It’s important to know that the information in this guide only applies to using doTERRA essential oils.
DoTERRA is the most trusted, most tested brand in the world due to the absolute purity & potency of their oils.

When Googling information about essential oils online, it’s not uncommon to come across information from some aromatherapists creating fear around using essential oils.

There’s no governing body protecting consumers from what might be in that bottle of essential oil they just purchased. Because of that, oil companies can label their bottles however they would like, without being held accountable to a standard. For example, they can write “100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil” on a bottle that doesn’t actually contain any actual Lavender plant material at all…just something chemically synthesized in a lab to smell like Lavender … which isn’t going to have a therapeutic benefit to the body, & can actually hurt us.

Before doTERRA came along over a decade ago, there really wasn’t much research or data around usage outcomes of essential oils.

DoTERRA has changed that in a big way.
DoTERRA has almost 6 million essential oil users around the world, which has created the largest existing database of usage information available.

This is also why doTERRA’s CPTG stamp is so important.
It’s doTERRA’s promise of purity.

KEY POINTS:

1. Never apply oils directly to the eyes or inside the ear canal. After application, wash your hands.

2. Dilute with oil, not water. If you happen to get an oil somewhere you did not intend, using water will increase the discomfort.

3. Use a carrier oil with children & those with sensitive skin. A carrier oil doesn’t make the essential oil less effective, it will actually help drive the oil deeper into the skin.

4. Some essential oils are hot such as: Cinnamon, Thyme, Oregano, Cassia & Clove. How oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil, as they can irritate the skin & feel hot.

5. Citrus essential oils are photosensitive when used topically. To avoid issues, wait a minimum of 6 hours before exposing skin where you have applied them (all citrus oils except Green Mandarin).

6. Pregnancy & Nursing: While oils applied topically at ordinary levels should not be harmful to a developing fetus, please use caution during pregnancy. Peppermint has caused some women to drop in milk supply, & Clary Sage is known for stimulating contractions.

7. A little goes a long way. Essential oils are pure concentrates. One or two drops is considered a full dose. Less oil, more often, is best. You do not need to wait 4 hours before using an oil again. Apply the oil…if there is still pain, apply more in a few minutes.

8. Essential oils & bath water: Undiluted essential oils won’t mix into bath water. Add them to a teaspoon of carrier oil or shower gel first. Or add to a cup of Epsom salts before mixing them into the water.

9. Always follow proper dilution guides when applying topically, especially when you are new to oils. A safe measure is to use 1 teaspoon of carrier oil for every 1-2 drops of essential oil.

10. Internal use: The daily limit of internal use of oils is 24 drops. If you use the doTERRA softgels, note the drops within them below.

Many hospitals & Medical Doctors use doTERRA essential oils. Listen to Dr. Paul Winterton, an Orthopedic Surgeon, share how he uses doTERRA oils both inside & outside of his practice:

 DoTERRA CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® essential oils can be used safely by your family for a variety of wellness applications. However, there are several safety guidelines that you should follow when using essential oils (EO) and EO products. More on CPTG here:

Be sure to use only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and follow all label warnings & instructions.

If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply a carrier oil - such as fractionated coconut oil or olive oil - to the affected area.
Do NOT use water (this will drive the EO deeper).

Essential oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear canal, or in open wounds. In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with carrier oil NOT water.

Discontinue the use of an EO if you experience severe skin/stomach/respiratory irritation or discomfort.

When using on children, apply a very small amount of the oil to test skin or other sensitivity. Do not use oil on a child's hand as they may transfer to their eyes or mouth.

Consult your physician before using EO if you are pregnant or under a doctor's care or have other safety questions regarding EO.

It is important to remember that therapeutic-grade essential oils are highly-concentrated plant extracts & should be used with reasonable care.

Consulting with someone who has experience with EO will make your first experience more enjoyable & rewarding. As you learn how to use oils through personal experience, share your knowledge with others in a safe & responsible way & encourage others to do the same.

