General rules for safety

Essential oils are very concentrated. Please use them with care and respect. Just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they are harmless. Before you experiment with these oils, get some education. Contact www.cfacanada.com to find a school you can learn from.

1. Keep out of the reach of children under the age of 5. If using essential oils for 6-10 age group, please dilute at 1% and diffuse oils intermittently.
2. Keep away from the eyes. If oils accidentally touch the eyes add a couple of drops of vegetable oil to tissue and swipe over the eye. The essential oil will grab onto the vegetable oil.
3. Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin (exceptions may be lavender and tea tree and even those should be diluted to avoid becoming sensitized to the oil). For example: Never use oils high in aldehydes, like Lemongrass, on the skin without a carrier.  Learn your essential oil chemistry or ask your certified Aromatherapist.
4. When an allergic reaction is a possibility, do a patch test 24 hours before use.
5. Extra precautions should be taken during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, I would prefer you do not use essential oils in first trimester. If you wish to use aromatherapy during your pregnancy, please contact a qualified Aromatherapist. Oils to avoid during entire pregnancy are: Aniseed, Basil, Clary Sage, both Cedarwoods, Cypress, Sweet and Bitter Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary. Contact me for a beautiful blend to use to prepare for birth.
6. Please Do not take essential oils internally without the guidance of a physician or trained aromatherapist.
7. Certain essential oils such as camphor, high in thujone, ketones should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder. Some ketones can be stimulating to the central nervous system and have historically been associated with seizure risk at inappropriate doses or exposures.

Key ketones to be cautious with:

• α-Thujone

• β-Thujone

• Camphor

• Pulegone

• Pinocamphone / Isopinocamphone

Essential oils often cited because of ketone content:

• Sage (Salvia officinalis – high thujone)

• Wormwood

• Thuja

• Tansy

• Hyssop (especially ct. pinocamphone)

• Pennyroyal

• Spanish sage

• Camphor (brown/white)

⚠️ Note: Not all ketones are equal, but high-ketone oils are the main caution group in epilepsy education. Epilepsy cautions are based on constituent chemistry, dose, route of exposure and individual sensitivity. Not every person with epilepsy reacts the same way. Not every oil containing a ketone is automatically dangerous, but professional aromatherapy education errs on the side of caution. When Hyssop is used, using varieties such as, Hyssopus officinalis ct. linalool or Hyssop decumbens are selected and used only at VERY low small, professionally considered dilution.

8. When using essential oils in the bath, swirl the water well to help disperse the oils. It is best to disperse your essential oils in a tablespoon full of vegetable oil (which will make your bathtub slippery, so careful with that) or 1/2 C of full-fat milk.
9. Do not use essential oils before going out in the sun as many, especially most citrus oils, are phototoxic.
10. You can become sensitized to an oil that you use over and over. Change the oils you use, and try new ones.

Pet safety

Essential Oil Safety Around Animals

Although essential oils are marvelous to use when in discomfort, pain or for serenity, it’s important to make sure your animals are safe when using the oils. 

There are essential oils formulated specifically for animals, some essential oil blends can be applied topically or diffused to promote a balanced environment for your pets during times of tension. I have made blends for dogs with anxiety; however, I do not specialize in animal aromatherapy.  You can find an Aromatherapist through the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists, that can be of specific help for your best friend. 

Cats are deficient in an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, which is responsible for breaking down phenol. Phenol is an organic compound that is present in drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). This compound, also known as carbolic acid, is also featured in many essential oils, and could make them unsafe for use around cats. I personally had a cat who lived a beautiful life for 19.5 human years, and living with an Aromatherapist, she has been exposed through inhalation to essential oils all her life. She was perfectly healthy, well, the odd fiesty attitude issue with Tabby females, but other than that she is perfect!

Essential oils are likely safer for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. Even still, what your nose perceives as a pleasant smell may be overwhelming for your cat. When using essential oils around cats, be sure to keep a scent-free room in your living environment for them to go to if they decide they instinctively need it. 

Specific Oils to Stay Away From

Though the following essential oils are commonly used for relaxation or other purposes by humans, you should steer clear of the following if you have feline friends:

Clove oil

Cinnamon oil

Thyme oil

Oregano oil

Wintergreen oil

Sweet birch oil

Pennyroyal oil

A pet owner should always consult their veterinarian before introducing a new food, treatment, or substance into their pet care routine. When using essential oils for cats, or adding them to your pet’s environment, be on the lookout for muscle tremors, difficulty walking. If you notice any unusual symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats, contact a vet or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Hope this helps

xo Marianne

Safety first

How to Safely Use Essential Oils 

Essential oils bring great benefits to individuals and are fantastic to try, but there are some guidelines on how you should use them for a safe experience:

• A rule of thumb: the number of drops you add to one measuring teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier tells the % dilution. 1 drop would be a 1% dilution, 2 drops, 2%, etc.

• 1 teaspoonful of carrier oil  +  1 drop of essential oil  =  a 1% dilution

• 1 teaspoonful of carrier oil  +  2 drops of essential oil  =  a 2% dilution

• 1 teaspoonful of carrier oil  +  3 drops of essential oil  =  a 3% dilution

A healthy adult with good skin integrity can make a 3% dilution. For elderly and children over age 6, a 1% dilution is recommended.

Ingestion

Never ever ingest essential oils as they are extremely active agents, unless you consult with a health care provider or a Clinical Aromatherapist. There have been hospital reports of esophageal burns and liver damage with regular use of internal use. 

The majority of essential oils are safe to use via inhalation and topically, however if in doubt, reach out to a professional with sound knowledge and education. 

Essential Oil Baths

What’s better than having a relaxing Aromatherapy Bath?

Just make sure to add the essential oil blend to a dispersing agent first, such as Epson Salts or even plain ol’ milk. Do not just drop essential oils into your bathwater, as essential oils and water do not mix and the oils will coat your skin and voila! A potential dermal irritant will occur! Ouch!

Try adding 5-8 drops in half a cup of Epson salts or a shot glass of milk. Or Try our LUNA Bath salts, already prepared and ready for you!

Sit back and relax!

xo Marianne