ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY

 

Essential oils are used so casually these days…for scent in diffusers, for healing properties in massage and as ingredients in other products, but I wonder what you know about the SAFETY of using essential oils.

A situation occurred recently that brings this to mind. I personally observed the action of a hospital emergency medical staff in treating someone who had accidentally dropped essential oils into both eyes. The nurses rushed to gather materials to do a saline flush.

STOP!!! THIS IS WRONG!!!

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) generated by essential oil producers/distillers among other technical information, include personal safety information that recommend a saline or water flush.

Fact: Essential oils are hydrophobic which means they do not mix with water. Essential oils are lipophilic which means the molecules will bond with a vegetable or carrier oil. Using copious amounts of a vegetable or nut oil to flush the eyes will allow the essential oil molecules to bind with the molecules of the carrier oil. The essential oils will become diluted and the mixture can flow out of the eye. The eye(s) will be light-sensitive for awhile so stay out of direct sun and wear dark glasses. Within 24-36 hrs. the eyes should return to normal.

In sharing this information with medical personnel, the emergency crew contacted the Poison Control Center and was advised to flush with water. I argued the point so strenuously that someone consulted an on-line aromatherapy site and found that the carrier oil flush was the only appropriate remedy.

Therefore, Mt. Shasta Naturals will now include a safety warning plus one ½ oz. bottle of Special Carrier with each essential oil order shipped. Keep the carrier oil near the essential oils for easy access. And remember: In a pinch, go to the kitchen and use olive oil or any other pure vegetable oil.

I encourage you to use essential oils responsibly. Please share this safety information with others.