The Basics And Safety Of Essential Oils For Beginners

The Basics And Safety Of Essential Oils For Beginners

The Basics and Safety Of Essential Oils For Beginners. 

Essential oils are fun and exciting! However, for safety reasons, it is important to value your education before using as a beginner. 

Post Overview

In this post we will brush over what are essential oils. Why the quality of your essential oils are a safety concern. The most common safety questions and answers about essential oils. A brief overview of how essential oils can be used. About Young Living’s vitality (Ingestible) line vs the colored (not ingestible) line. What a “hot” oil vs a “Neat” oil is. How to dilute an oil and what to dilute an oil with.  You will also learn how to test an oil on sensitive skin and what to do in case of emergencies. And finally, at the bottom of this post are popular resources that you and many whom you know will find useful. 

If you missed my last post, What The Heck Are Essential Oils And Why The Hype Over Young Living? feel free to click the link and save it for later.

The following content is from my own perspective, experience, opinion, and in my own words. ( Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are taking medication, have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, please absolutely consult your physician before using these products.)

Always remember you are using these oils at your own risk and of your own choosing. None of my experiences are professional experiences, and I am not an expert at giving advice. I am someone who has used the oils as a hobby for my own experiences and I am choosing to share my experience with you. By visiting Nurturing Her Roots you are agreeing to all of my terms and disclaimers. Please refer to my disclaimer page and my terms of use page for more details. 

 

What Are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic, concentrated plant extracts that are carefully obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or resin tapping. It’s the plant’s “life force” that protects the plant naturally from bacteria, viruses, fungus, and even bugs that might go after the plant. Its “life force” is an organic compound, a chemical, that is extracted from the plant, and then through the seed to seal process is manufactured to us for its many amazing uses.

“The leaves of the trees are the healings of the nation.” – The Bible.

Essential oils are the best way to bless your life. They smell great. They boost your mood. Support your Immune system and entire bodily functions. Help you to sleep like a baby. I could go on and on. Do youself a favor and google, “the benefits of lavender essential oil”. You will see for yourself just what one oil out of hundreds can do!

Essential oils have so many uses that I advice you keep a reference guide on hand at all times. Do not underestimate the power of any single essential oil or blend. Also, It is important to find a company whom you trust whose essential oils are of the highest quality for your safety and anyone else who uses them. 

 

What Is Young Living “Seed To Seal”?

The company I chose is Young Living because I trust their “seed to seal” process. Young Living’s extensive process and commitment to making sure you get only the highest quality of products. A company that I trust for my family and myself. I prefer using Young Living essential oils and their essential oil-infused products over my old favorite oil companies because I trust my experiences and my results from everyday use with their products. I just cannot imagine my life without my oils and I couldn’t be more proud to use them. 

If you are considering introducing Young Living essential oils and products into your home, and you haven’t already, I wonder, “why the heck not?”. I personally believe that it is a lifestyle change that will abundantly bless your life like it has mine. Any choice you make to better the way you live is a good choice. 

Why Is It A Safety Concern?

The quality of your essential oils no matter what company you choose to buy from should be at the highest quality you can find. You do not want any impurities, chemicals, additives, or other scary and artifical substitues mixed in with your favorite  essential oils and products that you use not only on yourself, but possibly on your kids, family, friends, and pets. 

You want a company who is as transparent as possible. A company who will let you visit their farms with open arms, who monitor such farms and allow you to ask the questions which concern you. Whose customer service is of top quality and whose standards for customer service match their products and their farms. A company which will monitor the whole process from the seeds in the ground to the seal of the bottle cap which lock-in your essential oils. Finally, you want a company who sets the standards for your family as they do for their own. Which is why I personally choose Young Living as my favorite essential oil company. 

Watch the video below or go straight to the source for the entire extended explanation —> Young Living / Seed To Seal.

Disclaimer: always remember you are using these oils at your own risk and of your own choosing. By visiting Nurturing Her Roots you are agreeing to all of my terms and disclaimers. Please refer to my disclaimer page and my terms of use page for more details. 

 

Essential Oil Safety For Beginners

“start slow, start low, and a use carrier oil if sensitive!”

Essential oils are invaluable, but like anything with great benefits, too much of a good thing can go very bad. Education is Key! I cannot distress how important this is, no one is going to go the pharmacy and tell their friend, “this is a vitamin gummy, it is safe for you to eat the entire bottle”. When clearly on the bottle it states, eat 1-2 gummies.

“Common Sense”
In my opinion, Nothing is common sense when you are new, so it is imporant to educate yourself as these oils are highly concentrated. Once you feel comfortable with the basics and safety of essential oils, you will feel confident knowing that you’ve got this, only then can the fun can begin!

