ECO. Modern Essentials FAQ's

Are essential oils safe for pets?

Essential oils can be toxic for pets. Never leave bottles open or in reach of animals. Each pet will differ, so please use caution when diffusing oils around pets. Watch out for changes in their behaviour, such as leaving the room while oils are burning or changes in eating habits. If you notice changes then we recommend to stop using that particular oil.

These oils are known to contain phenols and be toxic to cats/dogs: Peppermint oil, Citrus oils (including Lemon oil), Tea Tree oil, Pine oil, Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, Ylang Ylang oil.

The higher the concentration of essential oil, the greater the risk to your pet. If your pet ingests any oils accidentally, go to the veterinarian immediately.

 

Which ECO. products are safe for pregnancy?

Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils can be a great support for an expecting mother, with benefits including pain relief, calming, sleeping, energy and mental grounding. However there are also some warnings that you should consider before using essential oils in your pregnancy journey. 

 

The Golden Rules of Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

If you have had difficulties falling pregnant or if you have had a history of complicated pregnancies or miscarriages avoid using essential oils during the first trimester unless you are under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Dilute essential oils to 1% in a massage blend. Low dilutions are recommended because the expectant mother may experience a heightened sense of smell and find a stronger blend too overwhelming. Secondly, there is good evidence to suggest that essential oil molecules can cross the placenta and some essential oils in large concentrations may not be healthy for the baby. Use your increased sense of smell to advantage and inhale each essential oil before use. You will know immediately if the oil is suitable for you as it will smell obviously wonderful or unpleasant. Note: essential oil preferences may change throughout your pregnancy.

 

COMMONLY USED ESSENTIAL OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY:

•Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

•Basil

•Clary Sage*

•Eucalyptus

•Fennel*

•German Chamomile (Chamomillia recutita)

•Juniper Berry

•Myrrh

•Nutmeg*

•Peppermint*

•Rose*

•Rosemary

•Sage

•Wintergreen

•Yarrow

 

*Safe to use in the last few weeks of pregnancy and during labour if desired.

 

Essential oils can gently enhance an expectant mothers’ journey, both physically and emotionally, during this special time of change in her life. Aromatherapy can be used in all stages of pregnancy from easing morning sickness and aching muscles to labour preparation and support during the delivery. The oils listed below are considered safe and beneficial for pregnant women.

 

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PREGNANCY:

Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clove Bud, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon/ LIme, Orange, Mandarin, Neroli, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang.

 

HELPFUL OILS FOR PREGNANCY CONCERNS:

Muscle aches: Lavender, Ginger, Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Clove

Constipation: Lavender, Black Pepper, Orange, Mandarin

Indigestion: Roman Chamomile, Mandarin, Ginger, Orange, Black Pepper, Lime

Morning sickness: Ginger, Lemon, Orange

Stress: Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium

Uterine tonic for labour preparation: Peppermint, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Clove, Palmarosa, Fennel, Nutmeg - massage abdomen and lower back during the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy.

Labour pains and contractions: Lavender, Clary Sage, Black Pepper, Geranium, Marjoram, Clove, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Frankincense, Peppermint, Ginger

 

Why is there conflicting information about the essential oils I can use during pregnancy?

Even amongst very prominent and respected Aromatherapists there are different opinions about the safety of using certain essential oils during pregnancy. Some essential oils are thought to have the effect of promoting menstruation or regulating hormones and although there is no evidence to suggest that these oils would affect a pregnancy we cannot be sure, so for now avoiding these essential oils is prudent. For safe self-care choose essential oils from the list above. Please always seek medical advice for use of essential oils during pregnancy.

 

Are essential oils safe for children?

BABIES (0 to 24 months)

Essential oils are considered too strong for use on a baby’s skin and a little overwhelming on their developing systems.  We can still use aromatherapy in the form of tea or in a diffuser.

Bath Time

To soothe irritated skin and cranky moods, add Chamomile or Lavender tea to their bath. Brew a strong pot using the dried herb and strain before adding to your baby’s bath water.

Tummy Troubles

If your baby is breastfeeding you can try drinking Fennel, Peppermint or Chamomile tea which will dilute into your breast milk and help ease your baby's windy, sore tummy.

Dry Skin

A massage using a good quality olive oil is a useful remedy for flaky skin and cradle cap.

Sweet Dreams

A diffuser in the bedroom to gently fill the air with aroma creates a restful and calming space. Add 5 drops to the diffuser and diffuse for up to 30 minutes around bedtime. Neroli, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin are soothing and relaxing choices.

CHILDREN (2 to 8 years)

Children love aromatherapy and will make it abundantly clear which oils they like the best.  Use a low dilution of 1% when applying to your child’s skin. Stick to the gentler essential oils such as Lavender, Rose, Mandarin, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Spearmint, Lemon, Orange, Lemon Myrtle and Neroli. 

Bubble Bath

Who doesn’t love a bubble bath? You can make your own by blending 20 drops of essential oil to 100mls of liquid castile soap.  Castile soap is made using olive oil and has skin nourishing properties. Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin essential oils are gentle on the skin and help with relaxation and ease upsets.

Massage

Many children enjoy a massage before bed. A beautiful space for parents and children to bond, massage can help calm the mind and body and if done regularly can become a signal for your child to sleep.  Use a 1% dilution; 2 drops of essential oil to 10mls of carrier oil. Pick a blend from Neroli, Rose, Chamomile, Lavender or Mandarin. Older children enjoy choosing their favourite oils for you to use.

 Diffuser

An energising blend starts the day with joy and zest for the whole family. Energising morning oils include Lemon, Orange, Lemon Myrtle, May Chang and Spearmint. Blending Tip: Add a few drops of a grounding oil to take the sharp aroma out of a citrus blend. Try Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood or Lavender. To disinfect the air when family members have a cold diffuse Lime or Lemon Myrtle to prevent the bug from spreading.