Essential oils are a popular choice for many people looking to improve their health and wellbeing. But are they safe? In this article, we'll explore the safety of essential oils, what factors to consider when using them, and how to use them safely. Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested. Most essential oils are safe and free of adverse side effects when used correctly.
However, as with any substance you're introducing into your body, it's important to use it wisely. We recommend that you never eat or drink essential oils. You should pay attention to the following factors when using essential oils:
- Essential oils that are perfectly safe when used topically or in aromatherapy can be toxic when ingested. Certain oils, such as wintergreen, can be deadly.
- More isn't always better. Even diluted, an essential oil can cause an adverse reaction if it is used too much or used too often.
- That's true even if you're not allergic or unusually sensitive to them.
Essential oils are safe to use, provided that proper dosages and methods of application are observed.
- In the most extreme cases, exceeding dosage recommendations for oils can lead to toxicity.
For example, peppermint is often recommended for headaches. But if you use it near a child who is less than 30 months old, the child may become agitated. It could have a negative effect. In addition, someone with a fast heartbeat may react negatively to peppermint. Lavender and tea tree oil are also thought to cause a condition called prepubertal gynecomastia (abnormal growth of breast tissue) in boys. Along with proper nutrition and regular exercise, essential oils can be used during pregnancy to help maintain a healthy body and a healthy baby.
Photosensitive or phototoxic essential oils (some are listed below) usually contain furocoumarins, which can cause severe burns and increase the risk of skin cancer when the skin is exposed to UV light or sunlight. A small proportion of people may experience skin irritation, allergic reactions, or cross-sensitivity to essential oils. While there are some essential oils that should never be used during pregnancy, there are some that are considered safe to use during prenatal massages or through the diffuser method. As of this writing, there is not enough evidence about essential oils to make a definitive list of safe and unsafe. Once you discover how each oil reacts with your body, you can determine how to safely and effectively enjoy the topical benefits that each oil has to offer. While some essential oils are never appropriate for internal consumption, many oils can be safely ingested and processed by the body.
Toxicity rarely occurs with proper use of essential oils and is mainly attributed to misuse and accidental ingestion, especially in young children. She applied essential oils directly to her skin before her yoga class without any carrier oil or dilution (we'll talk more about that shortly). Usually, high-quality essential oils undergo rigorous testing to ensure that the product is safe to use. However, there are many essential oils that have been approved for internal use, which will provide the body with a variety of powerful benefits.
For example, peppermint and eucalyptus oils can change the way the body absorbs the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil from the skin. While only a few specific essential oils are suitable for oral administration, this does not apply to all essential oils, nor do all situations require oral application. You should also be careful with essential oils if you are pregnant, as essential oils can cross the placental barrier and there is little clinical research in this area.
