BASE OILS Essential oils are volatile and can easily vaporise. A base oil acts as a stabilising agent and should be a pure oil with little fragrance. Grapeseed, peach kernel, hazelnut, avocado or almond work well. Although essential oils are natural products, precautions are still necessary. Up to 100 times more potent than dried herbs, essential oils are ppowerful and effective in very small amounts.
Improper use can cause burns, skin reddening, allergic reactions, headaches or nausea.
Never take essential oils internally, as some are toxic. Do not use essential oils if you have asthma, a heart condition, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy, frequent allergic reactions or any nervous disorder. Avoid essentialoils during pregnancy. Before using an essential oil, do a patch test to ensure it willnot irritate your skin. Add about 12 drops essentialoil to four tablespoons base oil.