WEEK 2  Essential oils have become so popular because they are easy to use and have a pleasant smell.  Essential oils can be used in lotions, in diffusers, in the bathtub, during massage, as a vaporizer or for steam inhalations.  Most essential oils must be diluted either with a carrier oil, cream, lotion, water or by air.  Common carrier oils are coconut oil and grapeseed oil.  Never use vegetable oil, butter, shortening, margarine or petroleum jelly.

WHAT IF ESSENTIAL OILS CAUSE SKIN IRRITATION OR DISCOMFORT?  Stop using essential oils IMMEDIATELY!  Apply ONLY the carrier oil to area of discomfort.  Never use water as it could increase the discomfort.  Perform a patch test to find which oil is irritating the skin.  Avoid sensitive areas, such as eyes, ears, genitals and mucous membranes.

ARE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE FOR EVERYONE?  Essential oils are generally safe for everyone, but:  Of a person is pregnant and/or breastfeeding, it is safest to seek advice from a competent, trained health care advisor experienced with essential oils.  Many essential oils are safe for use with children, but may need to be diluted more. Do your research and check with a trained health care advisor experienced with essential oils.  Be aware that the sun may affect certain essential oils by causing a sensitivity reaction.  Essential oils also may react with certain prescription medications.

DIFFERENT USES OF ESSENTIAL OILS  Many essential oils are natural balancers. They promote a balancing reaction in the human body which then affects many of the body’s systems.  Some essential oils act as natural analgesics which are substances that provide relief from pain. They also have anti- inflammatory properties.  Essential oils also can be used to clean houses and rid rooms of odors, as many of them are anti-bacterial.

Q & A  I will pass around 5 different essential oils for you to try. They are lavender, wild orange, peppermint, chamomile, and pink grapefruit. When each bottle comes to you, place 1 drop in your cupped hand and smell it, or you can just smell from the bottle.  Any questions or comments?