Essential oils have been receiving lots of attention for their potential benefits. However, before you use them, be sure to prioritize safety and proper dilution.
For example, using undiluted oil on your skin can irritate it. You also need to avoid ingesting them, which can be dangerous and lead to adverse reactions.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant chemicals that can be extracted by steaming, distilling or pressing parts of the plant such as flowers, leaves, bark, fruit or roots. They are used for fragrances and to perform other functions within the plant.
When inhaled, the smell of these chemicals stimulates the limbic system of your brain, which plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory. Some believe that the limbic system is also involved in controlling some unconscious physiological processes like breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
When applied to the skin, the chemicals in essential oils can be absorbed and cause reactions such as rashes, asthma or allergies. They can also irritate the nasal and respiratory tracts when inhaled, especially in people with underlying conditions such as asthma or COPD.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are very concentrated, so they must be used in a safe and controlled manner. You can use them aromatically (inhaling the scent) or topically on your skin. You can also ingest them, though this is not recommended if you have certain health conditions, such as gastrointestinal tract problems or epilepsy.
You can purchase essential oils online, at drugstores or natural health stores. Be sure to read the labels carefully because quality varies widely. For example, the label “therapeutic grade” doesn’t necessarily mean that it is pure or contains the plant compounds responsible for a particular health effect, according to Lin.
Avoid buying essential oils that are labeled as “fragrance.” That may contain many different ingredients, including synthetic chemicals. The shelf life of essential oils can also vary. Citrus oils have the shortest shelf lives, while florals like lavender have the longest, according to Dechen. Store your oils in a cool, dark place away from heat to prolong their life.
Safety Concerns with Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic when used improperly. They can cause a range of reactions from nausea and skin irritation to seizures, coma or liver failure.
Even pure, natural essential oil can be toxic when ingested or inhaled in excessive amounts. Children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity can have particularly strong reactions to these oils.
Many essential oils are flammable, so they must be kept away from flame sources and in tightly closed, dark-colored bottles. They should also be stored out of the reach of children and pets.
It is important to prioritize safety, proper dilution and individual response when using essential oils. For example, certain oils should be avoided or used only in a very diluted form with the guidance of a professional, such as birch and wintergreen oils which contain methyl salicylate, or eucalyptus oil that contains 1,8 cineole. Additionally, allergic reaction symptoms should be monitored, including itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing.
Are Essential Oils Safe to Consume?
The Food and Drug Administration only considers some essential oils “generally recognized as safe” for use in foods. It is still a good idea to talk with your doctor and research the quality of a brand’s products before using them in cooking.
Pure, undiluted essential oil can irritate the skin, nose and throat, and some may be toxic when swallowed, according to the International Federation of Aromatherapists. It takes huge amounts of plant material to produce just one drop of highly concentrated oil.
For example, it takes pounds of lemon rind to make just one drop of lemon oil. Eating that lemon oil could cause toxicity, depending on the concentration. Essential oils should never be ingested without the guidance of a trained aromatherapist or medical professional. Swallowing some essential oils can trigger serious health problems, from neurological symptoms to organ damage. These symptoms can vary in severity and may take up to four hours to develop after exposure.