I cannot stress this enough: Please do not use abundant drops of oil on your skin, in your bath, or in your drinking water and expect everything to be okay. Please be sure to educate yourself on what you are trying to do before you take action. Follow recipes, caution/warning labels, and instructions for the dilution ratio on each essential oil bottle or refer to your reference guide for instruction.

 

Common Safety Q&A

What Are Photosensitivity Oils? Which Oils Are Photosensitive? Can I Get Burned?

Photosensitive oils can potentially burn your skin if exposed to the sun after applying it directly to your skin. The oils that can cause photosensitivity, the ones I know of off hand are those in the citrus family. There are others, refer to your reference guide for a complete list. You may also refer to each bottle for it’s caution label to determine which oils you should apply only at night.  

What Is A “Hot” Oil?

Be aware that some oils are “hot” or spicy oils like oils within the peppermint family or spices like cinnamon. A “hot” oil means that it may have an uncomfortable burning or other sensation if not properly diluted. Which is why Young Living recommends diluting “hot” oils with a carrier oil first. Refer to your Life Science reference guide or the print on the side of each essential oil bottle for the correct dilution ratio.

A dilution ratio is for example, 1 drop of essential oil to 4 drops of carrier oil (combine and apply to a non-sensitive area), but it is different for many oils. 

Beware: some “hot” oils should never be applied directly to your skin without dilution first, nor taken internally, if ever.

What Does It Mean To Dilute?

To dilute means to slow down the effect of an oil. If you choose to use a “Hot” oil, then you should choose to dilute first before applying the oil. Meaning, apply a carrier oil to the “hot” oil and combine before use to a non-sensitive area. 

What Is A Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is a type of fat which slows down the effect of an essential oil. There are many types of carrier oils which can be used such as:

• coconut oil
• almond oil
• grapeseed oil
• jojoba oil
• carrot oil
• v6 oil

These are only a few examples of carrier oils. Try to always keep a small bottle on hand. If you do not have any carrier oils on hand, any cooking oil can be used in case of emergency. Do not use water! Water will only intensify a sensation or reaction pushing the oil further into your body and faster. 

What Is A “Neat” Oil? 

A “neat” oil refers to when one puts an oil directly onto one’s skin without diluting first with a carrier oil.
Neat = Undiluted = Full Strength.
Always check each essential oil bottle for dilution ratios before applying an oil topically or internally. Safety first!  

Reminder Disclaimer: always remember you are using these oils at your own risk and of your own choosing. None of my experiences are professional experiences, and I am not an expert at giving advice. I am someone who has used the oils as a hobby for my own experiences and I am choosing to share my experience with you. By visiting Nurturing Her Roots you are agreeing to all of my terms and disclaimers. Please refer to my disclaimer page and my terms of use page for more details. 

 

How To Use Essential Oils

You can use essential oils:

• Aromatically (in the air)
• Topically (applied on the skin with a carrier oil, if required)
• Internally (carefully and safely ingested using only the white labeled vitality line essential oil bottle)

Be on the lookout. A new post on “How To Use Essential Oils For Beginners” is coming soon. These methods will all be shared in detail!! Hopefully with videos for each.

Until then sign up for an essential oils 101 class (at the bottom of this post) for more instruction!

The Vitality Line.

The Vitality Line of essential oils is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) to be internalized. There are oils that should never be ingested and that is why Young Living has a separate line for internalization. This is so no one gets confused about which oils are generally safe and which are on the never list. 

However, for the purpose of not confusing what oil bottles are safe to ingest and what oil bottles are not, you should always use a vitality bottle for ingesting. There are safe and unsafe methods to internalize oils. Be sure to learn about how to ingest the oils directly from Young Living’s Website or your reference guide before taking action. 

The advice I use for myself: Tiny, tiny amounts are best to start. Always follow your instincts. Always dilute.

Personally, I cannot ingest oils with water. Everyone has different sensitivities. I can personally, however, take them sublingually, as in under the tongue or with honey. Our bodies are all different and just because you cannot use one product, oil, or method does not mean that there is or is not a substitution available. 

As a reminder: water intensitifes a reaction, carrier oils slow down the effects.

**When internalizing not all carrier oils are ingestible. Coconut oil for example is ingestible, yet jojoba oil is NOT. Also, the first time I found coconut oil I found it in the beauty isle. This is NOT the correct coconut oil. Look in the cooking isle, essential oil isle, or online such as amazon. 

