General Guidelines for Working with Essential Oils
Essential Oils are volatile and are highly flammable. When using essential oils, please follow these general safety guidelines:
- keep away from fire or open flame
- store in a cool place
- keep out of sunlight
- plastic bottles are a no-no as they allow the essential oil to evaporate and take on the plastic smell; additionally, plastic bottles generally collapse as they start to absorbed the essential oil
- expensive essential oils should be kept in the fridge
- wash your hands after using essential oils
- if you mix your essential oil with a fixed oil to make it skin safe, keep in mind that your fixed oil has a shorter shelf life than your essential oil and may go rancid. Always mix in small batches.
- essential oils can stain and also remove nail polish and furniture finish
- have an eye rinse station nearby. If you get essential oils in your eyes, use milk or a carrier oil first to help neutralize the oil and then move on to water
- essential oils are generally not soluble in water
- essential oils do not mix well with computers, pets, children, furniture, carpet and even indoor plants
- make sure your bottles are labeled correctly
- use caution when working around essential oils if you have any open cuts or wounds
- essential oils can negate the effect of sensitive homeopathy remedies
- some essential oils are photo sensiziers, like bergamot, orange eo and most citrus essential oils
- only buy your essential oils from a reputable place. If you can find rose essential oil for $5, it's not real.
- if you are pregnant, be extra careful with essential oils during your first trimester
- when working with undiluted essential oils, keep a good air flow in the room
- always have a fire extinguisher near by. Essential oils are volatile, flammable liquids.