Prior to using essential oils, it is recommended that you discuss the use of such products with your medical practitioner. Keep in mind that he/she may not be trained or familiar with the therapeutic effect of essential oils.

All information, content, and product descriptions contained within this website are for reference purposes only and are not intended to substitute advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional. This information is not to be used for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Actual product packaging and materials may contain different information than shown on this website. We recommend you contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem, and/or if you experience uncomfortable effects after using essential oils. Also, it is important to educate yourself about potential interactions that may occur if you suspect or have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are currently taking medication for a medical illness.

Information and statements regarding Soul Health Essential products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. The following safety precautions are guidelines only:

  • Always keep essential oils (EOs) in a secure place away from children and pets.
  • The term “natural” does not guarantee safety. Read and follow instructions carefully.
  • Unless otherwise stated, never apply EO’s directly to your skin without diluting the oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, or other vegetable-based oil. Test the oil on a small area of the skin prior to use. (For extra safety, you can place a small amount of the blended oil on the inside of your elbow, cover with a bandage, and check-in 24 hours. If you experience any soreness, redness, or irritation, cease use of the oil.)

 

SKIN

The following essentials oils should never be used on the skin:

  • Alan Root (Inula helenium)
  • Almond, Bitter
  • Bergamot (expressed)
  • Birch sweet, Birch tar
  • Boldo leaf
  • Cade
  • Calamus
  • Camphor (brown, yellow, unrectified)
  • Cassis
  • Cinnamon bark
  • Clove
  • Colophon
  • Costos Root
  • Fig Leaf Absolute
  • Horseradish
  • Lemongrass
  • Mustard (volatile)
  • Opoponax
  • Oregano
  • Peppermint
  • Peru balsam
  • Rue Absolute
  • Sassafras
  • Tansy
  • Thyme
  • Tolu
  • Turpentine (unrectified)
  • Verbena (from citriodora)
  • Wintergreen (Methyl salicylate)

Never apply essential oils to sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, genitals, and mucous membranes.

  • If an essential oil or essential oil blend gets into your eye, flush the eye immediately with a carrier oil or cold milk. Seek medical attention if the stinging and/or irritation continues.
  • If you develop a rash, this may indicate that you are experiencing detoxification. In this case, drink more water than usual to help remove toxins from the body.
  • If allergic to certain foods, do not use essential oils or carrier oils that come from those foods. For instance, if you have a severe nut allergy, you should choose a carrier oil other than coconut oil.
  • Essential oils do not necessarily have the same healing properties as the plant from which it is made. Herbal products sometimes contain different chemical components than the essential oil derived from the same plant.
  • Use a variety of essential oils and make sure you take breaks from the essential oils you use often. This is to avoid sensitization and irritation. The norm would be to use a blend for 4 days, take a minimum of 4 days off, and use a different blend that provides the same relief.

Do not use more than 2 drops of the following essential oils in a bath:

  • Anise
  • Black pepper
  • Camphor (rectified)
  • Citronella
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus Globulus
  • Ginger
  • Juniper
  • Peppermint
  • Pimento
  • Sage
  • Savory
  • Spearmint
  • Thyme

The following essential oils should be avoided if you have epilepsy:

  • Cajeput
  • Camphor
  • Eucalyptus
  • Fennel
  • Hyssop
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary

 

PREGNANCY

If pregnant, it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a trained healthcare professional who is experienced in the use of essential oils. In general, it is recommended that you avoid the use of particular oils:

 

  • Basil
  • Cedarwood
  • Clary Sage
  • Fennel
  • Hyssop
  • Jasmine
  • Lavender
  • Marjoram
  • Myrrh
  • Rose
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Tansy
  • Thyme
  • Wintergreen

 

CHILDREN

Although many essential oils are safe to use with children, you should consult with a healthcare provider who is experienced in the use of oils prior to use.

 

SUN EXPOSURE

Some essential oils contain natural molecules that react with sunlight and can cause a reaction called photosensitivity – the likelihood of burning easily when exposed to the sun. Citrus oils are particularly likely to cause this effect.

Photosensitivity is a term used when something you are exposed to causes discoloration or irritation to the skin after spending time in direct sun. Some essential oils are particularly likely to cause this reaction and caution should be taken to prevent unnecessary discomfort. If you want to use an oil that is considered to be photosensitive, you should avoid exposing the area where you applied the oil to direct sunlight or UV rays for a minimum of twelve hours. Some oils cause more serious photosensitive reactions than others and should be avoided for twenty-four hours. Be sure to check the ingredients in each blend before application. If you know you will be in direct sunlight when using oils known to be photosensitive, cover yourself with adequate clothing to prevent a reaction.

 

PET SAFETY

Although some essential oils are safe to use on pets, caution should always be taken until you fully research any harmful effects and/or discuss them with an experienced veterinarian. Never use oils on your pet’s skin as it may cause an adverse effect. Also, never apply oil to the fur where a pet can lick or ingest the product. If your animal changes behavior suddenly—backing away, lack of interest, going into a deep sleep, or turning her back to you, then respect your pet’s instinct to avoid the essential oil. Oils that are known to be toxic for dogs include:

  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Pine
  • Sweet birch
  • Tea Tree
  • Wintergreen
  • Ylang ylang

Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils since they are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack essential enzymes in their liver that help to metabolize certain substances such as essential oils. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which are found in many essential oils. The higher the concentration of the oil (100% pure), the greater risk to the cat. Oils that are known to cause toxic effects in cats include:

  • Citrus
  • Cinnamon
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Peppermint
  • Pine
  • Sweet Birch
  • Tea Tree
  • Wintergreen
  • Ylang Ylang

Symptoms depend on the type of oils involved in the exposure and can include: drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure. Take your animal to a veterinarian immediately upon noticing any of these symptoms when related to essential oil use.