Oils

Peppermint Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated and must NEVER be used undiluted on the skin or taken internally without clear guidance. Do not apply it to the face, chest or under the nose of babies and children under 6, because menthol can trigger a reflex spasm of the larynx and serious breathing problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with severe acid reflux, hiatal hernia, gallstones, epilepsy or an allergy to mint should avoid it or consult a doctor first. The oil near the eyes or on mucous membranes causes intense burning. This article is for information only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. ...

Argan Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It IMPORTANT: Argan oil is generally very well tolerated, both applied to skin and hair and consumed internally (the culinary version). However, people with allergies to nuts or tree fruits should first do a patch test on a small area of skin (the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours before using it on the face or scalp. Cosmetic oil (cold-pressed, non-deodorized) is NOT for consumption; only the food-grade oil, made from lightly roasted seeds, is meant to be eaten. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, oil applied externally is safe, but for internal consumption in large amounts it is wise to consult a doctor. If redness, itching or rashes appear after application, stop using it. Argan oil does not replace medical treatment for serious dermatological conditions such as severe eczema, psoriasis or cystic acne — in these cases consult a dermatologist. ...

Lemon Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Lemon essential oil is extremely concentrated and should NEVER be applied undiluted (neat) to the skin, nor swallowed without the guidance of a qualified specialist. Lemon is a phototoxic oil – after applying it to the skin, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 12–18 hours, as it can cause dark spots and burns. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children and people with sensitive skin should use it with caution and only after consulting a doctor. It is not a substitute for medical treatment. At the first sign of irritation, allergy or breathing discomfort, stop using it and seek professional advice. ...

Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Lavender essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be applied undiluted to the skin, except for tiny spot applications on small areas. Before first use, do a patch test on a small area of skin. Do not swallow it except under the guidance of a qualified specialist. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, people with epilepsy, severe asthma or very sensitive skin should ask their doctor first. Lavender essential oil is not a substitute for medical treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic insomnia or any other condition — if symptoms persist, see a doctor. ...

Sweet Almond Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Apply It for Skin and Stretch Marks IMPORTANT: Sweet almond oil is generally very well tolerated, but anyone with a nut or almond allergy should avoid it, both in topical applications and especially internally, since it can trigger serious allergic reactions. Before using it for the first time on your face or body, always perform a tolerance test on a small patch of skin (for example on the inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, topical use for stretch marks is considered safe, but internal consumption and the use of large amounts should be discussed with a doctor. Almond oil does not replace medical treatment; for persistent skin conditions (severe eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis) consult a dermatologist. ...

Sea Buckthorn Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Correctly IMPORTANT: Sea buckthorn oil is generally well tolerated, but there are situations in which it should be used with caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking it internally. People on anticoagulant medication (such as warfarin or high-dose aspirin) should be careful, as sea buckthorn may slightly affect blood clotting. Those with very low blood pressure, gallstones, or known allergies to berries should seek a specialist’s advice. When applying it to the skin, do a patch test first on a small area, especially if you have sensitive skin. Sea buckthorn oil does not replace prescribed medical treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical care in serious conditions. ...

Virgin Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil: Benefits and Uses IMPORTANT: Coconut oil is generally a safe food and cosmetic product, but it is very high in saturated fat. People with high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, or who follow a doctor-recommended diet should talk to their physician before consuming large amounts of it daily. On the skin, always do a patch test on a small area before the first use, especially if your skin is prone to acne, because coconut oil is comedogenic for some people. Do not replace prescribed medical treatments with coconut oil remedies, and consult a doctor for serious skin or scalp conditions or in case of a known nut allergy. ...

Coconut Oil for Hair: Benefits, How to Apply It and Natural Recipes IMPORTANT: Coconut oil is generally safe to apply to hair and scalp, but it is not right for everyone or for every hair type. People with very fine hair or a scalp that gets oily quickly may find that the oil weighs the strands down and leaves a greasy feel that is hard to wash out. Before your first use, do a patch test on a small area of skin (behind the ear or on the wrist) and wait 24 hours — coconut allergies, though rare, do exist. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, fungal dandruff (caused by the yeast Malassezia) or a diagnosed scalp condition, ask a dermatologist before using any oil, because in some cases fats can feed micro-organisms and make the problem worse. Coconut oil does not replace medical treatment for pathological hair loss, scalp infections or other conditions — in those situations, see a specialist. ...