3 WAYS TO USE OILS

 Essential oils can be used to support both physical and emotional needs. You can use a single oil, or you can also combine oils for specific needs.

There are 3 main ways to use oils: Aromatic, Topical and Internal.

You will typically turn to Aromatic and Topical uses first, which are both very effective ways to glean the therapeutic benefits from the essential oils. Internal ingestion of oils is also appropriate & very effective, but should be done carefully, after familiarizing yourself with safe practices.

This is a helpful chart to get an idea of daily ideal amounts with your oils:

The charts below show all the doTERRA oils, & the appropriate ways each oil can be used. This is great to keep on hand as you’re learning:

#1 - AROMATIC

Diffusing essential oils can have a direct affect on the body, & very quickly. When you breathe in an oil, it travels into your lungs, where the alveoli there deliver it directly into your bloodstream. It’s also is one of the fastest ways to affect the brain & you’re mood. The smell receptors located on the upper surface of the nasal cavity make direct links with the limbic system of the brain, an area that governs the body’s emotional responses. Very cool & a very useful tool. Some oils calm & soothe, while others can give energy & invigorate.

Another benefit of diffusing is the ability for oils to cleanse & purify the air.

It’s best to only use diffusers that don’t heat the oils…heating the oils causes them to lose some of their therapeutic benefits. Instead, you’ll want to use a cool mist diffuser (no heat). Don’t put oils into humidifiers or other such devices, since the oils can damage their components. DoTERRA recently came out with a unique humidifier that CAN be used with oils (see the Dawn Diffuser).

Because doTERRA oils are 100% pure, you’ll be surprised out few of drops you’ll need to use to smell your oils. Other brands require 20-30 drops, while you’ll need far less with doTERRA oils ( 2-3 drops in a small diffuser & 6-8 drops in a large diffuser).

#2 - TOPICAL

Essential oils have a very small chemical structure, which allows them to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. It’s best to apply them by diluting with a carrier oil, like Fractionated Coconut Oil. This doesn’t dilute the effect…quite the opposite. Diluting helps them be absorbed more readily, keeps them from dissipating into the air as quickly, & minimizes the chance of having any sort of reaction. Oils are beneficial when used this way, because they can have an immediate benefit directly on the area you apply them (for example…a bug bite).

If applying an oil to very sensitive skin (such as a child or elderly person) it’s best to do a “Skin patch test” first. Simply apply the diluted oil (1 drop oil with 1 tablespoon carrier oil) on a small patch of skin. Watch for redness, irritation, itching, or swelling. If any of those occur, rinse the oil off with soap and water. A mild reaction will resolve on its own quickly.

Baths: Always diluted essential oils with some sort of carrier before adding to a bath. Without dilution, the oils would be very concentrated on the top of the water & could cause a reaction. When put with a carrier, the oils disperse throughout the bath, which is what you want. I like to use Epsom salts for this, but you could also use a little fractionated coconut oil, or full-fat milk.

Photosensitivity: Be careful with all citrus oils (except Green Mandarin) when used topically. They make your skin more photosensitive for 12-18 hours after application (on the spot where you applied them). So if you were to apply (say to your neck), then go out & do yard work for a few hours, you could get a sunburn on that area.

# 3 - INTERNAL

Get comfortable with aromatic & topical use before moving on to internal use. Do your research on this topic before using oils internally. I love using oils this way, but there’s a lot of different ideas on this subject. I tend to look to health professionals for my feelings on this.
If & when you decide to use oils internally, remember that when it comes to oils a good rule of thumb to follow is the adage “less is more”.

View this eBook on Internal Use of Oils: CLICK HERE

Listen to health professionals share about the safety of essential oils in all 3 ways of use:

Benefits of Diluting Essential oils

 Using a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil increases the surface absorption, enhances absorption through dry skin, and prevents skin sensitivities. To dilute an essential oil you add it to a “carrier” or “base” oil. Everyone is different when it comes to diluting…some need more dilution, & some might not need to dilute certain oils at all. But dilution is always the safest way to go, especially when you’re new to oils. And some oils that we term “hot oils” should always be diluted. You can use the “Essential Oil Dilutions” charts below to help determine where to start.

