Essential oils are powerful products that need to be used with care and with specific limitations.

Some more general parameters need to be taken into account in order to use essential oils safely.

Firstly, age: the precautions are not the same for a child, a baby, a pregnant woman or an elderly person.

Secondly, the route of use: the dangers are different and the toxicity of certain components is more or less pronounced via the oral, cutaneous or respiratory routes.

Here is a brief summary of the rules to follow and the potential dangers of essential oils.

Basic rules to follow

Medical advice

If you are in any doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from a health professional such as a doctor or pharmacist before any use. The use of essential oils should not be taken lightly!

The advice given in this application does not replace the prescription of your doctor, and the use of essential oils does not exempt you from consulting your doctor in the event of serious problems.

If you are taking medication

If you are taking any medication, make sure that their combined use is not harmful to your health. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Watch your eyes!

Essential oils should not be used in or around the eyes. If an eye is splashed, do not rinse with water (essential oils and water do not mix) but with a vegetable oil (such as olive oil) and consult a doctor.

Essential oils should also not be applied to the nose, ears, anal or vaginal mucosa. Intramuscular or intravenous injections are strictly forbidden.

Conservation

To keep an essential oil in good condition, it is necessary to avoid exposure to light and large temperature fluctuations. Store them in well-sealed coloured glass bottles (the components of essential oils are very volatile!). Keep the bottles out of the reach of children.

Vulnerable users

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and children generally have special dosages and contraindications.

It is therefore essential that you find out exactly what you need to know before using and that you read any data sheet with interest.

• Essential oils should not be used before the beginning of the fourth month of pregnancy without prior medical authorisation. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Children under the age of 6 should not take essential oils orally unless otherwise advised by a doctor. Ingestion is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.
• Elderly people, people with epilepsy or asthma should also be aware of the potential risks before using essential oils.
• People with asthma or allergies should never use essential oils in aerosol form.
• People who are prone to allergies should take care to have an allergy test before using essential oils.

Attention to dosage and duration of use

Follow the dosage and application tips for each essential oil. There are very specific rules for each essential oil/problem pair.

Respect the recommended dilutions for each skin application. Incorrect dilution can cause skin irritation, marks or burns.

Before taking orally, read the dosage and recommended carrier carefully to avoid mucous membrane burns and possible poisoning.

If there are no changes, do not increase the dose and do not attempt to use the essential oil at any cost. Some essential oils should only be used for a short time, others do not pose a long-term risk.

The oral route is very effective, but it is also the route where the potential toxicity of essential oil constituents is most pronounced. For sensitive people, the dermal and respiratory routes should be preferred.

The possible dangers of certain essential oils

SKIN IRRITATION

Some essential oils may cause skin irritation, warmth or itching. Dilute in vegetable oil for topical use.

ALLERGENTS

Essential oils contain allergens to a greater or lesser extent. An allergenic essential oil should be used with caution and for a short period of time. An allergy test should be carried out before using any new essential oil or blend. 

DERMOCAUSTICITY

A dermatological essential oil is an essential oil that causes burning of the skin and mucous membranes. Dermocaustic essential oils must be diluted in vegetable oil before application to the skin. They should only be used on very localised areas.

PHOTOSENSITISING

A photosensitising essential oil can cause skin irritation and redness if exposed to the sun after application. If a photosensitising essential oil is used, it is recommended that the treated area is not exposed to the sun for at least 8 hours after application.

HEPATOTOXICITY

A hepatotoxic essential oil may cause adverse effects at the liver level with prolonged use. Hepatotoxic essential oils should not be used in the case of liver pathology: cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure or intolerance to paracetamol. They should be used in reduced doses and for a short period of time.

NEPHROTOXICITY

A nephrotoxic essential oil may have adverse effects on the renal system. Essential oils that carry this risk should not be taken in high doses over a long period of time.

NEUROTOXICITY

An essential oil may have adverse effects on the nervous system. These oils are contraindicated in epileptics, children under the age of 6, pregnant and breastfeeding women and the neurologically fragile (elderly).

HORMONAL ACTION

A hormone mimicking essential oil contains molecules that activate the glands responsible for producing hormones, or molecules that resemble hormones and mimic their action in the body. There are two main types: cortisol-like and oestrogen-like.
These essential oils should not be used in hormone treatments or for hormone-dependent conditions. More specifically, oestrogen-like essential oils should not be used for hormone-dependent cancers, mastitis or pathologies associated with oestrogen excess.

Different uses

INHALATION

Inhale directly from the bottle or put a few drops on a handkerchief.

For atmospheric diffusion, use a suitable electric diffuser designed for essential oils only.

Some pure essential oils may irritate the respiratory tract. Pay attention to the contraindications.

CUTANEOUS APPLICATION

Some essential oils can be applied pure to the skin, others must be diluted in vegetable oil (dermocastatic, photosensitising or irritating).

Follow the dilution recommendations in the technical sheets.

INGESTION

Some essential oils can be taken pure under the tongue. Check that this use is recommended in the technical sheet supplied with your essential oil. In some cases, it is advisable to mix them with a spoonful of vegetable oil, honey, sugar, a neutral tablet or a piece of bread.

Some essential oils may irritate the mucous membranes.