Essential Oil Safety
Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
Despite their increasing popularity, essential oils are a mysterious topic to most people. Understanding what essential oils are and how to use them safely can relieve some of the apprehension people have about their use. It is also important to provide information about potential risks of essential oils for experienced users who may not be aware of some important safety concerns.
Many years ago I was introduced to essential oils by a women who used them with carefree abandon. When I questioned her on their safety, she informed me that they were totally safe for everything. In recent years I have experienced, and witnessed, some adverse reactions that were caused by improper use. The more I learn through experience, classes, research and extensive reading, the more I have come to respect the therapeutic benefit and the potential problems of essential oils.
This article is not meant to scare you away from using essential oils! Just the opposite. It is meant to provide you with some common sense guidelines, giving you the confidence to explore the healing power of essential oils.
What Are Essential Oils?
Despite their name, essential oils are not an oil. They are fragrant, concentrated extracts that have been removed from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of a plant. These extracts are highly volatile, meaning they easily evaporate at normal temperatures.
Essential oils are also highly concentrated. What many consumers don’t realize is just how concentrated these fragrant liquids are! Each oil is different in the amount of plant material required to produce a measurable quantity of essential oil. It can take as much as three tons of plant material to produce a pound of Melissa essential oil and 67 rose petals to produce a single drop of rose essential oil.
Guidelines for Essential Oil Safety
Some aspects of essential oil safety are controversial. At The Healthy Place we believe that where there is the potential for harm it is best to err on the side of caution. Internal use is one of the areas that is hotly debated. Some believe that this method of use is promoted by the multi-level marketing companies because of the increased consumer consumption that results. Is this true? I don’t know. But respected leaders in the essential oil field like Salvatore Battaglia and Robert Tisserand warn against internal use. Do your own research or rely on the expertise of those who don’t receive a monetary benefit from their recommendations.
Avoid Internal Use
Some essential oil companies have promoted internal use of the oils based on the argument “that’s how they do it in France”. This popular misconception has caused confusion among users. Just to be clear, only a doctor can prescribe the internal use of essential oils in France and this is not a common practice.
Essential oils can damage the lining of the digestive tract and mucous membranes. The long-term consequences of this practice are not always immediately apparent. Essential oils should only be ingested under the guidance of licensed practitioner.
The International Federation of Aromatherapists Code of Ethics states: “No aromatherapist shall use essential oils for internal ingestion or internal application nor shall any aromatherapist advocate or promote such use of essential oils unless the practicing aromatherapist has medical, naturopathic, herbalist, or similar qualifications, and holds an insurance policy which specifically covers the internal application of essential oils.”
Just to clarify, internal use specifically means that essential oils are not to be used orally, vaginally, or rectally. (Yes, there are some people that promote all three uses of essential oils.)
Sensitization
This can be the result of those long-term consequences mentioned above. This reaction is caused by a gradual buildup of an allergic reaction and may be severe. Severe reactions usually involve the immune system. Sensitization is not always immediately apparent. It can happen over time through over-exposure. Once you have become sensitive to an oil you will also react to other oils in the same family (those with chemically related compounds). This reaction rarely goes away with time. People who are extremely vulnerable to this reaction are those with sensitive skin, dermatitis, or eczema.
Ways to avoid sensitization
- Rotate your oils. Try not to use one oil consistently for more than 10 days in a row.
- Do not use oils internally.
- Do not use oils undiluted.
Dilution
Essential oils are concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil for use on the skin. The exceptions to this rule are lavender and tea tree, although even these two oils should not be used undiluted long term. See the dilution guide below for guidelines on this.
More is NOT better! Essential oils’ potency should be respected! Ten drops will not work better or more quickly than one. Follow dilution suggestions. I’ve discovered that it helps to mix up your favorite blends in roller bottles to make use easier and helps to avoid incorrect dilution ratios.
Children Under Six
Essential oils high in menthol and/or 1,8-cinole should not be used on or around children under the age of six. Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary are some of the commonly used essential oils that this warning includes. These oils can slow, or even stop, respiration in young children. Have you already used these oils on your young child? Not all children will reaction in this manner. The warning is given because of the potential for harm. Also remember that negative reactions don’t always happen on the first exposure.
It has become a common practice to use a blend of spice oils on infant’s gums to relieve teething pain. The oils included in these blends are not safe for infants! Ingredients vary, but often these blends often include cinnamon, clove, rosemary, orange or lemon, and eucalyptus.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to the high concentration of essential oils. The following are safety guidelines for topical application on the youngest members of your family. These recommendations are taken from the Amrita Aromatherapy website.
- Infants 0-6 months: Lavender, Roman Chamomile
- Infants 6-12 months: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose
- Children 1-6 years: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Neroli, Orange, Tea Tree
Be safe and always check the safety requirements of an essential oil before using on or near young children!
Do A Patch Test!
If you are trying a new oil or one that is a potential irritant, it is often suggested to test it on a small area of the body before use.
Here are two ways to do a patch test:
- Dilute the oil to twice the concentration that you would use it. Apply a small amount to the inside of the forearm several times over 24 hours. Wait another 24 hours. If no reaction occurs the oil should be safe for you to use.
- Apply two drops to a bandage. Place on the inside of the wrist. Check in two hours for a reaction.
If irritation does occur, wash with a mild unperfumed soap. If necessary aloe vera gel may be applied to soothe the irritated area. A reaction indicates the oil is not one you should be using.
Phototoxicity
Some oils should not be used on the skin for eight hours prior to exposure to sunlight or a tanning bed. Photo-toxicity reactions can be severe and symptoms may include: severe sunburn, blistering, changes in skin color (possibly permanent) and swelling. The oils that can cause this reaction include citrus oils, bergamot, and angelica.
Contraindications
Always check the safety requirements of each oil before use. This is especially important when using oils on people with serious medical conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and infants. This also applies to those with epilepsy and high blood pressure. Check out the dilution guide below for guidelines on this.
Keep Out Of Reach of Children
Remember, essential oils are concentrated! If accidental ingestion occurs be safe and call Poison Control.
Storage
High quality essential oils have a shelf life of two to five years if properly stored.
- Follow these guidelines to ensure long-shelf:
- Avoid exposure to heat, oxygen and sunlight
- Purchase oils packaged in dark bottles
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Note that citrus oils have a much shorter shelf life of approximately six months.
Use and Enjoy
Essential oils have a long history of therapeutic use. Because they are scent based, they affect health and healing on multiple levels. Learning more about essential oil safety will increase confidence and expand your potential applications.
The topic of essential oil safety can be controversial. There are many companies that promote use of their products in ways that some experts deem unsafe. The Healthy Place team works hard to provide you with information that is accurate and reliable. Our goal is to provide you with information so you can make informed decisions regarding essential oil safety. Feel free to contact us with any concerns or questions you have regarding essential oils, supplements and nutritional products. We are here to help you “Find Your Healthy Place”!
This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice on specific medical conditions.
*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”
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