When I first started on my essential oil journey, I can honestly say I didn’t quite know what to expect. I had heard of them for years, and I often wondered, “Are essential oils safe?” In addition to that, the price turned me off initially. I’m definitely fall on the frugal side of things, and I usually take a bit before taking the plunge with a bigger purchase. I also wondered how the essential oils would really help our healthy family.
An amazing deal came across from a friend of mine who sold Young Living essential oils, and the starter kit of essential oils also came with a much-needed educational package as a gift, which is so important to help learn essential oil safety! The whole package really won me over, and before I knew it, I jumped on the essential oil bandwagon before I had a chance to blink.
Waiting for my essential oils kit and reference materials to arrive in the mail, I started doing some research ahead of time. As a nurse, my heart always lies with science and what legitimate research can tell us about the essential oil safety. Anytime you are trying something new, it’s incredibly important to do your own research and draw your own conclusions even if people you trust are sharing valuable testimonials. We all need to serve as responsible consumers and help each other continue on a safe essential oil journey.
Here are the most important things you need to know about essential oil safety:
Quality matters.
Going down to your local health food store to pick up a bottle of lavender essential oil versus ordering a bottle of lavender essential oil from Young Living are two completely different things. You wouldn’t think it would be that different, right? A bottle can be labeled as “essential oil” without actually being 100 percent therapeutic grade essential oil. In fact, there is no regulation as to how much therapeutic oil must be in the bottle in order to maintain that label! The remainder of these bottles are often filled with fragrant chemicals and non-therapeutic oils unsafe for topical application, diffusion or ingestion.
This is the number one reason why I only will use Young Living essential oils. They are the ONLY company that farms 100 percent of their own oils, guaranteeing a Seed to Seal™ quality. With standards higher than organic and 100 percent transparency with farming practices, you know that essential oils from Young Living are 100 pure therapeutic grade.
Related: 17 Best Essential Oils for Stress
Know the appropriate dosage.
Education when it comes to essential oils is so important, which is why I offer a comprehensive educational package for anyone who signs up for Young Living under me. I want to empower my members with knowledge to use essential oils safely.
Reading the instructions for use on your essential oil bottle, in addition to reading an essential oil resource guide will guide you in making safe essential oil choices when it comes to babies all the way to the elderly. You don’t just want to wing it with essential oils.
There is always risk.
Whenever you use something on your body, there is always a risk that you could encounter a side effect. If you purchase a laundry detergent and wash your clothes in it, there is a risk you could develop a rash from something in the detergent. If you purchase an over-the-counter supplement and use it, there is a risk you could experience a side effect. The same goes for essential oils.
My personal belief is that these very concentrated forms of herbs, spices, and plants are a powerful tool to use in pursuit of better health. But like all tools, it’s not one without risks.
Doing your research and appropriate usage is so important because anyone can take too much of just about anything and endure a negative outcome. You can overdose on salt and even water. Taking essential oils as they are recommend is very, very important.
Starting slow is important.
No matter what, I always recommend starting slow with essential oils if you haven’t used a certain oil before. First diffuse the oil and see how you handle it. If all goes well you could later try to apply to oil topically. Heavily dilute it and test it on a small patch of skin on your body. Then work your way up to the recommended usage. There is no need to go crazy putting too much of an essential oil on your body. Take it slow and use them with an intended purpose, rather than just because.
It’s also very important to use essential oils safely with children. Essential oils are powerful and reading a reference guide and using them appropriately on children is vital.
Know when to consult a doctor.
If you are going to try essential oils and you are under the care of a doctor for a health condition or if you take any medication (over the counter or prescription based), it’s important to consult with your doctor. Essential oils can interact with medications. When in doubt, always double check with your doctor.
Use common sense.
Essential oils are generally regarded as very safe to use when used properly. If you read the recommended dosage, follow quality information from your essential oil reference book, and only use the highest quality of essential oils, I’m confident that you will discover that essential oils are safe and effective.
Do as much research as you can and read as much as you can.
Want more on essential oils?
- 15 Calming Essential Oils That Bring Peace and Contentment
- 7 Essential Oils for Sleep Support
- 25 Life Changing Essential Oil Hacks
Looking for more essential oil education to help you?
I’m partnering with several of my friends to help share sound and factual information with those who love to learn! From seasoned essential oil user to beginner, The Oil Explorers is an safe and friendly place to learn about essential oils. Everyone in The Oil Explorers is part of a supportive group that helps everyone navigate their own essential oil journey. It’s honestly been an amazing resource to have! Check out our first series: The Skeptics Guide to Essential Oils!
I've created a free email series just for you!
If you are struggling with feeling happy in motherhood, let me help you streamline your family's daily routines so you can enjoy your family life without the stress. Yes, really. I've seen my routines work time and time again for parents. I know it can work for you too.
This free email series will help you:
- Free sample routines for your child
- Best morning routine tips and tricks your kids will actually follow
- All-time favorite parenting hacks for getting more cooperation at bedtime
- Step-by-step guide for using a printable daily schedule with kids
ANa Lynn
You know Lauren, I’ve been long debating ordering a full starter kit of Young Living Essential Oils and every time I read one of your posts about them, I’m pushed more and more towards making that purchase. As soon as I take care of a few things, I’ll be sure to use your link to purchase them!
a. P. Bullard
I am so glad that you included the part about quality making all the difference. When I first began using essential oils, I was a teenager and did not have a whole lot of money. Okay, I would have had money if I had not spent it all on Starbucks and Barnes & Noble. Anyway, I started out using low-quality essential oils, and they would burn and cause irritation. They also did not smell as good as one would expect.
When I was finally able to get some good quality oils, I was incredibly pleased with what I’d found. They also no longer burned!
http://www.triskelereviews.com/
VINEVIDA
This article is a must-read for anyone interested in essential oils. It’s refreshing to see informative article addressing safety concerns.