Essential oils are a buzzy, modern trend that may be beneficial for some health concerns. But, these concentrated plant-based oils can also be dangerous if misused.
For example, they can irritate the skin and lungs when inhaled directly, and can cause allergic reactions. It’s important to follow a few basic rules before using them.
Aromatherapy
Using essential oils in aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that helps relieve stress and pain. It involves breathing in the aromas from the oil, applying it to the skin or adding it to a bath.
Aromatherapy is based on the idea that certain scents can stimulate the brain and cause an emotional response, such as relaxation or excitement. Some oils may also have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It’s important to remember that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, so you must use them carefully and avoid certain ones if you have specific health conditions. For example, rosemary and ylang-ylang oils contain chemicals that can increase blood pressure, so those with high blood pressure should avoid them.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or dispersant (like jojoba oil) before using them on the skin. Undiluted oils can burn and irritate the skin. You should also never ingest essential oils, as they can be poisonous.
Cooking
As a substitute for spices or herbs, essential oils can be added to food to add flavor and promote healthy living. When using them in cooking, make sure the oil is diluted properly. You only need a drop or two for most recipes. This is important because essential oils are very concentrated and can overwhelm a dish.
Diluting essential oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, helps ensure the oils won’t damage your cooking. It also helps disperse the oil throughout your recipe.
When adding essential oils to hot recipes, it’s best to wait until the end of the cook time. This is because the heat will evaporate the volatile oils. Once the cooking is done, stir your diluted oil into the recipe. When using stronger oils, such as cinnamon or clove, be cautious and use only a toothpick dip. Also, only use glass or stainless steel bowls; essential oils can pull toxins from plastic and ruin your food.
Bathing
Essential oils have gained popularity as natural remedies for headaches, insomnia and even sore throats. The plant extracts are used by rubbing them on the skin or diffusing them in the air. But these oils are 50 to 100 times more concentrated than the plants they come from, so if not diluted properly, they can cause skin reactions, especially on damaged or sensitive skin.
They can also trigger respiratory distress, if inhaled directly. And certain odors, such as those from citrus and eucalyptus oils, can bother people with COPD, a condition that causes permanent damage to lung tissues.
Some essential oils, such as basil and tea tree oil, have been shown to have antibacterial properties against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in their biofilms. But additional research is needed to assess the effectiveness of essential oils in other infections and on healthy people.
Massage
Essential oils are a natural complement to massage. When used properly, they can enhance the client’s experience and boost the therapeutic benefits of the treatment. Before incorporating them into your practice, learn about the different properties and uses of individual oils. It’s also important to choose a trusted oil producer that makes pure oils without any extra ingredients. Those with added vegetable oils, for example, may be more likely to cause skin reactions than those that are purely plant-based.
Be sure to inform clients of any sensitivities or allergies to certain oils. It’s also helpful to educate them on any medical conditions that could make some oils unsafe or exacerbate their symptoms. Also, encourage clients to bring informed consent forms and make sure their liability insurance covers aromatherapy. During a deep tissue massage, try dabbing lavender or roman chamomile oil onto the soles of the feet (the feet contain key absorption points). Both oils have been shown to have calming and sleep-inducing effects.
