Concentrated products may be poisonous before dilution and should be handled with care. A maximum concentration of 5 percent is recommended. Some oils produce toxins which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, especially if taken internally. Swallowing essential oils can be hazardous, and fatal in some cases. Individuals with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy:.
If the oil is to be mixed with a carrier, the individual should tell the aromatherapist or massage therapist about any nut allergies, because carrier oils are often obtained from nuts and seeds. Use of aromatherapy by pregnant or nursing mothers has not been proven safe by research, so it is not recommended. During the first trimester of pregnancy, aromatherapy may pose a risk to the developing fetus.
Women who are breastfeeding should avoid peppermint essential oil, as it may be expressed in breast milk. Essential oils derived from citrus may make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, increasing the risk of sunburn. Some oils may affect the function of conventional medicines, so people who are using medications of any type should first check with a qualified pharmacist or doctor. Finally, when storing essential oils, it is important to be aware that light, heat, and oxygen can affect the integrity of the oil.
Products should come from a respected and trustworthy source, to be sure of the quality. In parts of Western Europe aromatherapy is incorporated into mainstream medicine as an antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial therapy.
In the United States and Canada, this is less so. In France, some essential oils are regulated as prescription drugs, and they can only be administered or prescribed by a doctor.
Aromatherapy can help alleviate some conditions, but it should be used correctly, under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The NAHA can advise on aromatherapists in your area, and some are members of a professional association, but until now there are no licensing boards for aromatherapists in the U.
In aromatherapy, people use carrier oils to dilute essential oils before using. This article looks at several carrier oil options and their various…. Some research suggests lavender oil might help with anxiety. Here are three products that aim to reduce stress and how to use them safely. Aromatherapy candles contain essential oils, some of which may relieve stress.
Here are three options and some information on how to use them safely…. Nebulizing diffusers use a high-pressure air stream to turn essential oils into a fine mist. Here are five diffusers, their features, and potential…. Thieves oil is a mix of different essential oils. Some claim it can improve mood and help heal wounds, but research on thieves oil is lacking. Aromatherapy: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Using aromatherapy Benefits Essential oils Visiting an aromatherapist Risks Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, refers to a range of traditional, alternative or complementary therapies that use essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds.
One note of caution: Since tea tree oil can be neurotoxic, Dr. Eucalyptus is a great essential oil to have on hand during cold season. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening your nasal passages so you can breathe easier.
Peppermint oil can also help with this. Be careful when using essential oils in children, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and seniors. The essential oil business is booming — and mostly unregulated. An integrative medicine specialist explains what you should know about essential oils, including the evidence behind their health benefits and how to use them. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
Related Articles. Can You Eat Dandelions? Is Fish Healthy for You? Essential oils can lift your mood and make you feel good with just a whiff of their fragrance. For some people they may even help alleviate the symptoms of various conditions. For more information on how to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle, consult an integrative medicine expert. One of the best things you can do to protect and improve your health is to stay informed.
Health Home Wellness and Prevention. What Are Essential Oils? What Is Aromatherapy? The safest ways to use essential oils include: Aromatherapy accessories: Necklaces, bracelets and keychains made with absorbent materials you apply essential oils to and sniff throughout the day.
Body oil: A mixture of essential oils with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba or coconut oil that can be massaged into skin. Because essential oils are concentrated, they can cause irritation. Avoid using them full-strength on skin. Aroma stick: Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil. They come with a cover to keep the scent under wraps until you're ready. Allergic reactions to essential oils A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils.
Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including: Oregano oil Cinnamon bark oil Jasmine oil Lemongrass oil Ylang-ylang oil Chamomile oil Bergamot oil Because pure essential oils are potent, diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction when applying directly to the skin.
Which Essential Oils Are Best? Some of the most popular essential oils include: Lavender oil: Many people find the lavender scent relaxing. It's often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.
Tea tree oil: Also called melaleuca, this essential oil was used by Australia's aboriginal people for wound healing. Today, it's commonly used for acne , athlete's foot and insect bites. Peppermint oil: There's some evidence peppermint essential oil helps relieve irritable bowel syndrome IBS symptoms when taken in an enteric-coated capsule from a trusted health supplement provider. It may also relieve tension headaches when applied topically.
Lemon oil: Many people find the citrusy scent of lemon oil a mood booster. It's also often used in homemade cleaning products. How to find quality essential oils The most important thing to consider when shopping for essential oils is product quality. Here are some tips to help you shop for pure essential oils: Look at the label: It should include the Latin name of the plant, information on purity or other ingredients added to it, and the country in which the plant was grown.
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