Essential Oils and Safety

 

Above all, think of the essential oils as living things that deserve to be treated with reverence because the power of nature, of creation, of light, and of love, is within them.

Valerie Ann Worwood, author of Aromatherapy for the Soul

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Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile aromatic extracts that are distilled or expressed from the roots, bark, stems, leaves, flowers or other parts of a plant. Typically, it takes many pounds of plant material to produce a small amount of essential oil; for example, it takes 65 pounds of rose petals to make 15 mL of essential oil. Essential oils are generally about 60 - 70 times more concentrated than the whole plant, 50 -200 times more concentrated than dried herbs, and a single drop of essential oil is equivalent to 15 - 40 cups of medicinal tea or up to 10 teaspoons of tincture. Essential oils are different than perfume or fragrance oils which are synthetic containing artificial substances and do not offer any therapeutic benefits.

 

The benefits of essential oils can be obtained by olfaction or inhalation and absorption through the skin. Ingestion is not recommended.

 

1. Olfaction / Inhalation is the safest and most effective way to quickly gain the therapeutic benefit of essential oils. Inhalation should be avoided by people with respiratory problems, and infants.

2. Absorption or direct application of the essential oil to the skin requires dilution in a carrier oil, also known as a fixed or base oil, to avoid overloading the body’s ability to metabolize the essential oil as well as avoiding potential skin irritation. Always perform a skin patch test+ before applying a new essential oil to the skin. In the event of a dermal irritation, apply a small amount of vegetable oil or cream to the affected area; seek medical attention; do not apply water. [Note: Essentials oils are hydrophobic meaning that they are not attracted to water and therefore do not mix with water. Essential oils are lyophilic meaning they are attracted to and readily absorbed in carrier oils, which are extracted from the fatty parts of the plant, and by the skin.]

 

The dilution ratio, or the amount of essential oil in one (1) ounce of carrier oil, is typically given based on the age of the person; however, there are several other factors to consider, such as one’s overall health, use of medications, skin condition, essential oil quality and toxicity, the goal or intention to be achieved, and the method of application. The typical dilution ratio, per one (1) ounce of carrier oil is

 

• Adults, healthy: 1% (5 - 6 drops) - 2.5% (15 drops)

• Adults, with health conditions, fragile skin, or are taking medications: 0.25% (1 drop) to 1% (5 - 6 drops)

• Women who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding should not use essential oils without consulting a certified aromatherapist and their healthcare provider.

 

“Safety involves a state of being free from risk or occurrence of injury, harm, or danger. Individuals who practice aromatherapy need to be aware of the safety issues involved with using essential oils in order to avoid potential

adverse effects.”

NAHA

 

1. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets and away from direct contact with flames and other heat sources. If a child appears to have drunk several spoonfuls of essential oil, contact the nearest poison control unit (often listed in the front of a telephone directory). Keep the bottle for identification and encourage the child to drink whole or 2% milk. Do not try to induce vomiting.

2. Consult your health care provider and a qualified professional aromatherapist before using essential oils, if you are on any medications or have any of the following health conditions: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders or allergies, kidney and/or bladder issues, diabetes, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use.

3. Use essential oils in a well-ventilated area for short periods of time. Essential oils should not be used for prolonged periods of time to avoid respiratory problems, skin irritation, and sensitization. The use of essential oils should be discontinued immediately if you experience a rash, headache, nausea, respiratory or heart distress, dizziness, lethargy or seizures or convulsions.  

4. Keep essential oils away from the eyes, ears, nose, and other mucous areas. If essential oils get into the eye, apply carrier oil to a cotton cloth and carefully wipe over the closed lid. Common essential oils considered to be mucous membrane irritants include  Bay Pimento racemosa, Caraway Carum carvi, Cinnamon bark or leaf Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Clove Syzygium aromaticum, Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus, Peppermint Mentha x piperita, Thyme ct. thymol Thymus vulgaris

5. Avoid the use of photosensitizers, dermal irritants, dermal sensitizers. 

• Photosensitizers contain Bergaptene which is what causes the reaction with the sun. Common essential oils considered to be photosensitizers include Angelica Angelica archangelica, Bergamot  Citrus bergamia, Cumin Cuminum cyminum, Grapefruit, distilled or expressed grapefruit  Citrus paradisi, Lemon, expressed  Citrus limon, Lime, expressed  Citrus medica, Orange, bitter; expressed  Citrus aurantium, Rue  Ruta graveolens                             

• Dermal irritants produce an immediate effect of irritation on the skin and present on the skin as blotchy or redness, which may be painful to some individuals. The severity of the reaction will depend on the concentration (dilution) applied. If an essential oil causes dermal irritation, apply a small amount of vegetable oil or cream to the area affected and discontinue use of essential oil. Common essential oils considered to be dermal irritants include Bay Pimento racemosa, Cinnamon bark or leaf Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Note: bark is more irritating than leaf), Clove Syzygium aromaticum, Citronella Cymbopogon nardus, Cumin Cuminum cyminum, Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus, Lemon verbena Lippia citriodora, Oregano Origanum vulgare, Thyme ct. thymol Thymus vulgaris

• Dermal sensitization is a type of allergic reaction. It occurs on first exposure to a substance, but a noticeable effect on the skin will be slight or absent. Subsequent exposure to the same or a similar essential oil may produce a severe inflammatory reaction. The reaction will present on the skin as blotchy or redness and may be painful. Once dermal sensitization occurs the area may be sensitive for many years. Common essential oils considered to be  dermal sensitizers and are not recommended for dermal use include Cassia Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamon bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Peru balsam Myroxylon pereirae, Verbena absolute Lippia citriodora, Tea absolute Camellia sinensis, Turpentine oil Pinus spp. 

+ Prior to using any essential oil, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the essential oil in 4 drops of a carrier oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of non-sensitive skin.