What is a carrier oil?

Carrier oils are lipid-based substances such as fractionated coconut oil & pure vegetable oils- grapeseed, almond, avocado, etc. Vegetable oils are unstable & go rancid quite easily. Fractionated Coconut Oil is preferred because it’s stable at all room temperatures & environments, it’s non-aromatic, & therefore doesn’t alter the aromatic properties of essential oils. See list of carrier oils here.

When new to oils, it’s safest to start with the smallest amount of drops you need to achieve the result you are after. As your body adjusts to oils, you can then bump up the amount if you like, but start low. Use the chart below when you are just getting started:

Guidelines for topical use when first starting out:

NOTES FROM CHART:
👉 EO = essential oil
👉 Carrier = the bottle size or carrier oil amount
👉 After 2 weeks of using essential oils with no issue (ie. skin sensitivity) you can increase as per the chart

SIMPLE DILUTION GUIDE

{all recommendations reference the use of a 10ml roller bottle or 2 teaspoons of carrier oil}

To minimize skin sensitivity, dilute essential oils using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Always dilute an oil when using it for the first time, applying it to sensitive skin or when using essential oils with children.

 Throughout history, many essential oils have been used for both culinary purposes & as dietary supplements to support the body in various ways.

Essential oils can provide antioxidants, support a healthy inflammatory response & help the body in many other ways. In fact, there are many essential oils that the FDA terms “GRAS” (Generally Regarded As Safe) for internal consumption, but some oils should not be taken internally.

Oils that are not Certified Pure Tested Grade should not be ingested.
CHILDREN under 6 and/or less that 44 pounds should not take essential oils internally.

How do you know which oils are safe for internal consumption? DoTERRA has a “supplemental facts” label on the oils safe for consumption. If a bottle doesn’t have that label, don’t use it internally. Here’s what it looks like:

BEST METHOD OF INGESTING

Water:

You can always add a drop or two to a glass of water. Not only will essential oils add potent flavor to plain water, but this provides an easy way to use essential oils internally.

Supplement Capsules:

Another simple way to use essential oils internally is to place a few drops into a supplement capsule. doTERRA® offers vegetarian capsules that are free of preservatives & animal products, & are easy to digest.

Direct Application:

Essential oils can also be placed directly in the mouth and swallowed for internal benefits. Keep in mind that essential oils are extremely potent, & even one drop on or under the tongue will be powerful. For essential oils that are too powerful to take directly, dilute a drop in at least four ounces of water before swallowing. Remember, essential oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, and Thyme should always be diluted.

Cooking and Baking:

Adding essential oils to your favorite food dishes & baked goods is a wonderful way to experience the flavor-enhancing benefits of essential oils, not to mention their benefits for the body. The smallest amount of essential oils can enhance the flavor of any entrée, beverage, dessert, marinade, or any other dish. Think peppermint in ice cream or brownies, citrus in a smoothie, marjoram in your chicken marinade…lots of options here.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Consider your personal health history & any health conditions before using essential oils internally. Consult with your physician before internal application, especially if you are on any other medications for chronic conditions. While the appropriate dose will vary based on health status, age, size, & the oil itself, there’s a few general guidelines that will help you stay within the parameters of safe use for internal application.

For internal use, it’s best to start with the smallest dose possible, 1–2 drops. From here, the dose can be increased as needed. Depending on the specific oil or blend, the recommended dose for internal usage ranges from 1–5 drops. Beyond this point, increasing the dose is no longer beneficial, & taking too much can be potentially harmful for the body. It’s better for the user to take small doses & repeat the dose every 4–6 hours as needed.

Typically, no more than 20 drops of essential oils should be consumed internally within a 24-hour period, but this maximum can be higher or lower depending on the oil in use. If the user gets close to the maximum, any dose should be discontinued for an extended period of time to ensure safety. Lower daily doses are recommended when using an essential oil internally over an extended period of time.

