Essential oils have been generating lots of buzz for their potential to boost your health. But they’re not all created equal, and you should be cautious about how you use them, says an integrative medicine expert.
The most familiar way to use them is to apply them aromatically, such as rubbing a few drops between your palms and inhaling deeply. You can also spritz them on surfaces or in your home or car.
How to Use
Whether you’re looking to elevate your mood or soothe a headache, there’s likely an essential oil out there that’s right for you. But before you start experimenting, know how to use the oils safely and effectively.
The scented liquids are extracted from various parts of the plant using steam or pressure to capture the chemicals that give plants their unique scent. You can inhale them, add them to a carrier oil for direct skin application or use them in household products like cleaners.
When applied to the skin, it’s important to dilute them first with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba, as undiluted essential oils can cause irritation. It’s also a good idea to do a skin test with a diluted oil on your wrist before applying it to your body, as the reaction can vary among individuals.
You can also add essential oils to your favorite recipes or teas, but only those that are safe for internal use, as they can have a strong flavor and may leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth if swallowed straight from the bottle. It’s also important to store them properly and note the expiration date on the label.
Safety
Although essential oils are naturally derived, they can be toxic in large doses and can interfere with some medications. It’s important to use recommended dilution levels and follow application guidelines, especially with children, infants, people with chronic conditions and pregnant women.
Inhaling undiluted oil directly from the bottle, as opposed to a diffuser or applying it topically, can cause irritation to the nose and throat. This can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
When choosing an oil, look for a quality producer that doesn’t add any extra ingredients. This will make a difference in the scent and effectiveness of the oil. It’s also important to keep the oils out of reach of children and to always store them in glass bottles with child-proof caps. Young children have been known to unscrew the cap and drink the oil, which can lead to serious complications, including vomiting and liver damage. Check out doTERRA’s Adverse Reaction Database, which allows members to self-report any reactions they’ve experienced.
Precautions
Essential oils are very concentrated and can be a hazard if not used properly. They should never be ingested or applied to the skin without proper dilution, which is recommended by most aromatherapy sources. If a person does accidentally swallow an oil, symptoms of toxicity may include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or respiratory distress.
When applying an essential oil to the skin, it is a good idea to do a patch test first. This involves putting a small amount of the diluted oil on an innocuous part of your body (such as the inner forearm) and covering it with a bandage. Wait up to 24 hours to see if your skin has any reactions.
If you do develop a reaction, discontinue use and contact your health care provider for further guidance. Also, keep in mind that heat can cause an oil to break down faster, so it is important to store them in a cool, dark place when they are not in use.
Interactions
Essential oils (EOs) are aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from plant parts. They are believed to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other beneficial properties. They are widely used in aromatherapy, which involves inhalation or application of the oils to the skin. EOs are also increasingly being investigated as natural food preservatives because of concern over the increasing resistance to synthetic chemical preservatives and an interest in eliminating food-borne illness.
Test-tube studies have shown that many EOs have antimicrobial activities against certain microorganisms. However, these results don’t always translate to human beings.
In addition, the way in which EOs are extracted and processed can alter their composition and antimicrobial properties. Further, different research methods used to study EOs make it hard to compare results from one study to another. Also, EOs can interact with some medications, including antidepressants and blood thinners. Therefore, it is important to check with your doctor before using EOs, especially if you are taking any other medicines.
