Essential Oil Usage & Safety

Ways to Use Essential Oils

First and foremost, always read the label of each oil and follow the recommendations and dosage. This handy image let’s you know what each label contains and how to understand it.

Topically

Many essential oils are safe to use directly on the skin. Depending on your desired effect, areas that are popular include ear lobes, temples, the bottoms of your feet, abdomen, and the back. Some oils do require dilution with a carrier oil (such as coconut or vegetable oil) before rubbing them on the skin while some can be added “neat” or undiluted. In the Premium Starter Kit there is a roller fitment that can be added to the bottle to allow for easier application.

It takes 2-3 minutes for an oil to reach the blood stream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body, and 2 1/2 hours to fully metabolize.

Essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin, especially to children and sensitive skin! If irritation does occur apply a carrier oil to the area to dilute.

Aromatically

Inhaling essential oils is one of the fastest ways to experience their benefits. Essential oils can be inhaled from the bottle or diffused in the air with a diffuser. They can also be dropped on a cotton ball or wet cloth and inhaled. Drop some in your hand, rub them together and cup your hands over your nose and inhale.

Internally

Because Young Living essential oils are therapeutic grade, many of them can be used internally or orally as a dietary supplement. ALWAYS read the bottle to see if a specific oil is safe for internal use. NEVER use a lesser-quality brand of oil internally (the bottle of another brand usually says “Not for internal use!”)

You can place a few drops into a gel capsule along with a carrier oil and swallow with water. You can add a couple drops to your meals when cooking. Or you can add a couple drops to your water.

* You should always follow the recommended dosage on individual product labels and seek the advice of a health professional before administering oils internally.

Safety

This list is not all-inclusive, please see a reference guide and visit the Young Living website for more information.

Purchase and Use an Essential Oil Reference Guide. The Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley is a must have with usage guidelines, general information, and oil recommendations for your different needs. Another option is the Essential Oils reference by Life Science Publishing.
Check The Label. Every bottle of Young Living Essential Oil has a label that details whether an oil can be used aromatically, topically, or as a dietary supplement.
Know how to dilute your essential oils. Some oils are quite strong and the label will instruct you to dilute them for topical use. V-6 and olive oil are referred to as carrier oils. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or any vegetable based oil from your kitchen cabinet as a carrier oil. If an oil causes discomfort, it is because it is pulling toxins, heavy metals, chemicals, poisons, parasites, etc from your system. Stop applying the oils to make sure your body isn’t detoxifying too quickly, and dilute them in the future until your body catches up with the releasing of toxins.
Use with caution and further dilute essential oils for use on babies and children. Do your research first. Visit the Oil Testimonials page and use a recommended reference guide. Some oils are not safe for babies and young children. Always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil for use on babies and children. When using essential oils on babies, dilute 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1 Tablespoon of a carrier oil. Then apply a small amount of that mixture to your baby. When using essential oils on young children (between the ages of about 2-5 years), dilute 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil. Then apply a small amount of that mixture to your child. The bottom of the foot is the best place to check for a reaction to an oil.
Use Caution if Pregnant, Nursing or Planning to Become Pregnant. See individual label directions or check with a health professional before using essential oils if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. There are many essential oils that are safe and helpful to use during pregnancy, however, do not use wild tansy, clary sage, sage, fennel, wintergreen, or hyssop during pregnancy.
More essential oil is not always better. Young Living Oils are of the highest quality and are therefore quite powerful. In general, one to three drops of oil at a time is sufficient.A good rule of thumb is to start slow and adjust based on your tolerance.
Test oils before use. When applying a new oil, test 1 drop on a small patch of skin first (e.g., on the underside of the forearm or the bottom of the foot). Skin sensitivity is highly individual. If the skin feels hot or turns red, apply carrier oil to the area to dilute and follow dilution instructions on the bottle for future uses. Washing the area with water is less effective.
Essential oils are NOT water-soluble, they are oil-soluble. If an oil becomes irritating to the skin or gets in the eyes, do not try to remove the oil with water – it will only make it worse. Use a carrier oil to dilute the oil.
Some Oils are Photosensitive. Some oils, especially citrus oils, cause the skin to be very sensitive to the sun and can even result in severe burns. A reference book can provide guidance on which oils are photosensitive.
Keep out of Eyes. Certain oils may sting the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oil residue on the fingers may damage contact lenses or cause eye discomfort. If accidental stinging does occur, put 1–2 drops of pure vegetable oil into the eye.
And Ears. Avoid putting essential oils directly into the ears.
Keep essential oils out of the light and out of extreme heat. Store oils in a cool, dry place. Your oils will last much longer if stored properly.
Oils can dissolve plastics, petrochemicals, and paint. If adding oils to a drink, use glass instead of plastic. Use caution when setting a bottle of oil on a painted surface as the oil may dissolve the paint.
Do not mix essential oil blends. Young Living essential oil blends (Valor, PanAway, Stress Away, Deep Relief) have already been specifically formulated. Oil blends that are improperly mixed with each other can change the chemical properties of the oil blends (and decrease the therapeutic benefits of those oils). You can, however, mix single essential oils together.
Use Caution with Serious Medical Conditions. If you suffer from a serious medical condition or injury, DO NOT attempt to self-diagnose and self-medicate with oils. Use common sense and seek help from a qualified physician.