 Many parents wonder, “Are essential oils safe to use on my children?” The simple answer to this question is yes, but it is important to remember there are certain safety guidelines & recommendations to consider when it comes to using essential oils with children. If your child has specific health conditions or concerns, it’s always wise to consult your child’s physician before using essential oils.

Essential oils are likely in many of the products you already use … to add fragrance to perfumes, soaps, candles, lotions, & skincare products. They’re also added to cleaning products. The benefit of using pure essential oils on their own is they allow you to avoid harmful toxins & chemicals often added to household products. Essential oils are parts of many plants, so they’re also found in foods we eat. This means our bodies are already equipped to process essential oils when taken internally. Although the dosage for a child is far less than that of an adult, your children have most likely already been exposed to small amounts of essential oils through their diet and other household products.

Topical & Aromatic applications will be the most effective application method for children. Do not allow your children under age 6 to ingest oils.

Great places to apply oils on children include the bottoms of the feet, back of neck, and/or spine. ALWAYS dilute oils before applying to children.

Be sure to do a skin patch test on a small area of skin to see if the skin reacts prior to applying oil to larger areas of the body.

DO NOT apply essential oils on children’s faces or hands to avoid the oils getting into their eyes.

Store oils out of children’s reach. While a drop is not likely harmful to them, drinking an entire bottle would be lethal. Keep them in a safe place out of reach, just as you would with medication & cleaning products.

Never put oils in ears, eyes, or nose.

If putting an oil into the child’s bath, be sure to only use 1-3 drops & dilute them into a carrier oil or into epsom salts before adding to the bath water.

Resources on essential oil use during pregnancy:

 Pregnancy Guidelines from the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

Select "Pregnancy Safety"- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

Book: Essential oils for Pregnancy, Birth & Babies- Stephanie Fritz (The Essential Midwife) and this Webinar by Stephanie Fritz

Due to the ethical issue of testing expecting mothers and their fetuses, there are limited clinical studies addressing the safety of essential oils during pregnancy. However, we can rely on the history of safe use to determine which essential oils to use during pregnancy. It is important to remember that during pregnancy, it is not uncommon for a woman to be sensitive to essential oils. Due to these sensitivities and all of the changes that occur in the body when pregnant, it is important to consult with your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy.

It is also important to remember that not all essential oils are created equal. It is crucial that you use pure essential oils during pregnancy—you will want oils that are free of toxins and contaminants. When used appropriately, pure, high-quality essential oils are a safe option during pregnancy.

Once you’ve talked with your doctor, you can start to safely use essential oils during pregnancy. Here are a few ways that essential oils can be used during pregnancy:

For occasional morning sickness and nausea:

👉 Peppermint and Cardamom taken in veggie capsules or added to water
👉 Ginger oil when taken internally
👉 Spearmint oil (milder option than Peppermint)
👉 DigestZen® Digestive Blend

For occasional heartburn:

👉 DigestTab® Chewable Tablets (are infused with the DigestZen tummy tamer blend + acid-neutralizing benefits of calcium carbonate

For pregnancy back discomfort:

👉 Massaging soothing essential oil blends on the lower back, legs, or feet such as AromaTouch® Massage Blend.

For a better sleeping environment:

👉 Diffusing calming oils like Clary Sage, Dill, Lavender, & Sandalwood. These oils can also be applied topically or used internally when appropriate to promote quality sleep.

For restful sleep during pregnancy, try the following suggestions:
👉 Place a few drops of essential oil on your blankets or pillows at nighttime
👉 Diffuse calming essential oils for 30 minutes before going to bed
👉 Add one to two drops of Lavender oil to a cup of hot water for a relaxing tea to unwind at bedtime

For better skin during pregnancy:

A pregnant woman’s body is ever changing, and this includes changes in the skin. As the body works to keep up with a growing fetus, the skin can often become stretched and taut. Another challenge that many women experience during pregnancy is an increase in oil production of the skin. Thankfully, many essential oils can help to reduce the appearance of oily skin, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and beautify the skin. Incorporate these oils into your skincare routine during pregnancy:

