Essential Oil Usage and Safety

This information applies ONLY to Young Living essential oils, which are true therapeutic grade oils. In addition, this information is not all-inclusive, additional information can always be found at https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/university

There are many ways you can access the power of essential oils. The most common practices include Aromatically, Topically, and Internally.

Aromatically

You can use a diffuser to make an entire room smell amazing while reaping the health-promoting properties of these botanicals.

  • Rub 2-3 drops of essential oil between your palms and inhale.
  • Use your favorite essential oils in our diffusers.
  • Place 1-2 drops on a cotton ball for your car, around your home, or in your office.

Topically

Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin. Oils can be applied neat, meaning directly to your skin without dilution. Some oils require dilution with a carrier oil before rubbing them on the skin. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or Young Living’s V-6 blend are all good options for a carrier oil.

Our skin is our largest organ, making topical application a great way to access the power of essential oils. Unfortunately, this same principle applies when we apply chemicals and toxins to our body, they are absorbed quickly and have staggering effects on our health. The average woman applies 300 chemicals to her body daily through personal care products such as lotion, shampoo, body wash, perfume, hair care products and more. We need to be diligent about what we are applying to our bodies to minimize chemical and toxin exposure. Thankfully, Young Living has an excellent line of personal care products also.

Internally

Because Young Living essential oils are therapeutic grade, many of them can be used internally and taken as a dietary supplement. Please ALWAYS read the bottle to confirm a specific oil is safe for internal use. Try these tips for taking essential oils internally:

  • Place several drops of oil into a clear vegetable capsule and swallow with water.
  • Add 1-2 drops of essential oil to a glass of water, Ningxia Red, or spoon of honey.
  • Add 1-2 drops of oil (to taste) to salad dressings, desserts, or your favorite recipes.

Young Living has developed an entire line of Vitality Oils designed specifically for internal use. You will find many oils you can use to replace those old and expired spices in your cabinet. Young Living Essential Oils don’t expire, making them a great investment, as well as a great replacement for traditional spices.

Essential Oil Safety

Essential oils are oil-soluble, not water-soluble. If an oil gets too close to the eyes or begins to irritate your skin, do not try to remove with water. Instead use a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or Young Living’s V-6, to dilute if you have used too much or applied an oil that isn’t agreeing with your skin.

Some oils are photosensitive, meaning they should not be used on skin before exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays. Applying a photosensitive oil prior to sunlight or UV exposure could lead to pigmentation changes or rashes or cause your skin to burn. Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, lime, etc are often photosensitive. A reference book (see Resources) can provide in-depth guidance on which oils are photosensitive.

Caution should be used in pregnancy when using certain oils. Some aromatherapy guides mention the following oils to be used with caution during pregnancy: basil, birch, calamus, cassia, cinnamon bark, hyssop, Idaho tansy, lavadin, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and wintergreen. There are also many examples where these oils have been used with no adverse reaction. Again, please see a reference guide for more information.

Dilute oils for infants and small children. For babies (0-2 years old) there are also oils listed to be used with caution or avoided altogether. Again, see reference guide (resources) for more information. It is recommended to dilute all essential oils for use with toddlers and young children (2-5 years old) When in doubt, mix a 1:30 blend of essential oil to carrier oil. Check a reference guide for more information, Gentle Babies is an excellent resource.

Keep oils out of eyes and ears. Essential oils can be used effectively diluted and applied to the outer area of the ear – behind, under, and down the throat. Oils can also be placed on a cotton ball which can be placed in the ear, but avoid putting oils directly in the ear canal.

Keep oils away from light and heat (over 90 degrees). Young Living pure, therapeutic grade oils can maintain their maximum potency for many years if stored properly.

Dilute or stop applying an oil if it causes discomfort. If applying an oil causes discomfort, layer with a carrier oil to slow absorption down. This will also help to ensure the body isn’t detoxifying too quickly.

Oils can dissolve plastics. Always use a glass or stainless steel cup if adding oils to a drink. It is also recommended to utilize your oils with your Young Living diffuser, made of medical grade, safe plastic.

Young Living’s Essential Oil Safety Guide can be found here.

For additional information on Child Safety and Oil Use, see the Young Living post here.

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Additional Oil Information

  • A 15ml bottle of oil contains about 250 drops; a 5ml bottle contains about 90 drops.
  • The body absorbs oils the fastest through inhalation (breathing) and the second fastest through application to the feet or to the ears (outside of the ear – NEVER put oils into the ear). Tests have shown oils reach the heart, liver, and thyroid in three seconds when inhaled. They were found in the bloodstream in twenty-six seconds when applied topically.
  • The sense of smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Essential oils – through their fragrance and unique molecular structure – can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus. The inhalation of essential oils can influence our emotions, hormones, and many functions of the body including thyroid function.
  • Putting oils on the feet is a quick and easy way to get them into the body, and this method rarely requires dilution. Consult a reference book for more information.
  • When adding essential oils to a bath – mix 5-10 drops of essential oil in ¼ cup of Epsom salts or bath gel base and then gradually add to the bath. This will help the oils disperse in the bath evenly.
  • You can use a warm wet cloth as a compress to drive oils deeper. Remove when the cloth is cool.