Many people who use Young Living find great benefits from the internal use of Young Living’s vitality essential oils daily. However, if you are worrisome, you can always get phenomenal results simply aromatically or topically. Do what is comfortable for you.

This short video is only a review of some of the information provided on this page. (New updated overview coming soon!)

White (Vitality Line Essential Oil) VS Colored (Non-Internal Essential Oil)

Be advised, a colored bottle (non-internal oil) can sometimes also be found in a white bottle (the vitality line) and you may have some confusion. Let’s use lavender as an example. Lavender can be found as a purple (colored) bottle AND in a white (vitality) bottle. The lavender essential oil for both bottles is very much the same exact oil.

Learn more about the Vitality Line at Young Living’s FAQ page on their website.

The Meaning Behind The Different Colors On Each Essential Oil

I used to wonder the meaning behind the colors of the oils. It gave me a lot of excitement trying to solve the puzzle. I thought maybe the colors meant that the plants they derived the oils from are in the same plant species. Or maybe the colors represent their different uses such as emotional rescue, sleep aid, cleaning oils, energy producing oils, etc. And then I thought maybe each oil color was chosen based on it’s benefit depending on the location on the body it helps. But nope! no such luck… So in my head I kept going, because of course I never did the easy thing, I never googled the answer. Until now…

I decided to ask around! A friend said there was once a meaning behind the different colors on each essential oil bottle, then she said it no longer applies. However, on Young Living’s frequently asked questions page it does state that the colors are associated with the color of the plant from which it was derived from. It also states that it does not apply for all single oils and blends. Therefore, there isn’t much of a meaning. I still find it more fun imagining that there is a meaning for each! 

“Neat vs Dilution”

According to the Young Living website, “Pure essential oils are far more powerful than the botanicals from which they are extracted.” In my own words it means that A single drop of pure essential oil is far more concentrated than the plant form they originated from.  “Some oils are considered gentle and generally safe to apply directly to the skin, like Lavender and Copaiba. Other oils are considered “hot” and should be diluted before they are applied to skin, like Cinnamon Bark and Oregano. This also applies to our line of Vitality™ oils. Always refer to individual oil labels for dilution instructions.

You can also refer to your Life Science reference guide for which oils can be applied “neat” without a carrier oil and which oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil. 

Many find that they have no sensitivity to applying “Neat” oils without a carrier oil, however, If you are known to have sensitive skin you may need to dilute the “neat” oil anyway. Always dilute a “hot” oil and oils with labels which suggest diluting. 

Reminder Disclaimer: always remember you are using these oils at your own risk and of your own choosing. None of my experiences are professional experiences, and I am not an expert at giving advice. I am someone who has used the oils as a hobby for my own experiences and I am choosing to share my experience with you. By visiting Nurturing Her Roots you are agreeing to all of my terms and disclaimers. Please refer to my disclaimer page and my terms of use page for more details. 

 

In Case Of Sensitivity, Always Apply Carrier Oil DO NOT Rinse With Water. 

If you ever find that you have a reaction or sensitivity to an essential oil, do not use water to rinse it off, simply take a carrier oil on hand (Any kind of cooking fat in an emergency) and rub it on the sensitive area, even for the eyes. NO WATER. Water pushes essential oils into the body faster. Carrier oils slow it down. 

Carrier oil, carrier oil, carrier oil. Always keep it on hand.

Although unlikely, In case of emergency go to the ER. I am not a doctor and cannot help you with a reaction. 

 

How To Test An Oil On Sensitive Skin

A sensitivity usually means you feel an unusual sensation, which can usually be counteracted with a carrier oil (refer above). A “Hot” oil, such as any oil in the peppermint family for example, can cause a burning sensation. When applying a carrier oil to the area of sensitivity, the carrier oil will lessen or even dismiss the sensation after a few seconds to even minutes.

I am a great example of someone who has sensitivity. I personally find this sensation to be in my neck when using peppermint oil, yet not anywhere else. Aka, I avoid my neck, simple as that. 

The Test

For those with skin sensitivities you will need to start low on your body and go slow.

Your feet are less likely to cause sensitivity. On the bottom of your chosen foot apply 1 drop of your chosen “neat” and gentle essential oil such as lavender, frankincense, or copaiba and check for any irritation or sensitivity. You may choose whether or not to apply it with a carrier oil, if preferred. These are “neat” oils, so it is not a requirement to use a carrier oil, but you may if you are concerned.

These gentle oils are also less likely to cause any issues, however, every one has a different chemical makeup and it is important to keep in mind that what may be a great choice for one person may be a terrible choice for another. 

