Using Essential Oils Safely

What is an essential oil? According to Doreen Petersen, founder of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, an essential oil is “the distilled (or sometimes expressed) product of the volatile components synthesized by various plant tissues of a single plant species.” In other words, plants produce beneficial chemicals that help them survive and provide health and wellness benefits. When these chemicals are extracted and concentrated, they are known as “essential” oils, considered the essence or soul of the plant. Essential oils often contain hundreds of phytochemicals, each with distinct properties. When used carefully, essential oils have many health and wellness benefits for humans. 

The natural chemicals found in essential oils are highly concentrated and volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly. They can easily enter the body through inhalation, travel through the olfactory system, and reach the brain directly. They can also enter the bloodstream through the skin and lungs, and have significant pharmacological effects. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful chemicals, a little goes a long way. We must use them very carefully. While they are not technically considered drugs, if used incorrectly or in high amounts, they can have detrimental health effects or even be deadly. There are thousands of research studies published about essential oils, their effects, and uses. In 2014, Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young published a quintessential scientific reference book on essential oil safety, synthesizing much of that research.

At Willow Botanicals, we practice these essential oil safety guidelines:

• External Use Only–Never drink or take essential oils internally. Because the chemicals in essential oils are highly concentrated, they can be deadly if ingested. There are very few exceptions to this rule, but only when used under strict medical guidance. You may be tempted to think essential oils are flavor or culinary oils. They are not! Never drink your essential oils or add them to drinks or food.
• Use As Directed–Strictly follow use instructions and never use more than the recommended dose. Because essential oils are highly concentrated chemicals, using too much can cause serious injury. When used as directed, essential oils are safe.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets–Essential oils can have significantly different effects on younger children and pets than they have on human adults. Generally, essential oils should be used only as directed for adults and children over 15 years old. There are some essential oil blends and products formulated for younger children and pets. These can be used strictly as directed. Some essential oils may be used for children if diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond. The Tisserand Institute recommends the following dilution ratios: 

(c. Tisserand Institute, 2022)

• Limit Inhalation to 30- to 60-minute intervals–Breathing in essential oil molecules is the most common and easiest way to use them. Generally, this is done using an inhaler, a room diffuser, or an aromatherapy candle. This delivery method is considered safe. However, it is best not to inhale these chemicals for long periods or in small spaces; therefore, they should be used at 30- to 60-minute intervals. Sometimes, pets are sensitive to diffused essential oils. Make sure pets can exit the room if they want.
• Do Not Use Pure Essential Oils on the Skin–It is not recommended to put essential oils “neat” on the skin. With very few exceptions, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond. At Willow Botanicals, we use the Tisserand Institute’s recommended dilution ratios as seen below:
  

 (c. Tisserand Institute, 2022)

• Do a Skin Patch Test–Some people are sensitive to essential oils. To check if your skin is sensitive to a particular oil, conduct a patch test. Place one drop of the diluted essential oil in the crook of your arm, then cover it with a bandage. Check the location after a few hours, the next day, and the day after. If there is no reaction, you are not sensitive. If your skin is irritated, wash with soap and water and avoid use of that oil.
  
• Dilute Essential Oils When Using in the Bath–It is nice to enjoy an aromatherapy bath. Dilute several drops of essential oil in a carrier oil or tablespoon of whole milk, and add to the bath. Essential oils are not water-soluble; they are fat-soluble. Therefore, when added to bathwater, they remain on the surface. This could lead to direct full-strength exposure to the skin. If you dilute the essential oils in a fat, such as a carrier oil or whole milk, they will disperse in the water, and you can enjoy a safe and relaxing bath.
  
• Keep Essential Oils Out of Eyes, Ears, or other Mucus Membranes–Exposure to mucus membranes could result in a chemical burn. If this happens, irrigate with a saline solution and contact your doctor immediately.
  
• Use Caution if Pregnant or Breastfeeding–Some essential oils are harmful for pregnancy and breastfeeding. We recommend consulting a doctor. Some essential oils and blends can be beneficial during this time; however, use caution. Guidance of a certified aromatherapist is recommended.
• Use Caution if You Have a Major Illness or Are Taking Medications–Essential oils can help ease symptoms and anxiety when someone is ill. However, some essential oils interact negatively with medications or illnesses such as liver disease or severe depression. It is best to check which ones are safe and helpful. Contact your doctor or consult an aromatherapist before use.
  
• Flammable–Essential oils are flammable. Avoid exposure to open flames. Aromatherapy candles are considered safe.
• Keep bottles in a cool, dark place–When exposed to air, moisture, or light, essential oils can oxidize or become rancid. When oils go bad, they lose their effectiveness and can also be harmful. To avoid this, store essential oils and blends in glass bottles, preferably amber or colored glass, with tight lids. 
  

Essential oils have wonderful benefits when used safely. If you are unsure how to use an essential oil or blend, or have safety questions, Willow Botanicals’ in-house aromatherapist is available for consultation.

References

Petersen, D., (2022). Aroma 101: Introduction to Aroma Therapy [23rd Edition]. Portland, Oregon: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Tisserand Institute. (2026). https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/. Accessed January 15, 2026.

Tisserand, R. & r. Young. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.