Essential Oils – Are They Safe?
Essential oils are making a big buzz, helping with everything from headaches to insomnia. But how do these concentrated plant-based oils work, and are they safe?
Most experts say they’re safe to inhale or use on the skin (when combined with a carrier oil), but some have been linked to serious reactions. Do a patch test before trying any new ones.
What are they?
Essential oils are distilled or mechanically cold-pressed from the aromatic, resinous parts of plants, such as flowering herbs or trees. They have been used for medicinal, cosmetic, hygienic and religious purposes for nearly 6,000 years. Today, they are mostly used for aromatherapy, a practice that involves massage, inhalation and other methods to enhance mood and promote physical wellness. Some are also believed to have antiviral, fungicidal, insecticidal, and antibiotic properties.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, which must pass through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream to have an effect on various systems of the body, essential oils enter the body via absorption through the skin or inhalation directly into the nose and lungs. This allows the oil to affect multiple systems in a very short period of time, whereas it can take hours for a pill to reach the gut and begin working.
The chemical compounds that make up an essential oil are distilled or cold-pressed from the parts of the plant that give it its characteristic fragrance, such as flowers, leaves, seeds, bark or roots. Plants produce different types of essential oils to protect themselves, and the quality and purity of an oil depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, climatic conditions, the soil in which the plant grows and its age.
A high-quality oil should smell the way it is supposed to, and be free of any added fragrances or chemicals. Look for a label that lists the name of the oil and the country it came from, and avoid oils that use the word “fragrance.”
If you are going to apply an oil to your skin, test it on a patch before using it full strength. Diluting the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, can help prevent irritation and is recommended for those new to using essential oils. You can also add a drop of essential oil to water or tea to boost flavor and add aroma, though always check the label directions first for ingestion safety.
Adding the right oil to your daily routine can help you feel better, from fighting off infections and colds to managing stress and insomnia. For example, peppermint oil has been shown to reduce IBS symptoms and soothe headaches when applied topically, while lemon oil is said to help with digestion and can boost the immune system.
How do they work?
Inhaling the scent of essential oils can stimulate your brain to help reduce stress. It can also improve your mood and increase energy levels. Essential oils may also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. They can be used in massages, diluted in bathwater or added to skin care products. However, be sure to use pure and high-quality oils. You should avoid applying undiluted oils to your face and other sensitive areas of the body. It’s also best to start with one new oil at a time to see how your body reacts.
It takes a lot of plant material to make just a few drops of oil. This is why it’s important to buy quality oils that have been harvested correctly and stored properly. Look for a label that lists the Latin name of the plant, any other ingredients added and the country where the plant was grown. Also, choose dark-colored glass bottles as essential oils can dissolve plastic bottles over time and taint the oil inside.
While some studies support the use of certain essential oils to treat some health conditions, most do not. It’s important to consult a professional and follow their guidelines.
If you have a sensitivity to certain oils, dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin. A carrier oil is a non-fragranced, vegetable or nut oil that helps to dilute and distribute the essential oil over larger areas of the skin for easier application and less chance of an allergic reaction.
Keep in mind that children’s bodies are much more sensitive than adults, so you should apply any oils to them with caution. It’s best to start with the soles of their feet and work their way up to see how they react before applying them anywhere else on their bodies. Also, be careful when using oils in teas or in food recipes. It is not recommended to ingest essential oils, as they can cause toxicity in the body.
Because essential oils are so concentrated, they should be kept out of the reach of children. Keep them in a safe, secure place that is difficult for little hands to access.
Are they safe?
Although many people assume essential oils are safe because they come from nature, this is not always the case. Essential oils are incredibly concentrated and can affect our bodies in very powerful ways. The safety of an oil depends on a variety of factors, including its quality and how it is used. If not properly diluted, essential oils can irritate skin or cause a burning sensation. Ingesting essential oils can also be dangerous, as they can build up to toxic levels in the body quickly. This can happen if you ingest more than two drops of an essential oil in four to six hours, according to the Western Australian Poisons Information Centre.
When using an oil topically, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent a reaction on the skin. This is because pure essential oils can be absorbed through the pores and into the bloodstream, which can lead to an allergic or harmful reaction. Carrier oils are generally available at natural food stores and include jojoba, olive, and avocado oils. It’s also important to check the label for a recommended maximum concentration for topical use, and carry out a patch test before applying a new oil to your skin.
Essential oil manufacturers may claim that their products are “food-grade,” but this isn’t true. This term is just a marketing ploy and doesn’t mean that the oil has been tested by the FDA. In fact, most companies don’t even grow or distill their own oils. They rely on a network of suppliers to provide them with the plants that they extract their oils from. This means that it is very difficult to know exactly what is in a given bottle of oil.
It is also important to consider that some essential oils, such as oregano and sage, can interact negatively with certain medications and can actually reduce their effectiveness. Because of this, it is very important to talk to your doctor before attempting to treat any health condition with essential oils. Similarly, pregnant women should be very cautious and only use essential oils under the guidance of a qualified professional.
How do I use them?
There are a few different ways to use essential oils. They can be inhaled as a perfume, added to a carrier oil for application on the skin or taken internally (although it’s important to check that the oil is safe for that purpose). You can even use them in recipes. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with just one drop or less and add more if needed.
When inhaled, the scent of an oil stimulates the olfactory nerve that runs from your nose to your brain. That’s why it can have such a strong impact on your emotions and memories. For example, the crisp aroma of peppermint can be a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling fatigued, while the calming scent of lavender can help you relax and fall asleep at night.
Adding the oils to your body can have a variety of effects as well, from boosting your immune system to relieving nausea during chemotherapy. If you’re planning to try this, it’s best to work with a certified aromatherapist who can teach you how to properly use the oils and how much to use.
If you’re planning to apply the oils directly to your skin, it’s important to make sure that they are diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. This helps prevent them from irritating your skin or causing a skin reaction. It’s also a good idea to test the oil on a small area of your skin first to see how it affects you.
The recommended dosage of an essential oil varies, so it’s important to read the label carefully. In general, you should never take more than the recommended amount. Whether you’re using them aromatically or topically with a carrier oil, it’s always better to start out with a smaller amount and increase as needed.
You can find these fragrant plant extracts in everything from bath products to homemade cleaning recipes and integrative complementary therapies such as massage. But when shopping for the right essential oils for you, make sure to look for high-quality products. The United States doesn’t regulate essential oil quality, so it can be challenging to know which brands are best.