If you find you have a sensitivity, irritation, or a reaction then as suggested above, apply more carrier oil and wait a few minutes until the sensation goes away. I do not recommend using oils that you are sensitive to or that you react to. 

In The Clear

If you are in the clear, you can choose to work your way up the body and eventually get more advanced. Most importantly, when in doubt, use a carrier oil. If someone says that you can use as many drops as you’d like, please remember this is not true and remember “start slow, start low, and use a carrier oil if sensitive! 

In case of emergency, go to the ER. I am not a doctor and I am not capable of helping you. 

How To Tell When Your Body Needs A Break From Essential Oils

If you put too much oil into the diffuser, if you leave it on for too long, or when you apply too much oil to your skin in one session. Your body will sometimes signal to you when you’ve had enough for the time being. A small feeling such as maybe a gentle irritable feeling, feeling tired or achy, and simply telling you that you need a break sometimes occures.. Although this doesn’t happen often, you will know when it does, simply turn off the diffuser and take a break in another room or open a window.

If you applied too many oils to your skin, apply a carrier oil, not water, and hopefully the sensation will relieve itself. Dish soap (scrub first and then rinse with water) is also good for removing oil that has not already been absorbed into your skin. However, always use your own judgement and in case of an emergency go to the ER. 

 

Budget and Make Room For These Must Have Resources

When And How To Refer To Your Reference Guide

Always refer to your reference guide. It is your number one resource and it is filled with countless information. There is no way any one person can remember everything there is to learn about essential oils. Keep one on hand or use the an app on your phone.

How to use it: I will create a detailed post. coming soon!

When skeptical: choose the reference guide over a friend, but choose a trusted doctor always first in case of an emergency. 

Number One Must Have Resource: 

A reference guide by lifescience 

Confidence with oils, Ditch and Switch, (Plus more safety):

Fearless: Confidence with oils in 2 hrs by Sarah Harnisch

Great Resource, Safety and How to use Oils for Beginners and The Advanced:

Vitality: The Young Living Lifestyle by Jen O’Sullivan <— An Ultimate Resource

Pregnancy and Babies:

1).Gentle Babies: essential oils and natural remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, infants and young children by Debra Raybern
2).Betsy Bosom’s Baby Book: A girlfriend’s guide to using essential oils from bellies to babies (Lucy Libido)

Between The Sheets:

Lucy Libido says… there’s an oil for that: a girlfriend’s guide to using essential oils between the sheets by Lucy Libido

Pets:

Essential Oils Desk Reference For Animals by lifescience. You will pay close to $80 for this on Amazon. Either buy this at an event or on lifescience’s website. A friend of mine got my animal desk reference for $40 at an event. 

Releasing Emotions:

Releasing emotional patterns with essential oils by Carolyn L. Mein

Men and Oils:

1).For The Husband on Lifescience
2).The Guy’s Guide To Oils by Andrew Edwin Jenkins (Author), Dr. Jim Bob Haggerton (Author). Check out all of their essential oil books by clicking on the authors name.

 

To Get More Accustomed To Using The Oils Implement What You Are Learning And Use Your Kit

Learn as much as you can about your starter kit. Leave your starter kit out, display it where you will see and use them frequently. Pick one or two oils to learn about a day, smell them, and use them. Only A handful of oils are needed to get started. You will receive starter ideas from the one whom you joined with. Get to know that person, your uplines, and your team. You have so much to learn and you are going to have so much fun!

HORAAAAY!!! You’re Done!

You did a really great job of educating yourself on the basics and safety of essential oils for beginners. Now go get creative with your oils, be safe, and as always have a ton of fun! 

Happy Nurturing,
Amanda

 

Find more on Essential Oils from Nurturing Her Roots on the Essential Oil Index.

Reminder Disclaimer: always remember you are using these oils at your own risk and of your own choosing. None of my experiences are professional experiences, and I am not an expert at giving advice. I am someone who has used the oils as a hobby for my own experiences and I am choosing to share my experience with you. By visiting Nurturing Her Roots you are agreeing to all of my terms and disclaimers. Please refer to my disclaimer page and my terms of use page for more details. 

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Still Concerned About The Basics And Safety Of Essential Oils For Beginners?

Sign up for my 101 class. I will help you get more comfortable with using essential oils as a beginner in no time, answer your questions, and we’ll have a lot of fun! 

Watch this quick video intro and sign up for my 101 class today! 

Sign up for a Young Living 101 Class or a Young Living 101 zoom meeting. (Copy and Paste one of the above options and paste it into the email’s subject box).

 

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Nervous about signing up? We can do it together – email me – [email protected]

 

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