Aromatherapy essential oils UK - guidelines for safety

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Aromatherapy essential oils in the UK are an excellent way of treating illnesses or injuries without taking synthetic medication or pain killers. However, aromatherapy oils do not come without a certain amount of risk and should be used in a responsible way. The following safety measures should help you get the most out of your aromatherapy experience in a safe and healthy way.

Dilution

Most essential oils need to be diluted before they are applied to the skin. There are a few exceptions, for example oils used in perfume-making such as ylang-ylang, sandalwood and jasmine, but the majority of oils should never be applied neat to the skin.

Patch test

If you are using an aromatherapy oil for the first time, it is advisable to perform a test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions. The best way to do this is to put two or three drops of the diluted oil onto a discreet area of skin, for example the back of your wrist, and then cover it with a plaster. Check the area after an hour to see whether there is any redness or irritation, and if so bathe the skin in cold water and make sure that you do not use the essential oil again.

Internal use

Never drink aromatherapy oil, unless you have been advised to do so by a fully qualified aromatherapist.

Exposure to sunlight

Some essential oils will react badly if exposed to direct sunlight or other ultraviolet light, such as sun beds. If in doubt, avoid any kind of oil if you are going to expose your skin, however oils that are particularly phototoxic are: tangerine, sweet orange, grapefruit, lemon, bitter orange, lime, bergamot and angelica root.

Pregnancy

It is recommended that pregnant women reduce oil to at least half the standard dilution. They should also avoid certain types of oils that are potentially toxic, such as basil, clove, cinnamon leaf, juniper, nutmeg and thyme.

Babies and infants

Any aromatherapy oil used on children between the ages of six and twelve should be diluted to half the strength of the normal concentration for adults. Where babies and infants are concerned even more care should be taken, and certain essential oils should be avoided completely.

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