Please read the following, it is provided to help ensure you make sensible choices when buying and using essential oils.

Basic precautions include :-
- Do not use undiluted on the skin unless stated as safe for this purpose, and then in moderation following a patch test.
- Do not take internally except under the guidance of a medical practitioner or suitably qualifed aromatherapist.
- Keep oils dilute or otherwise away from your eyes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store essential oils in a cool, dark place (citrus ones can be refrigerated).
- Keep caps tightly closed and replace quickly after use.

Hazardous Oils
We would strongly advise you not to use any of the following which are potentially very harmful and toxic. This is not an exhaustive list. If in doubt do not buy it (we do not stock any oils on this list). This toxic list refers to the essential oils only so there is no need to throw the horseradish sauce or those jars of Sage, Thyme or Oregano out.

Bitter Almond, Boldo Leaf, Broom, Buchu Leaf, Calamus, Camphor (Brown and Yellow only), Costus, Deer Tongue, Elecampane, Bitter Fennel, Horseradish, Jaborandi Leaf, Melilotus, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Dwarf Pine, Rue, Common Sage, Santolina, Sassafras, Tansy, Thuja, Red Thyme, Wintergreen Wormseed, and Wormwood.

Children
Essential oils can prove very useful in the care of babies and infants, but extra care needs to be taken given their less well developed constitution. If applying topically always avoid possible sensitising or irritating essential oils altogether. Dilution wise use the rates below as maximums.

- Babies 0-12 months: Use only one drop of Lavender, Rose, German Chamomile or Roman Chamomile diluted in 5ml of carrier oil for massage or bathing.
- Infants 1-5 years: Use only 2-3 drops of non sensitising or irritating oils diluted in 5ml of carrier oil for massage or bathing.
- Children 6-12 years: Use one half of the directed adult amounts. Always patch test.
- Children over 12 years: Use as directed for adults. Always patch test.

Diffusing essential oils is generally safe and can be a soothing way of helping children sleep. When colds and flu strike essential oils can help with the symptoms and also prevent the infection spreading. Again, only use the oils listed above for babies. Use a bulb ring, electric diffuser or use a scented pumice. For more serious childhood illnesses consult one of the many recommended texts or a knowledgeable GP or qualified aromatherapist.

Pregnancy
In pregnancy, use essential oils at half of their normal dilutions in a carrier oil to avoid possibly sensitising your baby. Do not use any essential oils which have emmenagogue properties (that may stimulate the uterine muscles). We have listed the ones not to use below.

Ajowan, Angelica, Anise, Basil, Bay Laurel, Cedarwood (all types), Celery Seed, Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Cumin, Fennel (Sweet), Hyssop, Juniper, Labdanum, Lovage, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Snakeroot, Spanish Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.

Storage
The following guidelines will ensure your oils remain effective for the maximum amount of time :-
- Essential oils should be stored upright in cool, dark conditions (wooden storage boxes are ideal). Citrus oils can be kept refrigerated.
- The storage bottles for pure essential oils should be made out of dark glass, (amber is the norm) and have droppers to ensure easy controlled dispersion. Blended oils can be stored in PVC but glass is preferable for carrier oils.
- Oils oxidise (combine with oxygen and changing in composition) so always replace the tops as soon as they have been used.
- Keep them out of reach of children and away from pets.

A commonly asked question is how long do they keep? Well the answer varies from oil to oil. The following is a guideline but will be affected by storage methods and environmental factors. Basically, an oil which has been on a shelf in brightly lit warm conditions and possibly exposed to the air frequently and city pollution will become less effective faster than those stored in ideal conditions. The following guidelines refer to those stored correctly :-
- Citrus Oils (refrigerated): 6-9 Months
- Most Carrier Oils: 9-12 Months
- All Others: 18-24 Months
- Jojoba Oil: 24-36 Months

Resinous or wood derived oils improve with age (vintage Sandalwood is an expensive commodity). Note some resinous oils (especially Myrrh) will become increasingly viscous over time and may be difficult to get out of the bottle eventually!

Once an oil is mixed with another, chemical changes start to take place and this will shorten the expected useful life. Thus, only ever blend small amounts at a time or get them freshly blended before buying. Older oils can still be used for fragrancing and many still keep their bacterial properties so do not throw them out just use them to sweeten drains, etc.

Phototoxic Oils
Some essential oils are phototoxic meaning they can cause discoloration of the skin when exposed to ultra violet light or direct sunlight. Do not use the following essential oils either neat or in massage dilutions on the skin if the area will be exposed to the sun soon afterwards. The small amount in soaps and other body care products are unlikely to be sufficient to have this effect.

- Any citrus oil except Bergamot FCF (Bergapten Free)
- Angelica Root, Cumin, Ginger Lovage and Lemon Verbena Oils

Skin Senstising Oil
Some essential oils may cause sensitisation or allergic reactions in individuals with very sensitive skin or who are allergy-prone. All individuals should perform a patch test (see below) before using essential oils on larger area of the skin and body, but especially those individuals who know they have sensitive skin or allergies. Essential oils which are known to cause sensitisation or allergic reactions in a small number of people include :-
Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Cedarwood (Virginian), German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (Melissa), Litsea Cubeba (May Chang), Lovage, Orange, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch And Longleaf), Rosemary, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme (White), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang

Furthermore the following essential oils can irritate the skin, especially in high concentrations. Always mix these essential oils with a carrier oil in half the normal concentration before applying to the skin, or use no more than 3 drops neat (undiluted) in a full bath :-
Ajowan, Allspice, Anise, Basil (Sweet), Black Pepper, Borneol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (Leaf), Clove (Bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine Needle (Scotch And Longleaf), Thyme (White), and Turmeric.

Before applying any new essential oil to a large area of the skin or body, always do a patch test. Apply one drop of the intended essential oil neat (undiluted) to the back of the hand or on the wrist, and leave on overnight. In the meantime, if any redness, swelling, or other irritation should occur, wash the area thoroughly with cold water, dilute the oil by half with a carrier oil, then repeat the patch test on the other wrist until you find a proper dilution for your particular skin-type. Alternatively, avoid using the essential oil altogether and choose another one from the same family type.