Bonnie Louise Gillis - Lavender : 50 self-care recipes for natural wellness : relax, heal, make, cook, and clean with lavender flowers and essential oils

Natural is sometimes confused with safe. But even poison hemlock is natural, and so are tornadoes. Like any powerful natural element, essential oils and herbs carry risks. Be sure to read and understand the following considerations before exploring the natural recipes in this book.

therapeutic use . Before using any essential oil, consult your primary care physician. The essential oil blends included here were tested by an aromatherapist with decades of professional experience. However, the blends and recipes are merely suggestions for complementary therapy and are not a substitute for professional medical care or prescriptions. Lavender essential oil is not effective against viruses, including coronaviruses like COVID-19.

side effects . If you experience a reaction that is serious or systemic, seek medical help. Most adverse reactions are linked with essential oil oxidation, adulteration, substitution, or toxic dosing. Other side effects have resulted from allergies, drug interactions, or comorbidities.

drowsiness . The relaxing effects of L. angustifolia may cause drowsiness. If you experience a sedative reaction to lavender, do not drive or operate machinery during use.

sensitization . Overuse of any natural product can lead to sensitization to its chemical components. For best results and longevity of use, rotate the essential oils and cleaning products you use and apply them sparingly. Linalool is a primary component of lavender that has been added to a multitude of skin-care products from facial creams to foot peels. Hundreds of commercial household products contain linalool as well. Sensitization to linalool has caused hives or dermatitis in some users.

blends . Before blending any oils with lavender, research the warnings, drug interactions, possible reactions, and contraindications for those oils.

purity . Essential oil quality and purity are not regulated by any government agency. Many oils from unscrupulous sellers have been adulterated with synthetics or cheaper oils to increase profit or lower prices. If you purchase oil for culinary use or for its therapeutic qualities, buy only 100 percent pure essential oil from a source that has earned your full confidence. Avoid oil made from lavender that may have been grown with pesticides, including lavender intended for crafts or dcor.

species . For most lavender aromatherapy and culinary use, the label should state L. angustifolia and no other ingredients. If your purpose allows or requires higher camphor content, the label may state L. x intermedia or lavandin. Avoid essential oil made from other lavender species unless directed by a professional.

packaging . Chemical compounds in essential oils lose their effectiveness and become allergenic or contaminated if the oil is packaged improperly. See How to Store Lavender Oil on .

topical . Do not apply essential oil to any open wound with deep broken layers of skin or tissue without your doctors recommendation. Patch test any essential oil before applying it to your skin. If redness or irritation appears, stop using and wash the area with gentle soap and warm water. Do not attempt to alleviate irritation with another essential oil. Avoid mucous membranes, such as nasal passages, lips, mouth, vagina, or anus. Wash hands with soap and warm water after working with or applying essential oils to avoid accidentally rubbing eyes or other sensitive areas. Never put undiluted essential oil in or near eyes. If essential oil splashes into your eye, immediately flush the eye under running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical help if irritation continues.