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Those new to essential oils often ask, “Are essential oils safe to use?”
Essential oils have a long history of safe and effective use for everything from personal hygiene to emotional and health benefits.
When you use appropriate amounts of pure essential oils, they are safe enough to use at home for yourself and your family. High-quality essential oils go through extensive purity testing to ensure safety.
Like anything else you’d use in your home or with your children, essential oils are safe when you adhere to recommended dosage amounts and use them within proper parameters. Among the many benefits of essential oils, one significant advantage is that they offer peace of mind to those who worry about using chemical-ridden products for cleaning, cooking, and other daily tasks. In addition, essential oils are a safe alternative to many of the products you see on grocery store shelves that contain synthetic toxins or chemicals that could be harmful.
Learning about proper use and dosage will allow you to safely use essential oils at home and with your family while enjoying the benefits of a natural product.
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Before you use essential oils, know that not all oils are created equal. Typically, high-quality essential oils undergo rigorous testing to ensure the product is safe to use. Unfortunately, not all companies use thorough testing methods, and many essential oil distributors will use synthetic fillers that alter the efficacy of the oils.
Only use essential oils that have been carefully produced and thoroughly tested to ensure safety for you and your family. For example, TC essential oils are put through a meticulous testing process, where they are analyzed for potentially harmful contaminants and other substances that could compromise the safety or quality of the oil. Therefore, choosing high-quality essential oils that have been tested and cleared for safe use is important before using them with your family.
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The safe use of essential oils varies from individual to individual. This is why it’s important to consider your personal needs regarding safety. For example, some people have sensitive skin, meaning they need to dilute more potent essential oils. Therefore, in some instances, you may need to refrain from using a particular essential oil if it causes sensitivity when you use it. However, you can often use less oil or alter your application method to avoid sensitivity.
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Some people ask, “Can you have an allergic reaction to essential oils?” An allergic reaction occurs when the body experiences an abnormal immune response after exposure to a protein molecule that is typically harmless. TC essential oils are made up of natural aromatic compounds; they don’t contain any protein molecules, so they don’t cause allergic reactions in the same way that, for example, peanuts or eggs might.
However, for some people, essential oils can bind to proteins in the skin and create a type of molecule that the body may recognize as an allergen, creating an allergic response. This process depends on many things, such as the type and amount of oil used, the person’s protein levels, and even genetics.
Sensitivity to an essential oil can cause responses in the skin, digestive system, respiratory system, and other body areas.
Signs of an essential oil sensitivity or allergic reaction include:
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If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to stop using that essential oil immediately, so you don’t make the reaction worse. In addition, it’s advisable to take a break from the application method that caused the response (for example, if you have a skin reaction, avoid topical use for a while) and choose other ways to enjoy the benefits of the oil.
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