Aromatherapy is a holistic approach used for thousands of years in many ancient cultures, including China, India, Egypt, and more. It uses natural plant extracts (essential oils) to promote health and well-being while improving the body, mind, and spirit (1).

There are hundreds of different types of essential oils, both pure and blended, and they can be used alone or in combination with other essential oils to provide additional health benefits.

Essential oils have been studied for quite some time, and there is plenty of science to back up the benefits of aromatherapy, including, but not limited to:

• Pain management
• Improving sleep quality
• Reducing stress, agitation, and anxiety
• Soothing sore joints
• Managing headaches and migraines
• Alleviating side effects of chemotherapy
• Easing the discomforts of labor
• Fighting bacteria, viruses, or fungus
• Improving digestion
• Supporting the immune system

Although essential oils are natural, they are also highly concentrated and can have substantial impacts that can be negative when used incorrectly. Naturopathic Pediatrics states that one drop of essential oil equals 15-40 cups of medicinal tea or up to 10 teaspoons of a tincture (1).

Remember that essential oils are isolated concentrations. While they may have one of the constituents found in teas and tinctures, the substantial amounts aren’t more effective as they’re missing many other components that make whole herbs beneficial. Nonetheless, teas, tinctures, and essential oils all have a place in our lives, so learning to use them safely is important!

Like allopathic health approaches, essential oils require precautions and dosages. Although essential oils are safer than most medications and pharmaceuticals, they are still potent, so they should be used cautiously. Let’s get to it.

How to Practice Essential Oil Safety

First and foremost, trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins recommends never using essential oils internally or undiluted (2). When using essential oils with children or sensitive skin, I recommend diffusing or diluting them in a mild carrier oil (I mention a few options later in this post).

Second, find a reputable essential oil brand. I trust, use, and recommend Plant Therapy Essential Oils. I like that Plant Therapy offers education and a large variety of organic essential oils. Although I’ve never used them, I’ve also heard great things about Simply Earth Essential Oils.

I also highly recommend double and triple-checking all essential oil directions (even if you’ve used them previously), especially before using them while pregnant, breastfeeding, or on your children or pets.

Note: I do not recommend MLM essential oil brands as they often jack up prices to pay the entire pyramid, making them unnecessarily unaffordable. Additionally, many MLM essential oil brands ignore trained aromatherapists while providing unsafe safety recommendations; I cannot in good conscience support or recommend brands that lack integrity (that’s why I walked away from big pharma). And no, they are not “more pure” than any other 100% essential oil brand.

Now, let’s discuss how to use essential oils safely during different stages of life and with pets.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Essential Oil Safety

Some have claimed essential oils are unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but the reality is it depends on which essential oil you’re looking at. Of course, essential oils, by nature, will cross the placental barrier and may affect the fetus (4). Additionally, essential oils have the potential to cross over into the milk supply, which is normally less than 1% of the amount of oil the mother absorbs (5). For these reasons, practicing essential oil safety is important, especially during these stages of life. According to trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins:

“The most comprehensive source of documented essential oil safety information, including essential oil safety throughout pregnancy, can be found within Essential Oil Safety, Edition 2 by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young (6).”

Many brands, including Plant Therapy, have pregnancy-safe essential oil lines. For Plant Therapy’s full pregnancy and nursing-safe essential oils list, click here. Additionally, if you’re breastfeeding, I recommend sticking to essential oils that are lactation and kid-safe. And, as I said earlier, always double and triple-check all essential oil directions (even if you’ve used them before).

Kid-Safe Essential Oil Safety

Choosing essential oils for children can be quite simple, especially considering many brands, including Plant Therapy, have kid-safe lines. Plant Therapy’s Kid-Safe Essential Oils are specifically formulated for children ages two and up (7). For Plant Therapy’s full list of kid-safe essential oils, click here.

Of course, the recommendations of aromatherapists can differ regarding topical dilution rates for babies and children. According to trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins:

“Essential oils and essential oil blends for use with children must be used at significantly lower dilutions than when used by an adult. Additionally, many essential oils should not be used at all with children (8).”

Additionally, Wendy Robbins has an Essential Oil Topical Dilution Ratios for Babies and Children Chart, which suggests no essential oils for premature infants and a maximum dilution of 0.2% (up to 3 months old) to 5% (ages 15+).

I recommend doing your own research and drawing your own conclusions to determine if you are comfortable using essential oils with children under two. Additionally, Valerie Ann Worwood’s 300+ page book, Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child, is an excellent resource for practicing safety when using essential oils with babies and children.

Pet-Safe Essential Oil Safety

Essential oil safety with pets is a bit more complex, especially with cats. Thankfully, Plant Therapy’s Pup & Pony Safe Essential Oils have taken a lot of the guesswork out of it for dog and horse owners. For Plant Therapy’s full pup and pony-safe essential oils list, click here.

Still a lot of uncertainty for cat owners. Since I do not have a cat, I cannot confidently give recommendations aside from doing your own research before using any essential oils around cats. According to trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins:

“The same essential oils and blends that we use on ourselves are not always safe to use on our dogs, cats, birds, horses or other pets. Cats, for instance, are especially sensitive to essential oils. Many essential oils, including tea tree, are said to be quite toxic to cats. My understanding is that their systems, particularly their kidneys, are not able to safely process essential oils (9).”

