-- Before you use a new essential oil you should always do a skin test. Dab(v.轻拍，轻敷) a drop on your arm, wait a day, and see what happens. Hopefully nothing happens. If you break out, itch(v.痒), develop a rash（n.[医]皮疹）, or something else out of the ordinary happens, don’t use that oil.
-- More is not better with essential oils. Essential oils are very powerful and super concentrated. If I see that a recipe calls for 2-3 drops of peppermint（n.薄荷油）, I may try 4 drops but never 10 drops. You never want to overuse oil.
-- The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends not ingesting（v.吞服） oils when you might be able to get the same benefits from massage. There are some treatments that require ingestion or gargling(v.漱口) of essential oils, but they’re rare. Unless you know your oils very well, I suggest not ingesting any. Many are toxic when ingested.
-- If you’re pregnant never use oils without the direct advice of a care provider who is well-versed （adj.精通的）in oils. While many essential oils are good for treating pregnancy issues, some can bring on early labor, and other negative side effects.
-- I always used essential oils with my son, even when he was a baby. However, I always did a skin test first, talked with his pediatrician(n.儿科医生), and I have experience with oils. In any case it’s good to use smaller amounts of oil for baby treatments, and never leave a bottle out where your young children can reach it.
