Figuring out how to use essential oils wisely is a daunting task. For the layperson, it can be overwhelming. There are so many cautions to consider and such a variety of ways to use essential oils, that keeping it all straight is intimidating. A friend of mine recently remarked, however, that once she began to use essential oils, the learning curve was substantially smaller than she thought it would be. 

This post is not intended to be a dissertation on oil safety. I do not consider myself to be an expert. I also believe it unwise to unquestioningly trust the advice of those who potentially benefit from any advice offered. Many essential oil companies will sell you as many oils as possible for every type of condition imaginable. Though their ideas and insights might be helpful, it is wise to look to more unaffiliated sources for verification.

With this in mind, it is refreshing to discover helpful places to gain perspective. So, in that vein, may I recommend that you do some reading. The following link is a good place to begin your education in oil safety.

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy http://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety

And the following reference book (large, expensive, and VERY thorough) is a great resource for the best safety information currently available. 

Essential Oil Safety, Second Edition by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

For general oil usage, please note the "Library" tab on our website where you can find useful reading resources for the layperson.