Essential oils are natural plant extracts that can be used for a variety of purposes. They come from a wide range of flowers, trees, and other plants. They can be extracted by steam or cold pressing. They can also be combined with carrier oils to get more oil out of them.
Safety
Essential oils are very concentrated, and even a few drops can cause an adverse reaction in certain people. The most common problem is a skin rash, followed by irritation of the mouth or throat (such as with inhalation). It’s important to use the proper dilution when applying oils to the skin, and patch test before using if you have sensitive skin.
There are many companies that claim to sell “pure” essential oil, but in fact this is not always the case. In order to make the oil more affordable, it is sometimes diluted with a vegetable oil such as jojoba. Look for “dilution” guidelines on the label.
It’s also not uncommon for children to unscrew the cap from a bottle of essential oil and drink the contents, which can be dangerous if they have an upset stomach or respiratory tract. To prevent accidents, keep all oils out of the reach of young children. Store them in a high cabinet and use a child-proof lock.
Dosage
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain an incredible concentration of herbal properties. They must be dispersed to levels that are safe for our bodies to process. When used properly, they can be beneficial and helpful to the skin and overall health. However, they are extremely volatile and must be used with care.
Using pure, high-quality essential oils and diluting them before applying topically are the best ways to avoid potential safety risks. Using any oil undiluted (or “neat”) can cause a variety of issues, including allergic reactions, burns, and sensitization.
To prevent these issues, it is important to use a good quality carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba. Use the chart above to locate a dilution ratio that is appropriate for your intended application and desired results. Note that dilution guidelines are for adult use and may vary slightly based on age, health conditions, and skin/olfactory sensitivity. The dilution charts are based on the dermal maximums published in Essential Oil Safety, 2e by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Uses
Essential oils may help relax your muscles and nerves, boost your mood, reduce pain and anxiety, or enhance massage therapy. They’re also found in household items like perfumes, cleaning products and laundry detergent.
The oils are made by distillation or cold pressing. Distillation involves passing hot steam or water through plant matter to pull out the aroma compounds. Cold pressing works by squeezing or crushing plant material to release the oil.
Some studies suggest that certain essential oils, such as cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon oil, prevents colonization by bacteria and alters bacterial membranes; cumin oil improves diastolic blood pressure; parsley oil is an antioxidant; orange peel oil is antibacterial and antifungal; and rosemary oil can inhibit intestinal pathogens. However, research in humans is limited.
Essential oils should be combined with a carrier oil when applied to the skin. When used undiluted, some oils can irritate your skin, leading to a painful rash that needs medical attention.
Side effects
Most essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin reactions if they are applied directly to the skin. Inhaling these oils can also irritate the respiratory tract, which is why dilution guidelines are important.
It’s important to keep all essential oils out of the reach of children. They can be poisonous if ingested and can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the oil and the amount ingested. Some essential oils, such as birch and wintergreen, can be particularly dangerous for kids 6 and under, as they contain chemicals that can cause serious problems when inhaled.
While there’s some early research showing some potential therapeutic benefits of certain essential oils, more studies are needed to validate these claims. And because of their potency, essential oils are not regulated the same way pharmaceuticals are, which means you may not know exactly what’s in your bottle or its concentration and whether there are any contaminants. You’ll want to choose a trustworthy supplier and always follow dilution recommendations.
