General Guidelines for Using Essential Oils Safely

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 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.

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