👉 Frankincense
👉 Grapefruit
👉 Helichrysum

(Remember to avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for at least 12 hours after using citrus oils on the skin)

For emotional support during pregnancy:

Consider using any of the essential oils that produce a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

👉 Diffuse Melissa oil at night or rub it on the forehead, shoulders, or chest to lessen stress and promote emotional well-being
👉 Inhale Sandalwood oil directly from palms or diffuse to lessen tension and balance emotions
👉 Apply Ylang Ylang oil to the back of the neck for a calming, uplifting effect

Some great learning videos about essential oils during pregnancy:

CHILDBIRTH

There is no evidence any essential oils have adverse effects when used to ease pain or anxiety during childbirth.

Oils to be avoided one week before & after childbirth because they affect blood coagulation are: Birch (sweet) + Wintergreen.

Some women have found Peppermint oil to decrease their milk supply … this is helpful to know when weaning, but something to be mindful of in your 3rd trimester.
Also, Clary Sage can be helpful for stimulating contractions if you are overdue.

Because essential oils promote uplifting and calming feelings, they can be extremely useful during labor and delivery when stress, anxious feelings, and emotions are running high. Research shows that women who use essential oils during labor and delivery have reported less anxious feelings and felt more positive about their experience, when compared to women who did not use essential oils.

👉 Use Black Pepper & Basil oil diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil on the lower back to ease discomfort during labor.
👉 Balance® & Wild Orange make a good blend, especially during delivery when you want to balance emotions & dispel anxious feelings.
👉 Try using the AromaTouch® blend topically for comforting & relaxing effects. This blend is especially helpful for soothing areas of tension & stress when applied to the back and shoulders.
👉 Clary Sage oil can be used to reduce tension, which is helpful for contractions. Consider blending Clary Sage with other calming essential oils like Lavender or Geranium.

 If you have a medical condition or if you take medication for a chronic condition, always talk to your physician or pharmacist before using essential oils … just as you would when starting anything new. It will give you peace of mind & will help your medical professional to know how to work alongside you to achieve your health goals.

Anticoagulants

Quite a few oils have blood thinning properties so patients who regularly take anticoagulants such as aspirin, heparin, warfarin, etc., & patients with bleeding disorders, peptic ulcer disease, hemophilia & pregnant patients nearing childbirth should avoid using oils that contain coumarins such as angelica, birch, cinnamon, clove, fir, helichrysum, laurus nobilis, nutmeg, oregano & wintergreen. Eugenol, which is found in clove, thyme and oregano, should also be avoided by patients who are on anticoagulants.

Diabetes

Patients who are diabetic must be extremely careful when using essential oils. Some oils can influence blood sugar. Diabetic patients should steer clear of essential oils containing anise, star anise, cassia, cinnamon, dill, fennel, geranium, lemongrass, may chang, melissa, myrtle, lemon myrtle, oregano, savory, & turmeric.

Diuretics

Anise oil may interact with diuretic medication (bendrofluazide, furosemide, spironolactone) if taken in oral doses.

A note about Grapefruit Oil:

There is some research that says you should avoid Grapefruit if you suffer from or are taking medications for high blood pressure. Often physician’s will advise their patients to avoid grapefruit for this reason. The compounds of concern are present in the flesh of the fruit & are not present in Grapefruit essential oil, which come from the rind or peel of the fruit.  Citrus oils, specifically Grapefruit, have been used for quite some time without any regards to there being any detrimental effects even with high blood pressure. 

That being said, if you have concerns, consult with your physician or pharmacist & address that question with them.

Epilepsy

Some essential oils, if taken ORALLY, should be avoided if you’re prone to seizures. However, people who are taking suppressant medication may be no more vulnerable than non-epileptics.
Epileptics who aren’t on medication are vulnerable, as are people who don’t realize they’re epileptics, & also infants & children.

The essential oils listed below are the oils that could pose potential problems. They should only be used up to the recommended maximum amounts, which are intended to be safe for the general use, including people who might be prone to seizures.

