By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, Professional AIA, and NAHA Member, Marketing Manager @ www.BulkSkinCare.com
Essential oils are rapidly gaining popularity. People enjoy them in their homes, at work, and on the go. Did you know that an essential oil consists of the most chemically reactive constituents isolated from a plant and should be used sparingly? Excessive or inappropriate use can cause undesirable allergic reactions!
Here is a quick read on the eight most common mistakes to avoid with using therapeutic-grade essential oils.
- Do not take essential oils internally without your healthcare professional’s well-informed advice.
Professional aromatherapy organizations agree (1,2) that people should not ingest essential oils without expert advice. These oils can cause mucus membrane irritation (3).
Key mucus membrane irritating oils include but are not limited to –
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemongrass
- Bay
- Thyme
Oils can have drug-like reactions that may be toxic in excess to bodily organs. Further, certain plant extractions or their constituents are contraindicated with some medical conditions and/or medications. These adverse side effects can be serious or even fatal.
- Children and pets have a much lower therapeutic margin.
Kids aren’t just smaller than adults; their bodily systems are also not fully developed. As a result, it is suggested to avoid using essential oils with babies under three months. Then, use essential oils heavily diluted and avoid certain oils altogether.
This includes diffusing oils and topical use – dilute more heavily at a rate equal to the size difference compared to a 150-pound adult. Ask your Pediatrician and do your research before use.
Essential oils should be used sparingly around dogs and cats and avoided with birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish altogether. Follow expert pet aromatherapist guidelines and your vet for the safe use of essential oils with animals (4)
Some common oils you may need to avoid with pets, kids, and pregnant / breastfeeding mothers include:
- Anise
- Basil
- Bay
- Camphor
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Lemongrass
- Niaouli
- Oregano
- Peppermint Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Sage
- Tea Tree Oil
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
- Essential Oils are not soluble in water (5).
This means you cannot dribble a few drops in water and expect dilution. Essential oils are oil-soluble and should be mixed with carrier oils for proper dilution. Carrier oils contain fat proteins. Examples include jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, and coconut oil.
- Do not apply essential oils neat (undiluted) onto your skin.
Experts suggest that a healthy adult dilutes (non-hot) essential oils to 2% for general use (1,2). This equals about 10-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Some oils may need to be diluted more heavily. Also, certain oils should be avoided with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions.
- Certain oils can be phototoxic – avoid topical use with sun exposure.
Topical application, even heavily diluted, can cause skin damage. Avoid these oils on your skin if you are going out in the sun: angelica root, bergamot, cumin, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and rue (6).
- Be sure to use oil diffusers intermittently so as not to get over-exposed to scents.
Many people think you can run an essential oil diffuser all day long. This can be especially unsafe around pets, children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. Put your diffuser on a timer: 5 minutes on, 30 minutes off. Dilute the oils more heavily around fragile populations and pets, and shorten the diffuser’s use time. Avoid oils that are contraindicated.
- Store your oils properly to avoid oxidation and loss of therapeutic benefits.
When essential oils are exposed to air, sun, or heat, their chemistry can change. This can make the oils smell less vivid, have fewer benefits, and can even cause an increased risk of adverse reactions, especially with topical use.
Be sure to store oils in a sealed colored glass or essential oil-safe container. Store away from the sun or heat. Avoid having the lid open for longer than a few minutes and avoid cross-contamination.
If an essential oil’s aroma or color changes significantly over time, it may be oxidized – avoid use.
- Every essential oil has unique benefits, contraindications, and guidelines for safe use.
Just as each herb has different usage instructions, so too does a plant’s essential oil. Please investigate the benefits and uses of a plant by botanical (Latin) name, and ask your healthcare provider any questions before use.
Also, consider the chemical constituents that make up an essential oil. Note that the constituents can vary by batch based on climate conditions and extraction methods. Seek a GC-MS report on essential oil to get an accurate list of key constituents.
About Aromaland and BulkSkinCare.com
Aromaland has been offering high-quality therapeutic-grade essential oils for over 30 years. We have over 200 single notes and masterfully formulated oil blends. Our website, www.BulkSkinCare.com, features essential oils and wholesale natural body care products at bulk prices. Businesses can contact us to get wholesale pricing.
References
- National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): Home | NAHA
- Alliance of International Aromatherapists(AIA): Alliance of International Aromatherapists – Home (alliance-aromatherapists.org)
- EarthtoKathy: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Research – Earth to Kathy
- WellnessAromas.com: Essential Oils and Pets – Wellness Aromas
- WellnessAromas.com: How to Mix Essential Oils with Water – Wellness Aromas
- NAHA: Exploring Aromatherapy | NAHA
