Essential oils are powerful, concentrated natural substances with many therapeutic properties. They can be used in many ways, from boosting immune function to improving skin tone.
While most people use them to inhale for a psychological effect, they can also be added to natural cleaners, beauty products and recipes. Always follow a recipe and never ingest undiluted oil, as it can have negative health effects.
How to Use
The most popular use of essential oils is for skin care. For example, diluted tea tree oil can be used to treat blemishes, while lavender oil is often recommended for calming the skin. Many people also find that smelling certain oils can have psychological effects, such as stress relief.
Mack says that you can find a wide variety of oils at most health food stores and online. But it’s important to make sure that the products you buy are pure and not just fragrance oils. You want an oil that has a therapeutic effect.
Test-tube studies have shown that some essential oils can kill bacteria and promote healing. But it’s important to note that the results don’t necessarily translate to humans, and these oils haven’t been proven to be a replacement for antibiotics. In fact, some essential oils can even be toxic to humans if used incorrectly. This is why it’s important to work with a certified aromatherapist.
Safety Concerns
Essential oils are incredibly powerful and highly concentrated, and can be toxic when used at the wrong concentration. It’s important to use reputable, high-quality oils that have gone through rigorous purity testing.
Most adverse reactions to essential oil are caused by applying the oil to the skin at too strong a concentration. This can cause irritation and even burns. It’s also important to avoid putting oils in the nose, ears, eyes or any other sensitive areas.
Another common risk is ingestion, and this is often caused by using undiluted oils. It’s crucial to follow safe internal application guidelines for each oil, and never ingest essential oils without guidance from a trained practitioner.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid putting essential oils in water because they are not water-soluble. This can lead to toxicity and may affect the body’s absorption of other substances, including drugs and nutrients. For this reason, it’s best to drink pure, distilled water or steep actual plant material (such as lemon or rosemary sprigs) in water.
Ingredient Labels
Essential oils are often sold as both a cosmetic and a drug. This is because they can be used for cleansing the skin, perfuming, and relaxation purposes. The chemical composition of an essential oil can vary based on plant species/variety, growing conditions, harvest date, and extraction method. This makes it challenging to conduct clinical studies on their therapeutic effects.
It’s important to include your product’s ingredients on the label to help customers understand their usage. For example, customers may have allergies to certain components in an oil and want to avoid them. Including the ingredients can also help your brand build trust with potential buyers.
Designing creative labels that comply with FDA guidelines can be difficult. However, using software like Artwork Flow can streamline the process and minimize approval time. You can also use different label materials and printing techniques to create a unique aesthetic for your products. You can even add a metallic shine through hot foil stamping to elevate your packaging.
Diluting
Essential oils are very concentrated and must be properly diluted prior to application, especially for topical use. This helps minimize the risk of skin irritation and allows you to optimize the therapeutic properties of each oil. Optimal dilution ratios depend on your age, health conditions and medications, as well as your skin and olfactory sensitivities.
Undiluted oils can cause irritant reactions that include redness, itching and inflammation. They can also cause respiratory issues when inhaled in large quantities. And undiluted oils can be drying on the skin due to evaporation.
The most common method for diluting essential oils is with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil. You can also purchase ready-made beauty products containing these carriers that are ideal for adding essential oils. Alternatively, you can solubilize the essential oils with an organic solvent like 190-proof alcohol before adding them to water. Be sure to test for any allergic reactions before applying the mixture to your skin.