ALL of these have a safe dermal dosage (topical) but NOT all of these are safe to take INTERNALLY: Rosemary, Arborvitae and Wintergreen

Warfarin

If you are taking Warfarin or any of its brand names, then you’ll want to make sure you avoid ORAL use of Wintergreen or Birch essential oil.
The following essential oils are cautioned against if you are taking Warfarin: Anise, Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove bud, Fennel, Marjoram (wild), Oregano, Patchouli, Thyme

POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS

Reference: Aroma Tools (2019), Modern Essentials *11th Edition* The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils.

To dive in a little deeper on pharmaceutical drugs + essential oil interaction here’s another great article HERE.

Essential oils can be helpful for animals, just like people. doTERRA actually has an entire Veterinarian Advisory Board, with vets that use & recommend essential oils in their veterinarian practices.

With pets, consulting your veterinarian regardless of what you read online is so key. Your vet is a trained professional in the unique physiology of animals, & they know your pet. They know it’s specific medical history, & they understand how their body works differently. Talk to them before using any oil with your pet.

Dogs & cats in particular have 200–300 million olfactory receptors (humans have only 5–6 million). Their sense of smell is very sensitive, so when you’re diffusing in your home, be sure to use a water-based diffuser like the Volo® diffuser, & only diffuse 4–5 drops at a time in an open area where your pet can leave the room if desired. Never use oils with puppies or kittens.

Generally avoid internal use. Because of the lack of research, we don’t recommend using oils internally for companion animals. There’s some research about using oils internally with horses, but we don’t generally recommend this approach at this time.

Due to this sensitivity, there are a few oils to avoid with pets.

Cats shouldn’t be given essential oils orally & any topical use should be carefully considered. For cats, oils to stay away from include citrus oils, clove, basil, oregano, thyme, cinnamon, & cassia (diffusing is fine as long as they can leave the room).

Many oils can support the various body systems of your animals. When using oils topically with pets, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first. Always dilute oils down to 1–2 percent prior to application (100 drops of a carrier oil for every one drop of essential oil). I prefer using Fractionated Coconut Oil as a carrier oil but there are many others. Dilute even more for animals that are less than 10 lbs.

These general guidelines may help you in the selection of which oils you use & diffuse around your home to help keep you & your pets healthy & happy. 

Listen to this great podcast with two veterinarians discussing their favorite oils to use to help their cats & dogs:

And here’s two more veterinarians with more information on what oils to use in different circumstances:

REFERENCES:

The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils - Kurt Schnaubelt

Medicinal Essential Oils: The Science and Practice of Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy - Dr. Scott A. Johnson

Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare - Jane Buckle, phD, RN

Essential Oil Safety - Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

Module 5 on Safety in doTERRA University

www.doTERRAblog.com

doTERRA Corp YouTube Channel

Modern Essentials *11th Edition* The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils

The Essential Life Book

Tisserand Institute.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Essential Oil Myths, Dr. Pappas here

Safety Guidelines for Essential Oils here

COMMON QUESTIONS

 Are essential oils safe to use with animals?

Many people have found success using essential oils with large animals such as horses or dogs, but have found that smaller animals, such as cats, typically do not respond as well. We recommend visiting one of the quality websites managed by independent essential oil users groups for more information (refer to the section above on this page “Essential Oils and Pets” for some great info). It would also be prudent to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils with your pets.

Can I use essential oils on my children?

Because children are smaller and more sensitive than adults, it’s important to understand the rules of essential oils are different for children than for adults. Once you educate yourself on the safety guidelines required for using essential oils with children, it’s easy to help your kids reap the benefits that oils have to offer. If your children have specific health conditions or concerns, consult with their physician first.

While special precautions should be taken when using essential oils around children, parents can still be confident that it’s safe for children to use essential oils.

If you are nervous about using essential oils with your littles, here are some things to keep in mind: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-wellness-essential-oils-kids

Do I need to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil?

