By no means would I consider myself an authority or expert on Essential Oils (EO's) and/or aromatherapy. Which is exactly why I am writing this blog..... Too many of us are out there with false confidence distributing and using essential oils.
I have been using essential oils for over 15 years, mainly tea tree and lavender, for my skin. In the last 5 years I began using them around my house in cleaning products, potpourri, and air fresheners, and dabbling in wellness approaches with a few very common oils. Then I was introduced to doTERRA, one of the well known Multi Level Marketing (MLM) essential oil distribution companies, another to be aware of is Young Living Essential Oils.
Both companies offer some Essential Oil and Aromatherapy education, but, I feel that they do not emphasise the safety precautions well and constantly remind you that EO's are safe and effective. The issue is that they can also be dangerous if you are not aware of the limits.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) website has reliable information about EO's and also provides a list of approved aromatherapy certification schools if you are interested in going further.They have a very informative page about aromatherapy safety.
I urge people to look beyond what is in front of them and make sure you are doing something you are fully informed about. Aromatherapy is a useful and wonderful tool, but, can be extremely dangerous if you are not aware of the boundaries....
Here are a few things I wish learned before...
- EO's should NOT be ingested, they are 50 times more powerful in oil than herb form. It is recommended you drink tea made from the herbs and flowers instead and under the guidance of a certified aromatherapist.
- ALWAYS do a patch test for every oil on the inside of the elbow for 20 min. before using it.
- The ONLY EO's you can put on skin without a carrier oils are: Lavender and Tea Tree, and only if your skin is not sensitive.
- ALWAYS double dilute essential oils for children this comes to 1/2 of the 1% delusion or less.
- The ONLY EO's that are SAFE to use during pregnancy are as follows...
- Bergamot
- Geranium
- Lavender (Angustofolia)
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Orange
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
- Tea Tree
- Ylang Ylang
- All the other essential oils should
not be used, some of them are reported abortifacient (may cause
abortion). There are a small number of other essential oils that may be
used with caution, but only if you are an experienced Certified
Aromatherapist.
- There are a number of EO's that should NEVER be used, they have been deemed hazardous to your health.They are considered toxic, carcinogenic, or cautionary. They also may not have thorough testing to consider safe. The highlighted ones are available through doTERRA.
- Ajowan
- Arnica
- Bitter Almond
- Boldo Leaf
- Buchu
- Calamus
- Camphor
- Caraway
- CASSIA
- CINNAMON
- CLOVE
- Elacampane root
- Horseradish
- Jadorandi
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Parsley Seed
- Pennyroyal
- Peru Balsam
- Rue
- Sage
- Santolina
- Sassafras
- Savin
- Savory
- Southernwood
- Tansy
- Thuja
- Tonka bean
- WINTERGREEN
- Wormseed
- Wormwood
- Citrus oils are photosensitive and may cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight for 3-4 hours.
- Here are specific oils to avoid if you have certain health conditions...
- Taking blood thinners
- Avoid:Cinnamon, sage, and hyssop.
- Epilepsy
- Avoid: Finnel, sage, rosemary, and hyssop.
- Estrogen Cancers
- Avoid: Geranium, rose, and clary sage.
- High Blood Pressure
- Avoid: Pine, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
- Kidney Problems
- Avoid: Juniper, sandalwood, and coriander.
- Cancer
- Avoid: Aniseed, basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, laurel, nutmeg, and star anise.
- Skin Cancer
- Avoid: all citrus oils
- Asthma
- Avoid: thyme & steam inhalation
- Do not use EO's in the eye, flush with milk or carrier oils.
- Essential oils will NOT last forever. Keep them closed, in a dark cool place as much as possible. If they loose their smell, toss them.
Here's a quick guide to common essential oils and what the contraindication are:
http://aromatictherapeutics.com/inspiration/essential-oil-contraindications
Here is a very details three page list of Essential Oil safety and basics on carrier oils and other useful info!
http://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/Guidelines_for_Using_Essential_Oils_and_Herbs/1711/1
BE WELL & BE SAFE!!!
xoxo
-Jen
Sources:
Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy By: Francine Milford
Aromatherapy, Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal By: Valerie Cooksley, R.N.
