ESSENTIAL OILS 101: SAFETY

We want you to feel confident when using plant medicine. Essential oils are to be used with caution, care, and respect. We hope this guide will help you as you navigate natural healing.

Essential Oils 101: Safety: News & Updates

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines an essential oil as "A product made by distillation with either water or steam or by mechanical processing of citrus rinds or by dry distillation of natural materials. Following the distillation, the essential oil is physically separated from the water phase", as defined in their Vocabulary of Natural Materials (ISO/D1S9235.2013/Cor 1:2014).

Different methods exist for the removal of the essential oil from the plant material. Distillation (steam, steam/water, and water), and expression (cold pressing of the peel of citrus oils) are two of the most common methods of extraction. Oils can also be extracted by carbon dioxide (CO2) and maceration, which releases the enzyme-bound essential oil. Wellness Warrior carries a variety of essential oils and different methods of extraction.

All Wellness Warrior essential oils are organic, therapeutic grade, and certified by USDA and/or QAI.

All our products undergo GC/MS testing through a third-party prior to reaching our facility. This testing assures the essential oil is what it claims to be and doesn't contain components a pure oil shouldn't contain. This testing is really important. We don't add or take away anything from the essential oil and that's important to know! In fact, our customers have raved about our commitment to transparency! We keep records of all product lot numbers coming into our shop and leaving, along with their subsequent tests; this information may be obtained by contacting us.

Essential Oils 101: Safety: About

USING ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY

There are multiple ways to use essential oils. When using essential oils, it is always good practice to start with the minimum amount necessary to achieve the desired results. For example, one drop of lemon essential oil in an 8 oz glass of water would be appropriate to flavor water and receive the health benefits if you are taking an essential oil internally. Most aromatherapy professionals recommend only using essential oils internally for acute illnesses; Wellness Warrior supports this position.

Below are the different methods of using essential oils.

TOPICAL

When applying essential oils to the skin, diluting them properly is key to assure you don't have a physical reaction. It is smart practice to apply a small amount of essential oil (one drop) topically on an area of the body to see how you respond to it. This process is called Patch Testing. If reactions occur, simply dilute with a carrier oil.

Carrier oils are vegetable based oils, like coconut, jojoba, perilla, almond, and others, dilute the essential oil so that it can be applied to the skin, covering a greater surface area, and decreasing the risk of skin irritation or overdosing.

When using oils topically, a skin reaction can occur, usually within 24 hours after applying the essential oil. Localized skin reactions may include irritation, itchiness, rash, and redness. Localized skin reactions may be soothed by applying a vegetable-based oil directly atop the irritated skin. Washing with water alone might not cause the reaction to get better since essential oils are oil soluble and repel water.

A systemic reaction may include a headache, dizziness, nausea, or respiratory complaints. If a systemic reaction occurs, refrain from using the essential oil and seek medical consultation, if appropriate.

ORAL

When we discuss using oils orally, we're talking about putting oils in your mouth, but not swallowing them. Oral use would include caring for the teeth and gums and a common oil used orally is clove as it provides wonderful oral health.

Clove oil is probably the most common essential oil for oral health. Clove oil is an excellent choice to maintain healthy teeth and gums and for this reason, is often times added to toothpaste or used in a mouth rinse.

AROMATIC

The aromatic use of essential oils is the most common and safest way essential oils are used. Aromatically oils can provide a wonderful opportunity to receive the health benefits while limiting topical application or internal use. Aromatic use is recommended for children, and when dealing with stress, anger, and emotional trauma.

Essential oils are commonly diffused into the home or office space to provide a clean and refreshing aroma. Diffusing also provides the ability for an organic air freshener and cleaner! Use caution when diffusing the same essential oil over long periods of time. This repeated use in certain individuals can cause a person to become sensitive to the oil. It is recommended to rotate essential oils frequently when they are being diffused in your home or workspace.

INTERNAL

Some essential oils can be used internally, however, caution must be used when using essential oils internally. Wellness Warrior does not encourage the internal use of essential oils for all individuals, nor for any child under the age of 6 years old, without consultation. Wellness Warrior essential oils are organic and therapeutic grade, meaning they are tested to assure that they do not contain dangerous chemicals that sometimes are present in essential oils sourced from contaminated plants.

Some essential oil companies knowingly sell oils that are adulterated - which unfortunately is a HUGE money maker in the essential oil industry and many companies do this every day! We take pride in our finished product and will only provide the safest, cleanest oils to our customers. With this in mind, we really only advocate essential oils to be used internally when combatting acute conditions. If internal use is required, use only the minimum amount required to address the condition.

Each Wellness Warrior essential oil is clearly marked if it is NOT safe to be used internally. Please consult with a qualified wellness practitioner before using essential oils internally.

Essential Oils 101: Safety: Products