How to use essential oils?

 

Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, is an exponentially growing industry and could generate more than US$33 billion over the next decade. Its effectiveness and safety still need to be rigorously researched, but the interest, whether legitimate or fraudulent, is undeniably there. They are often presented as "natural" solutions, plants can produce chemical elements that have both beneficial and toxic effects, especially if used in a concentrated form. Thus, they should always be used judiciously.

Talk to your doctor

Talk to your doctor before starting an aromatherapy treatment. Essential oils can aggravate certain health conditions and have interactions with other medications and supplements. For example, ginkgo biloba can cause severe bleeding if consumed with blood thinners, and St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill or cause a potentially fatal increase in serotonin if used with antidepressants or cough medication.

Consider the person's age

Essential oils that are safe for adults can have catastrophic effects on a developing body and they should always be used with great caution, diluted and only for external use. As such, certain oils should never be used. For example, the ingestion of ten drops of wintergreen essential oil can be fatal for a child, and lavender oil is said to be an endocrine disruptor that causes abnormal breast flare-ups in little girls as young as twelve months and little boys. Older people are even more susceptible to harmful effects and should only ingest essential oils under the supervision of a doctor.

Make sure they come from a reliable source

Essential oils do not all have the same value. The method of cultivation and preparation, for example, can have significant effects on their effectiveness, shelf life and allergic potential. For example, metal in distillation containers can infiltrate essential oils and increase the risk of oxidation. Because these products are not subject to regulated quality standards, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends choosing oils made by reputable manufacturers, stored in dark bottles, and labeled with the species name, where the plant was grown, warnings for use, and purity of the product.

Check the species

When it comes to essential oils, the species of plant used is important. Many people use peppermint oil, for example, but other plants in the same family, such as pennymint, can be poisonous.

Don't forget the dilution

Some essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. The dilution depends on several factors, such as the oil chosen, its use, and the health, age and sensitivity of the person who will use it. Carrier oil not only reduces the danger of essential oils, it can also increase their effectiveness.

Keep them out of reach

Essential oils should be stored in a locked cabinet, away from children and pets. The Vanderbilt University Poison Control Center reports that the number of essential oil poisonings doubled between 2011 and 2015, and children account for 80 percent of cases.

Use them wisely

When handling undiluted essential oils, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated room and take precautions to protect your eyes and skin. Essential oils are flammable, so be sure to always keep them away from flames. Never place undiluted oil on a hot surface, as it could be sprayed and the concentration could be dangerous.

Do not ingest them

Most essential oils, with the exception of products that are specifically made to be ingested, should never be used for internal use, even if the product is food grade. For example, mustard oil is often used as an additive in processed foods, but it can be toxic if consumed in its pure form. Any internal use should be supervised by a health care professional.

Do some testing

Always test your skin with a small amount of essential oil (diluted, of course!) before any skin use, to avoid any sensitivity issues. Even the most widely used essential oils can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. If you've had sensitivity issues in the past, a dermatologist may perform an allergy test to check if an essential oil is adequate before you start using it regularly. Essential oils can also create reactions if used together, even if you are not allergic to these products when applied separately.

Be on the lookout for delayed reactions

Allergic reactions to essential oils are not always immediate and do not always occur in the exact place where the product was applied. Repeated exposure can lead to an allergic reaction over time, so don't take symptoms lightly just because you've used a product in the past.

Show moderation

Always use essential oils sparingly. As the saying goes, "excess creates poison." The line between a therapeutic dose (safe and effective) and a dangerous dose, the therapeutic index, can be very thin. Using essential oils long-term can also cause problems that don't present with occasional use.

Stay in the shade

Some essential oils should not be used on skin that will subsequently be exposed to the sun. For example, citrus oils (lemon, lime, bergamot) can cause phototoxicity when applied to the skin. Exposing the affected area to the sun will lead to severe burns and long-term hyperpigmentation.

Go easy on the diffusion

Essential oils are often used with diffusers, but some oils can cause respiratory problems if used in large quantities. There are even reports of rashes caused by oil droplets projected from diffusers. To be on the safe side, always use a diffuser in a well-ventilated room and intermittently, never exceed one hour of diffusion and wait at least an hour between treatment periods.

Be careful if you are pregnant

Essential oils should be used with caution during pregnancy and always under the supervision of a professional, as some compounds in the oils can sneak into the placenta and pose a danger to the unborn child. Some pregnant women may also experience hypersensitivity to essential oils.

Make sure to store them properly and dispose of them properly.

Essential oils can degrade, become rancid, or even cause allergies when exposed to heat, oxygen, or light. Many oils, including the ever-popular lavender oil, react with oxygen to create hydrogen peroxide, which is a potential allergen. Follow the instructions on the label for storage and never use a product after its expiration date, or three years after purchase if no date is indicated.

Consult an aromatherapist

It is not easy to use essential oils safely. Consider consulting a recognized aromatherapist (as well as your doctor!), especially if you are pregnant, have any health conditions or history of allergies, or if you intend to use the products on a child. It is important to remember, however, that the aromatherapy industry is not subject to strict laws, although some associations have formed voluntarily, and qualifications can be difficult to confirm.