Essential Oils 101

Essential oils are absorbed quickly throughout the body by applying to the skin. The most common place to apply essential oils is to the bottoms of the feet. When you apply essential oils to the body, always use carrier oil. Please see "General Dilution Guidelines" below, and the "Applications" tab of the oil or blend you are wanting to use. We also have a handy dilution chart for your convenience.

**Please do not ever put essential oils in your eyes or ear canal.**

Essential oils can be inhaled directly from the bottle, in a diffuser or by putting a drop in your hands, rubbing them together and cupping them over your nose and mouth and breathing deeply.

It is not advised to take essential oils internally unless under the guidance of a licensed physician who is also certified in aromatherapy. All cautions listed for individual oils do not include those cautions from ingestion. It is important to remember the extreme concentration of essential oils, and never use them undiluted. "Using essential oils by rubbing them into the skin or via inhalation is in many cases more effective than oral delivery" (Schnaubelt 96).

Carrier oils are greasy unlike essential oils water-like consistency. Their molecules are larger and do not penetrate skin as easily. Examples of carrier oil are sweet almond oil, coconut oil or avocado oil, just to name a few. We use carrier oils to dilute essential oils (to prevent getting too much at one time) and to slow their evaporation process.

To view carrier oils, go here.  To view dilution guidelines, go here.

Yes.  Essential oils are natural and made in nature, but not all natural things are good for you.  You wouldn't rub poison ivy on you and not expect a reaction, would you?  Nah.  Same with essential oils.  If you are allergic to lavender - don't use lavender essential oil!  If you suspect you are allergic to an oil or blend, please stop using it immediately, and consult with your licensed physician.   

Also, did you know that using essential oils undiluted could increase the risk of an adverse reaction over time? (For examples, look here.)

Just like anything else, some essential oils might not work with your individual body chemistry. If the first oil you try does not produce the results you are desiring, our advice is, don't give up! We recommend using an essential for at least 7 days (Only if you are not showing any negative reaction). If it still doesn't seem to be working for you, try another essential oil. 

**If you have an allergic reaction, stop using the oil immediately!**

Using essential oils undiluted could increase the risk of an adverse reaction over time. (For examples, look here.) Because of this, we have created an easy-to-use chart explaining exactly how to dilute your essential oils based on age or health condition.  We cannot express enough how important it is to dilute your essential oils before use. 

Please click here to check it out!

EYES

If for any reason you get essential oils in your eyes, put carrier oil along the eyebrows above the eyes and on the cheekbones below the eyes.

EARS

Please do not put essential oils inside your ear canal. Always only apply essential oils (with carrier) to the bone behind the ear.

SKIN

"The continued use of the same oil may also, over time, lead to irritation not experienced when the oil was first tried out." (3) Please use caution when using oils for extended periods of time, as you may develop a skin irritation or sensitivity to the oil. When using oils over an extended period of time we recommend taking a break for a few days and / or changing the location of the application of oil. Please see "General Topical Guidelines" above for proper dilution guidelines, or go to this chart, here. It is always a good idea to dilute an essential oil before applying to your skin, and test it on the inside of your elbow for any sensitivities before using.

PHOTOSENSITIVITY

All cold-pressed citrus oils and blends that contain cold-pressed citrus oils will become photosensitive when applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight. Use caution applying these oils and blends to skin that will be exposed to the sun. Avoid direct sunlight for several hours after applying.

Click here to see the online health issues listing for adults. 

Click here for our Pregnancy & Lactation Reference Guide. 

Some additional guidelines:

*Be sure to always follow your doctor's advice.

Dilution guidelines: Click here for a handy dilution chart.

Our Selah Kids Collection of essential oil blends are pre-diluted and are safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. 

Click here for our Babies & Children Reference Guide. 

Selah Oils Collection for Ages: 2+ months here, 2+ years here 

We highly recommend you purchase Valerie Worwood's book, Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child. It is an excellent resource for using aromatherapy on your child.

Some guidelines to remember when treating babies and children:

Our Selah Kids Collection of essential oil blends are pre-diluted at 2% and are safe for use during pregnancy, lactation, kids ages 2+, and the elderly!

Each essential oil and/or blend lists the age indications on the product page under the "Applications" tab.  The bottle also contains this info to make it quick and convenient for you to look it up.  All Selah Kids essential oil blends are pre-diluted to the proper ratio for ages 2+.  All other oils or blends will need to be diluted at the proper ratio. 

(1) Connie & Alan Higley Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2012, p. 10
(2)Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD., The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, 2011, p. 29
(3) Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD., The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, 2011, p. 81
(4) Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD., The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, 2011. p. 132-133
(5) Shirley & Len Price, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2012. p.136-137
(6) Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD., Advance Aromatherapy, 1995. p. 96
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Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. (2013).
Price, Shirley & Len. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. (2012).
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. (1999).
Rose, Jeanne. The Aromatherapy Book. (1992).
Schnaubelt, Kurt Ph.D. The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils. (2011).
Schnaubelt, Kurt, PhD. Advanced Aromatherapy, (1995).
Tisserand, Robert & Young, Rodney. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. (2014).
Worwood, Valerie. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. (1991).

The choice of the process used in application of Selah Oils products is the sole responsibility of the user. We do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act and FDA regulations. Selah Oils and any of its directors, employees, representatives or those involved in blending and bottling the oils will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of their products. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, income or profit and claims of third parties. We disclaim any liability if the user uses or prescribes any remedy or essential oil, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional should a need be indicated. 

While we believe essential oils are helpful, we do not believe that they are the only medicine. Essential oils are simply a tool in the toolbox of optimal health. For example, essential oils are no replacement for diet change, exercise, and good choices.