Editing How to Apply Essential Oils (section)

== Precautions and Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils ==
Although essential oils are natural products, improper use can still lead to side effects and safety risks. To safely and effectively enjoy the benefits of essential oils, pay attention to the following precautions:

* '''Dilution Concentration:''' Never apply high-concentration essential oils directly to large areas of skin. Most essential oils need to be diluted with a vegetable carrier oil to a low concentration before skin contact. Generally, body massage oils should have an essential oil concentration of 2%-5%, while sensitive areas like the face should use <2%. Direct application of concentrated essential oils can cause burning, redness, or irritation (Essential oil - Wikipedia). If spot application of potent oils (like tea tree, clove) is needed, limit it to a small affected area and control the amount and frequency.
* '''Skin Patch Test:''' Before using a new essential oil for the first time, perform a '''skin patch test''' for allergies. Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a tender skin area, like the inner forearm, and wait 24 hours to observe for redness, itching, rash, or other adverse reactions (Essential oil - Wikipedia). If any abnormality occurs, it indicates a possible allergy or intolerance to that oil, and its use should be discontinued. Individuals with allergies or sensitive skin should be especially cautious and always test new oils. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. If accidental eye contact or irritation occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention (Essential oil - Wikipedia).
* '''Children, Pregnant Women, and Pets:''' Use of essential oils on '''children''' and '''infants''' requires extreme caution. Infants have delicate skin and immature metabolic systems, so stimulating essential oils are generally not recommended for children under 2. Older children may use very low concentrations of gentle oils like lavender or chamomile under professional guidance, avoiding ingestion. '''Pregnant women''' should avoid oils that might stimulate the uterus or have potential toxicity, such as rosemary, clary sage, fennel, and juniper, which are generally considered contraindicated during pregnancy, especially the first trimester, unless advised otherwise by a doctor. During pregnancy, milder oils like lavender and citrus can be used sparingly and at very low concentrations for stress relief or insomnia, preferably via inhalation rather than massage. '''Pets''' have lower tolerance to essential oils, and many oils safe for humans can be '''toxic''' to cats and dogs. For example, '''cats''' lack the liver enzymes to metabolize certain essential oil components (like phenols, terpenes), and inhalation or ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling, ataxia, and, in severe cases, liver damage or respiratory failure. Oils like tea tree, wintergreen, camphor, clove, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus are particularly toxic to cats and dogs and should be strictly avoided for pet use or diffusion in enclosed spaces with pets. Even with relatively safer scents like lavender, ensure good ventilation when pets are present and allow them the freedom to leave the area. If a pet has a pre-existing respiratory condition, do not use essential oil products in its living space.
* '''Photosensitive Oils:''' Some essential oils contain photosensitive (phototoxic) compounds that can cause pigmentation or burns when applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight (UV radiation). Typical examples are '''citrus essential oils''' like bergamot, lemon, lime, and bitter orange obtained by cold pressing, which contain furanocoumarins. After using such oils (especially topically), '''avoid direct sun exposure''' on the treated skin for at least 12 hours or longer (Essential oil - Wikipedia). For example, if you use a body massage oil containing lemon essential oil in the morning, take care to use sunscreen or cover the application area with clothing when going outdoors during the day to prevent sunspots or burns. Comparatively, distilled citrus oils labeled as FCF (Furanocoumarin-Free) are much safer as the photosensitive components have been removed. When unsure if an oil is photosensitive, it's prudent to use it at night or ensure thorough sun protection.
* '''Quality and Storage:''' The quality of essential oils directly impacts safety. Choose '''pure, natural essential oils''' from reputable brands and avoid low-quality synthetic fragrances masquerading as essential oils, as impurities can be harmful (Essential oil - Wikipedia). High-quality essential oils usually indicate the Latin name, origin, and extraction part, often supported by purity test reports. Essential oils are volatile and sensitive to heat and light. Store them sealed in '''dark glass bottles''' in a cool, dark place. Once opened, essential oils should ideally be used within 1-2 years (citrus oils have a shorter shelf life, about 6 months after opening), as prolonged exposure to air causes oxidation and degradation, potentially increasing skin irritation. Ensure the bottle cap is tightly screwed after each use to minimize evaporation and oxidation. Keep essential oil bottles out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or spills. Adhere to the '''principle of moderation''' when using essential oils; more is not always better. Follow recommended dosages and avoid overuse or excessively frequent application.

In summary, essential oils, as natural healing resources, can bring physical and mental pleasure and health benefits when used appropriately, but safety must be the priority. Beginners should consult authoritative aromatherapy resources or seek guidance from professional aromatherapists, starting with low doses and single oils to understand their effects on their body and mind. If any adverse symptoms (like headache, nausea, rash) occur during use, stop immediately and consult a medical or aromatherapy professional (Essential oil - Wikipedia). By treating essential oils scientifically and prudently, we can fully enjoy the gifts of nature's fragrances, enhancing our quality of life while ensuring our safety.

'''References:'''

# Wikipedia: Essential oil (Essential oil - Wikipedia)
# Wikipedia: Aromatherapy
# Sleep HKU: Aromatherapy for Sleep Benefits
# Xiamen University Cardiovascular Hospital:科普 (Popular Science) on Aromatherapy and Anxiety
# Mayo Clinic: Clinical effects of Tea Tree Oil (Tea tree oil - Mayo Clinic)
# CIRS Cosmetics Regulation: Application of Essential Oils in Skin Care (Extraction of plant essential oils and their application in cosmetics - Industry News - Daily Chemicals - CIRS Group) (Extraction of plant essential oils and their application in cosmetics - Industry News - Daily Chemicals - CIRS Group)
# Jandan.net: Potential toxicity of essential oils to pets
# Wikipedia: Essential oil safety guidelines (Essential oil - Wikipedia)