apply essential oil with pure oil. Generally speaking, except for phenols or some essential oils that irritate the skin, it is no problem to use a small amount of12 drops. When there is an emergency or it is not convenient to adjust the oil temporarily, you can also use pure oil, but don't get into the habit of using too much at a time. 1~2 drops are acceptable. Lavender and tea tree are most suitable for pure oil. Some aromatherapy experts believe that only these two essential oils can be used as pure oils.

2. Oral administration must be guided by experts or aromatherapy experts.

Good quality essential oils can be taken orally, but not all essential oils are suitable for oral administration. The essential oils in the workshops are all mixed. If you can't judge the quality of essential oil, you'd better not take it orally. Some aromatherapy schools even think that essential oils can't be taken orally, so they are more cautious. Of course, experts with rich academic and practical experience can suggest oral administration according to actual needs, but it is better to avoid oral administration unless there is expert guidance!

Don't touch your eyes

The concentration of essential oil is extremely high. Do not touch eyes. If it is used around the eyes, the dosage should be adjusted to about 1%, not too close to the eyes. Pure dew can also be used instead of essential oil to avoid accidental contact with eyes.

4. Do a skin test before use.

Some essential oils can cause allergies or irritate the skin, and some people are allergic to essential oils. Therefore, testing before use is very important. First, adjust the concentration of 3% essential oil and use it under your armpit or chest. You can only use this essential oil after at least 24 hours without allergies. Test several essential oils in the future. If there is no problem, you can only omit the test steps if you have a preliminary understanding of essential oils.

5. When there is a wound on the skin.

Essential oil should be avoided on wounds, so when the skin has a wound, don't apply essential oil directly, but if it is a small knife wound or a small wound, you can use essential oil to make the skin heal quickly!

6. Photosensitive essential oil should not be used in the parts that will be exposed to the sun.

Some essential oils contain components that can cause photosensitivity. If exposed to the sun after use, the skin will turn black and even cause skin cancer. Photosensitivity is also different, such as grapefruit, which is used in small doses at night and basked in the sun the next day. But like lemon verbena, the photosensitivity may last for a long time, so avoid using it in places where it will be exposed to the sun. Generally speaking, citrus (Rutaceae, Citrus) essential oil, such as lemon, bergamot, orange, sweet orange, lime and so on. , all have photosensitivity, and angelica dahurica, lemon verbena, turnip and so on.

7. A single essential oil cannot be used continuously for too long.

If you use the same essential oil continuously for less than 3 weeks, you should avoid using the same essential oil every day, because on the one hand, your body is used to this essential oil, and the effect becomes worse; Here, if the essential oil used is toxic, long-term use will harm the liver and kidney. In contrast, compound use will be safer than single use. If it is conditioning, the compound essential oil can be used for about 3 months, and the longest is not more than half a year, but it is best to consult an expert before using it.

8, don't often use too high a dose.

The use of essential oil, in order to achieve curative effect, usually needs a low dose and lasts for a period of time, so that the effect of regulating body function is the best. Large doses of oral liquid are only used in emergencies, such as fever and diarrhea, or as an aid when some emergencies occur. Normal use, the concentration is still 3-5%. For more dangerous essential oils, the content should not exceed 3%.

[People who can't use essential oils]

1, baby

Generally speaking, there are many essential oils that can be used by babies, except those that are marked to be avoided by babies, such as those containing ketones and phenols. But if you don't know about essential oils, lavender, Roman chamomile, German chamomile, Shiloh, orange and other safer essential oils are generally more suitable for home use. And the dosage should be low, and it is best to have someone to guide you.

2. Pregnant women

Pregnant women should avoid using essential oils with menstruation regulating function, because the use of such essential oils will lead to menstruation, that is, menstrual cramps. As for abortion, there is no evidence yet. Some dangerous essential oils should not be used, such as rosemary, myrrh, hyssop, parsley and so on. The state should be cautious, and pregnant women should have special guidance when using essential oils.

3, asthma should not use steam inhalation.

Asthmatics should inhale essential oil with steam, or avoid too strong steam, because too strong steam will make asthma patients breathless for a while, which is very dangerous.

4, poor liver and kidney function with caution.

Some essential oils can cause liver and kidney toxicity. It is no problem to use them in low doses, but it is harmful to people with poor liver and kidney function in high doses. Therefore, it is safer for people with poor liver and kidney function to consult someone before using it.

5. Patients with epilepsy

Some essential oils such as hyssop and myrrh can induce epilepsy, so they are not suitable for epileptic patients.