Aromatherapy Aromatherapy Safety and Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which essential oil is commonly contraindicated during pregnancy?
- Clary sage (Correct answer)
- Lavender
- Sweet orange
- Chamomile
Correct answer: Clary sage
Clary sage is often avoided in pregnancy due to concerns about stimulating contractions.
Question 2: What is the safest way to use essential oils around pets like cats?
- With caution or avoidance, as cats lack enzymes to process them (Correct answer)
- Apply directly to fur
- Add to their drinking water
- Use in high concentrations
Correct answer: With caution or avoidance, as cats lack enzymes to process them
Cats cannot metabolize many compounds in essential oils, so use is limited or avoided.
Question 3: What should you do first if an essential oil gets into the eyes?
- Flush with a carrier oil, then seek medical help (Correct answer)
- Rinse with more essential oil
- Rub the eyes
- Apply water only and ignore it
Correct answer: Flush with a carrier oil, then seek medical help
Because oils don't mix with water, flushing with a carrier oil dilutes and removes them best.
Question 4: Which of these is a proper safety practice when diffusing essential oils?
- Diffuse intermittently in a ventilated room (Correct answer)
- Run the diffuser continuously all day
- Seal the room airtight
- Diffuse directly under the nose
Correct answer: Diffuse intermittently in a ventilated room
Intermittent diffusion with ventilation prevents overexposure and respiratory irritation.
Question 5: Why is ingesting essential oils generally discouraged without professional guidance?
- They are highly concentrated and can be toxic internally (Correct answer)
- They taste unpleasant
- They are too weak to matter
- They dissolve in stomach acid harmlessly
Correct answer: They are highly concentrated and can be toxic internally
Essential oils are potent and can cause internal toxicity or organ damage if ingested improperly.
Question 6: What is 'sensitization' in the context of essential oil use?
- An immune reaction after repeated exposure (Correct answer)
- Improved scent perception
- Faster oil absorption
- Loss of aroma over time
Correct answer: An immune reaction after repeated exposure
Sensitization is an allergic response that develops after repeated exposure to an oil.
Question 7: Which oil is known for strong 'hot' or warming skin effects requiring careful dilution?
- Cinnamon bark (Correct answer)
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Rose
Correct answer: Cinnamon bark
Cinnamon bark oil is a known dermal irritant that must be heavily diluted.
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy Safety and Practice 3
Which essential oil is commonly contraindicated during pregnancy?