Questions about essential oils?

Question

I have been making my own cleaners for my home. My arsenal of essential oils are lavender and tea tree (for all purpose~ I use it to clean my vanity, toilet, and tub~ I use 15 and 15 drops for 32 oz), oregano and lemon (which I use in a floor cleaner I use 4 and 10 drops for 32 oz), lavender and geranium (added to castille soap for hands and body~ added about 5 drops for 6 oz of fluid) and sweet orange (which I have not added to anything yet).

I have a 18 month old toddler whom I try to keep away while cleaning. I am wondering if there are any extra precautions that I should know about any of these oils? For example I know that oregano should be avoided in pregnancy. I wonder if this is true for the scent too or just on the skin.

I am not pregnant but would like to be cautious of anything that might harm a pregnancy or my 18 month old.

Answer 1

using oils is a good idea for cleaning products. as long as the oils are ingested there shouldn't be any problems. to aid the dispersion of the oils in cleaning i use vinigar in hot water along with a unscented soap for a floor cleaner.  i use " the oil garden" brand of oils that are 100%. all the oils other than the orange are able to be used direct (if the are 100%) on the skin. i was able to get a sheet with all the oils by that company on it that say what it can be used for. have a look to see if u can get a similar one from where u get your oils

Answer 2

You should buy a good book on essential oils and read it. Essential oils can be as bad as any conventional medicine or therapy if taken in the wrong dose, especially for children.

I expect the same goes for certain oils as regards pregnant women. Buy good quality essential oils from the pharmacy that are approved. A lot of the oils you get in drug stores are full of other products and are not pure. They may even be bad for you.When used correctly they can be brilliant in treating various conditions and for cleaning.

Answer 3

As a lover of oregano(because it was this herb that cures my bronchial asthma), it has no side effect to prenancy because it is a natural herbal medicine. True, it has a scent that lingers in your skin. Some person may have hypersensitivity to it, so it is very important to take precaution.

Answer 4

I think yes you should take some precautions. Aromatherapy is a great treatment and antibacterial additives. Essential oils are very pure and yet powerful. The smell is almost the same as on skin contact. The frangrance of the oil has the same effects on the body as on skin contact. Its not really bad but you won't get the full effect of the purpose for the armotherapy. Aromatherapy should be really used as much as 8 times a month.

For the pregnacy issue, I think aromatherapy should be almost completly avioded due to the fact, that no one really knows what the child could be allergic too when the treatment is performed and may create a big problem.

I love the combination of essential oils that you use for the floors, leaves a great clean feeling.

Answer 5

I don't think you have anything to worry about as long as your oils are 100% pure. I use pure organic oils and I never have any of the problems that most people have with essencial oils, like skin sensitivity. I use them on my son all the time (he's three) I use a brand called garden essence the are garunteed. However just watch your child carefully and if they have any kind bad reaction then discontinue the use of that oil. But I think it should be safe, and even better for them then cleaners you can get from the store. Good luck!