When it comes to safe topical use of essential oils, dilution is one of the most important principles to understand. Some worry that diluting an essential oil before applying will take away its benefits; however, dilution actually makes for better absorption into the skin—extending the benefits even longer. By diluting an essential oil with a carrier oil, you slow the rate of evaporation, enhance absorption into the skin, & protect against sensitive or delicate skin. In reality, dilution doesn’t take away from the essential oil experience. Rather, it allows for more effective topical application.

You experience many benefits by diluting essential oils. Dilution increases the amount of skin, or surface area, on which the oil is applied and absorbed. It also enhances absorption through dry skin and minimizes possible sensitivities. It’s never wrong to dilute oils, especially when using oils with a more potent chemistry, such as Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Thyme, and others.

Read more on Essential oil topical application here: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/healthy-living-topical-use-of-essential-oils

What if I have an adverse reaction to a product?

doTERRA wants you to be 100% satisfied with your doTERRA products. If you believe your reaction was caused by a doTERRA product, we recommend discontinuing use and consulting a healthcare professional.
If you feel a return is necessary, please contact our product support team for assistance. You can contact them at productsupport@doterra.com.

Is it possible to use too much essential oil?

Essential oils are very safe if used appropriately. They are very potent so it is important to remember that more is not always better. Generally it is best to use small doses more frequently instead of large doses all at once.

See recommended daily amounts here: https://www.doterra.com/SG/en_SG/blog/scientific-insight-recommended-ideal-amounts

Is it safe for children to take doTERRA supplements?

Supplements that contain essential oils can be extremely beneficial for adults; however, children should not take adult supplements unless the product has been designated as safe for children. Luckily, there are many essential oil supplements (including doTERRA® products) that are designed specifically for children. Kids can reap the benefits that essential oil supplements have to offer, & can still take some adult supplements when they are designated as safe for the whole family. Before giving your child any supplement, read all labels or instructions to ensure that it is appropriate for children. It is always wise to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about giving your child a supplement of any kind.

How many drops of essential oils can be safely used per day?

It is important to remember that our oils are very potent and that each individual will react differently to them. For this reason we do not have a specific recommendation on dosing other than what is indicated on the bottle. We suggest starting with one drop and slowly increase the amount until the desired therapeutic effect has been achieved. Smaller doses administered throughout the day have been proven to be more effective than a single large dose.

Read more on the recommended daily amounts here: https://www.doterra.com/SG/en_SG/blog/scientific-insight-recommended-ideal-amounts

I’ve heard that essential oils can damage my liver. Is this true?

Most essential oils are approved for internal use. Some are just not beneficial that way. See the following link for a reference chart that shows which oils are recommended for aromatic, topical, & internal use:
https://media.doterra.com/us/en/flyers/oil-reference-chart.pdf

Read more on internal usage here:  https://media.doterra.com/us/en/ebooks/internal-use.pdf

Can essential oils be used in a plastic water bottle? I have heard some have the ability to break down plastics.

One of the valuable things about citrus oils is their ability to break down petrochemicals (petrochemicals are damaging to the body). Plastics contain petrochemicals. Citrus oils are perfectly safe for use, but interact chemically with plastics in a way that breaks them down. Other essential oils can also interact with plastics but do so on a much smaller scale.

It is recommended to use glass or steel drinking containers with oils. Plastics designed specifically for use with essential oils (caps, diffusers, orifices, etc.) are made of a very high quality plastic that have stronger bonds and longer chain lengths that are not broken up by essential oils called HDPE. HDPE plastics will not be affected by essential oils.

Where is the best place to apply essential oils topically?

In general, you apply essential oils where you need them for their localized effect. For example, to soothe your body after exercise, you would apply Deep Blue® oil to the muscles in your back or legs. Another reason to use oils topically is to experience them aromatically by putting the oil on your wrists, palms, or behind your ears. Applying heat or massaging the oil in will increase blood flow and absorption.

Read more on topical application here: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/healthy-living-topical-use-of-essential-oils

READY TO GET STARTED?