General Guidelines for working with essential oils
– keep away from fire or naked flame
– store in a cool place
– keep out of sunlight
– plastic bottles are a no as they allow the essential oil to evaporate and take on the plastic smell; additionally, plastic bottles generally collapse as they start to absorbe 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 sensitizers, 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.
