We should treat all essential oils with respect. Always remind yourself that a few drops of oil may represent a whole room of flowers or several many times its volume in plant material.

Never take essential oils internally unless advised by a qualified health practitioner.

In most cases direct application to the skin is not advisable. Unless advised otherwise by a practicing clinical aromatherapist, always use a fixed oil (carrier oil) to dilute your essential oils in. There are many suitable oils available and include sunflower, sweet almond, grape seed and macadamia oils.

Use essential oils at half the recommended dose for young children and pregnant women.

Many essential oils are not suitable for use by particular groups of people at normal application rates so always learn the specific cautions for each of the oils that you use. Often an oil can continue to be used by a affected person but at a much lower application rate.

As a rule of thumb within the first 16 weeks of Pregnancy essential oils should not be used. In there third trimester they can ONLY use Lavender, Mandarin, Bergamot, Neroli, Pettigrain, Roman Chamomile. It’s best to avoid all essential oils while pregnant as some oils can increase the chance of miscarriage.

Here is a list of important things to remember for the safe use of aromatherapy.

• Never use essential oils directly on the skin - they must be diluted first using a carrier oil.

• Always avoid contact with the eyes.

• Avoid using citrus oils, particularly Bergamot on the skin if you plan to be in the sun or around ultra violet light.

• Geranium and Ylang Ylang should never be used on red or inflamed skin.

• Rosemary should not be used by people who have Epilepsy.

• Do not store bottles of blends in direct sunlight.

• Always read the label carefully. Some oils last longer and are better with age while others only last for a small period.