Additionally, I recommend caution when using essential oils around pregnant, nursing, senior, and very young animals (under 10 weeks old).

How to Use Essential Oils

Before learning how to use essential oils, you must understand dilution methods. As I said earlier, there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding essential oils on the internet. One common assumption is that because essential oils are natural, they’re safe without taking proper safety precautions. The reality is that certified aromatherapists, like Wendy Robbins, disagree, stating:

“There are instances when experienced aromatherapy practitioners make exceptions to this precaution. Only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply any undiluted essential oil on the skin.

I have been a part of the aromatherapy community for over 20 years. Occasionally, I hear about those that have used undiluted essential oils and have developed permanent sensitization, even by only using a single drop of lavender essential oil per use. It’s really not worth the risk. Diluting your essential oils adequately not only helps to protect your wellbeing, it can also save you money (10).”

For a minimum dilution of 0.2%, you would add the following:

• 0.5 drop of essential oil diluted into 10 ml of carrier oil
• 1 drop of essential oil diluted into 30 ml (1 ounce) of carrier oil
• 2 drops of essential oil diluted into 60 ml (2 ounces) of carrier oil
• 4 drops of essential oil diluted into 120 ml (4 ounces) of carrier oil

For a maximum dilution of 5%, you would add the following:

• 10 drops of essential oil diluted into 10 ml of carrier oil
• 30 drops of essential oil diluted into 30 ml (1 ounce) of carrier oil
• 60 drops of essential oil diluted into 60 ml (2 ounces) of carrier oil
• 120 drops of essential oil diluted into 120 ml (4 ounces) of carrier oil

Using Essential Oils in a Diffuser

Diffusing essential oils is an easy and cost-effective way to achieve therapeutic benefits. A diffuser allows you to use essential oils without directly applying them to your skin, so it’s generally safer, especially for children. These small appliances work by creating steam mixed with essential oils and water. The oils then disperse into the air in tiny doses.

When dispersed, the droplets, which are much smaller and diluted, are breathed in and may land on the skin. When diffusing an essential oil for the first time, watch for breathing problems, rashes, racing heartbeat, or mood changes. If you notice any of these, discontinue diffusing the essential oil. Although these cases are rare, it is important to know what to look for, just in case!

Using an essential oil diffuser is easy, but be sure to follow diffusing guidelines:

• Choose a location for the diffuser in the middle of an open room for even distribution.
• Add water to the diffuser. Be sure not to fill above the max fill line to extend the life of your diffuser and ensure proper functionality.
• Add essential oils to the water. Be sure to check the directions on your essential oil bottle. Typically, you only need 2-10 drops of essential oil.
• Turn on your essential oil diffuser. Some models offer constant mist, while others allow you to mist in intermittently. Choose the option that works best for you.
• Make sure you empty and dry out your diffuser between uses.
• Clean your diffuser at least once per month.

Of course, thousands of essential oil diffusers are on the market, so if you’re looking for a recommendation, I use Sierra Modern Home’s Wifi Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Humidifier. Using a personal inhaler is another option; I just prefer diffusing.

Using Essential Oils Topically

When using essential oils topically, never apply them neat (without proper dilution), and avoid using them near the genitals, mouth, nose, eyes, and ears (2). Before using essential oils topically, always perform a patch test, especially on those with sensitive skin, such as children.

To perform a patch test, simply apply a small (no larger than a dime) amount of diluted essential oil to the leg or arm and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction. If a reaction occurs, such as redness, inflammation, or being painful to the touch, immediately wash the area with soap and water, then apply carrier oil over it (this will dilute it further). Never use just water, as water doesn’t properly dilute essential oils. If no reaction occurs, applying the essential oil is likely safe.

Earlier, I recommended diluting essential oils in a mild carrier oil. Carrier oils are fatty oils that consist primarily of fatty acids. Good quality carrier oils used within aromatherapy are typically cold or expeller-pressed. My recommendations are:

• Argan oil helps soothe, nourish, and protect skin from the elements and maintain a healthy pH balance.
• Apricot oil is a rejuvenating natural oil ideal for softening fine lines and restoring a healthy glow to the skin.
• Coconut Oil is a versatile cosmetic oil that’s pleasingly light and easily absorbed for comprehensive moisturization without clogged pores.
• Hemp seed oil has a lightweight texture that instantly sinks into the skin to help improve tone and texture.
• Sweet almond oil is easily absorbed and won’t clog pores, promoting clear, soft, healthy-looking skin.

Many other carrier oils are available on the market, but these are my top recommendations and what I use as someone with very sensitive skin.

Using Essential Oils in a Bath

Using essential oils in a bath is a bit tricky. Oils (essential and carrier) do not mix with water. Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil would result in them floating to the top of the water, touching the skin at full strength, and potentially causing severe irritation and even chemical burns. Contrarily, diluting essential oils in water-soluble vegetable glycerin (I use NV Superfoods’ Organic Vegetable Glycerin) first and then adding it to the bathwater allows the essential oil to emulsify before being added to the bathwater (11).

Additionally, essential oils at higher risk of causing irritation and sensitization should be avoided in the bath, even if you solubilize them. Learn more about essential oils more likely to cause irritation and skin sensitization here.

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