You’ve probably experienced the pleasure of smelling the scent of lemon or lavender at some point. If so, you are familiar with the aromatic benefits of essential oils. These natural aromatic compounds can be found in different parts of a plant, including the petals, root, seeds, shrubs, bark etc.
Due to their aromatic medicinal compounds, they have numerous benefits, essential oils are used to support the body and the mind in proper function.
There is an essential oil to support every body system, including the limbic system of the brain (the seat of our emotions and mood). Essential oils are also used in health and beauty treatments.
But they are also often used in the preparation of delicious, healthy meals.
Are all essential oils safe for humans and pets?
In spite of the outstandingly beautiful essential oil scents, many people ask me whether such oils are safe to use. Some even want to know if they are pet-friendly, due to the somewhat strong aromatic compounds.
The truth is – most essential oils are completely safe for both humans and pets if used properly. There are no side effects if you use these oils in the right amount or mix them with other compatible ingredients.
Factors that determine the safety of essential oils
When used properly, essential oils can be highly beneficial to your body. However, as with any new substance, be cautious and pay attention to some of the factors we will discuss now.
Purity
Not every essential oil has the same purity. Some oils can be altered by additional chemicals or diluted with some kind of vegetable oil. This is usually done so that expensive essential oils can be more affordable, since the higher the purity – the higher the price.
Sadly, most all of the oils are the market have been compromised for the sake of cost. But like with everything else in life- we get what we pay for. And this is why Young Living is set apart from all the rest– PURITY!
In order to be safe, it’s important to always check the label of the essential oil you’re about to use. If you decide on using a high-quality oil with 100% purity, be aware that labels can actually lie to you!
The essential oils market is regulated by the perfume industry. An oil only needs to be 5% pure to carry the label of 100% therapeutic grade/pure.
This is yet another reason why I talk about YL Oils so much. In most cases, this is your only way to guarantee 100% purity.
Storage temperature and sunlight exposure
Some sources might tell you that essential oils can be heated and still be safe to use. This is incorrect if you’re using pure essential oils. Heating makes them lose much of their medicinal value. And if you understand anything at all about essential oils, you’d insist on only using the most purest of products.
Remember that each essential oil is flammable and has a unique temperature point at which it can cause a fire. For this reason, it’s wise to store your oils at room temperature, avoiding heated spots (like the area around the kitchen stove).
Sunlight exposure is another important factor that determines essential oil safety. Direct contact with daylight, especially sunlight, can affect the ingredients of the oil to a large extent. This can decrease the effects of the oil and give different results when mixed with other essential oils.
It’s also crucial to avoid air exposure. Make sure to keep the caps tight on all of your oils. This is especially true if you’re using super-high quality pure oils like YoungLiving essential oils.
Proper dosage
As with every substance that we introduce to our body (including food and drinks), proper dosage plays a key role in essential oil safety.
Too much of “good stuff” can have an opposite effect and even result in serious health issues.
If used improperly, some essential oils can be harmful to your skin and several internal organs. For this reason, proper dosage is one of the most important factors in essential oil safety.
Common essential oils that are safe to use
Lavender
Widely known for its calming and sedative effects. It helps people relax and encourages sleep.
For example, lavender oil massage is one of the most popular and relaxing treatments today. Some use Lavender to help reduce skin irritation caused by insect bites.
Distilled lemon
If you find yourself low on energy and want to cheer-up and lighten the mood, distilled lemon essential oil can certainly help. This type of oil is known for the fresh and pleasant scent which makes it a great wake-up aroma.
In most cases, distilled lemon oil does not negatively affect the skin of those using it.
Chamomile
Speaking of Chamomile essential oils, there are two types that are most popular – German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Both of these are soft and gentle oils that have soothing effects.
Chamomile oil is often useful and beneficial for babies and adults who have trouble sleeping. Along with lavender essential oil, chamomile can help relieve stomachache and indigestion issues.
Additionally, this soothing oil can be very useful to people suffering from depression and anxiety.
Tea tree
This is one of the stronger essential oils. This means it can cause skin irritation. That is why many experts recommend not to use it on babies unless properly mixed with other oils (as suggested by a pediatrician).
This essential oil is known as a natural disinfectant, antifungal, and antimicrobial substance. It can help with various kinds of infections and skin rashes.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is another popular essential oil that can be extremely helpful in treating respiratory obstruction issues. For this reason, eucalyptus essential oil is many a people’s favorite choices during the cold and snowy winter season.
However, not all eucalyptus oils are safe for children. While the Eucalyptus Radiata is kid-friendly, the Eucalyptus Globulus is not something you should expose your children to.
If you plan on using this oil to ease the respiratory issues of your kids, make sure you contact your pediatrician first.
Tips on using essential oils safely
1. Always consider the proper method of application. In spite of the benefits of essential oils, it is crucial to remember that some are only safe when applied in a certain way. Some oils are so strong, that they can cause harm if you don’t follow the prescription. For example, oregano, cinnamon, and thyme are perfectly safe when inhaled, but not so safe when applied on the skin.
2. Use essential oils responsibly. Always ensure that the essential oil you are using is the right one for the issue you are dealing with. Consult a professional if you have chronic health issues or you’re taking medications. The same goes for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Don’t add pure essential oils to the water you drink. If you’re using 100% pure oil (and you should) it is very potent. Such oils can be beneficial. But they can also cause unpleasant allergic reactions if you don’t use them properly.
Fortunately getting high-quality safe oils is easy:
Young Living has made this SO easy by creating an entire line of safe essential oils. You can find them here: www.plusoils.me/katiebatalha
XOXO, Yours Truly,