Essential Oils (EOs) are extracted from plant parts. They have a scent and are often used in perfumes, cosmetics, room fresheners, and flavorings. What distinguishes EOs from the avalanche of products being labeled as “contain essential oils” or “aromatherapy” is that most of the time in cosmetology or mainstream products the fragrance maybe synthetic – it smells like but does not have the therapeutic properties of the EO. When you are using a real EO (or better yet, misusing it), it can cause serious poisoning. During an aromatherapy training/certification, the aromatherapists study the chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology related to the EOs. It’s scary to see it could be lethal to some, especially for children.
Numerous essential oils are well known by anyone these days. You can find EOs anywhere – online, in grocery stores, Bed Bath & Beyond along with the diffusers and humidifiers. This is not a bad thing at all, but if you really want to use EOs, you need to learn the basics about the oils, learn about safety, and learn from a Clinical Certified Aromatherapist. The rule of thumb is never to ingest and always to dilute!
Please don’t assume that EOs are harmless because they are natural. Many essential oils can cause skin reactions when applied to skin, especially the citric ones due to photosensitivity. We study case studies of seizures and horrific skin reactions. Many of the EOs can be poisonous if absorbed through the skin or swallowed. I see an avalanche of synthetic oils on the market and people buying and using them. I get very scared when I see people with absolutely no clinical experience or certification selling oils and have sale meetings (from certain EO companies) as if they were selling Tupperware. Ingesting EOs can be so dangerous. If you are not an aromatherapist, if you don’t know the chemistry, pharmacology, and if you are not an herbalist, please do not ingest the oils! I don’t want to be extreme but giving rat poison to someone would probably be less harmful because at least, when calling poison control or taking the person to the hospital, the nurse/doctor would know how right away how to proceed and how to help with the detoxification process because there are protocols of known chemicals. EOs toxicity can be very complicated.
EOs should never be applied undiluted not even lavender (which is the safest of the oils). Childrens’ skin is usually more sensitive because of their thin skin and immature livers and they might be more susceptible to toxic effects than adults. Once you have an allergic reaction to an oil then you can never use that oil again. If you think of EO as natural medicine, and as in any other medicine, there could be interactions with other drugs. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using the oils when you are taking any medicine (even if over the counter medicine).
EOs are basically not regulated in the U.S., anyone can buy or sell. It’s a mess. I belong to an aromatherapy organization that has been raising the standards for Aromatherapists and vendors and very involved in regulations all over the world.
If you would like to use EOs and want to learn more about them, please send me an email and/or schedule a free appointment over the phone. I also add oils to my massage therapy practice to help promote relaxation and other specific conditions. My website is: www.massagebybertone.com
