I personally test any essential oil, diluted, on my arm before using on a larger part of my body. Some essential oils are considered ok to use undiluted on the skin if an individual isn’t sensitive to them, but again, always check with a qualified practitioner first.
From a personal perspective, I have first hand experience with the potential problems with undiluted skin exposure. I tried a new massage therapist in our small town since she had a special deal for “aromatherapy” massage. I assumed this meant that there would be essential oils in a diffuser during the massage. To my surprise, as the massage began I felt drops on my back. I realized a few seconds later that she was pouring essential oils on my back… a lot of them. I asked her what oils she was using and she assured me that they were safe, but I got a headache soon after.
In all, she probably poured 80+ drops of undiluted essential oils on my back. I had shivers and a headache for the rest of the day and a large red spot on my back (12 inches in diameter) that lasted several days. Certainly, I should have asked her to stop instead of just asking what the oils were, but what shocked me was that she did not ask if she could use essential oils on me, she did not ask if I was pregnant or had a health condition first and I found out after that she was not even a trained massage therapist or aromatherapist but that she had just “invented” the technique as a way to therapeutically use essential oils.
Again, I should have acted differently and probably asked to see her massage license first, but my experience with this amount of essential oils on the skin was not a positive one.
Bottom Line: Exercise caution and do your research before using essential oils on the skin, even undiluted.
Photosensitivity of Certain Oils
I always include a caution on my recipes that include citrus oils that they may make the skin more sensitive to the sun. These oils have certain constituents that can make the skin more sensitive to UV light and can lead to blistering, discoloration of the skin or burning more easily from minor sun exposure.
Though the risk of photosensitivity or phototoxicity varies based on the way the oil was distilled, oils generally considered photosensitive are: orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot.
Internal Use of Essential Oils
This will be a controversial point, but many essential oils are not safe for internal use and others should be used with extreme caution. Since essential oils are the equivalent of 10-50 cups of herbal tea (depending on the herb) or 20x the recommended dose of an herbal tincture of the same herb, they should only be taken internally in situations where they are absolutely needed and with extreme care (and under the guidance of a trained professional).
Here’s the thing- essential oils are extremely potent plant compounds that can have a very dramatic effect on the body. Many online sources tout their “antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal” properties. You know what is teeming with many types of bacteria? Your gut.
Research is emerging constantly about our extremely diverse gut microbiomes, but we do not fully understand them yet. We do know that gut health drastically affects other aspects of health and that imbalances in the gut can cause problems in the skin, brain and other parts of the body. The effects of essential oils on gut bacteria have not been well studied yet and the very real antibacterial properties of essential oils may kill many types of bacteria in the gut (including beneficial and necessary bacteria).
In fact, the studies conducted about the antibacterial properties of essential oils compare them to antibiotics and suggest that they may be an effective alternative to antibiotics (here’s one study).
Antibiotics can be life-saving and necessary in some cases (they saved my husband’s life several years ago) but they should not be used regularly, preventatively or without the oversight of a medical professional. If essential oils can act in the same way as antibiotics, we should exercise the same caution in using them internally.
In most cases, some of the same benefits of an essential oil (taken internally) can be obtained by using the herb itself (fresh or dried) or a tea or tincture of that herb.
Many essential oils are considered “GRAS” or Generally Recognized as Safe for food and cosmetic use. However, most essential oils have not been studied, especially in concentrated internal amounts. Things like vinegar, salt and baking soda also are given this status, but that doesn’t mean they should be consumed regularly or in large amounts. Always do your research first!
Essential Oils During Pregnancy or Nursing
Essential oils can affect hormones, gut bacteria and other aspects of health and extreme care should be used when taking them while pregnant or nursing.
There is evidence that essential oils can cross the placenta and get to the baby. The effects of essential oils can be compounded in utero and extreme care should be taken with essential oil use during pregnancy. Again, I’m not saying they should not be used during pregnancy, but that extreme care should be taken and research done first.
I personally would not take any essential oil internally during pregnancy (or even while nursing). At these times, I stick to aromatherapy and very diluted use of approved essential oils in skin care recipes and baths. I also always re-test an oil in a diluted skin test before using it during pregnancy.
Many oils are considered safe during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester (depending on the source), but again, I’d check with a professional and use caution with any herbs used during pregnancy. Even oils that are considered safe may be harmful to certain women and there is some speculation that the actions of some oils on hormones can cause dangerous hormone imbalances during pregnancy.
Oils Considered NOT Safe During Pregnancy
Aniseed, Angelica, Basil, Black pepper, Camphor, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Clary Sage (often used during labor by midwives safely), clove, fennel, fir, ginger, horseradish (should not be used by anyone), Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Mustard, Mugwart (should not be used by anyone), Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen.
I would personally recommend checking with a doctor or midwife before taking an essential oils during pregnancy.
Peppermint essential oil may decrease milk supply while nursing, and as such, I avoid it topically while nursing.
Use on Babies and Children
This is one of the things that concerns me the most with a lot of the essential oil recommendations I see online. In my opinion, essential oils should never be given internally to children or used undiluted on the skin. They should be diluted more than they are for adult application and care should be taken with any essential oils considered “hot” as they may cause damage to the skin.
In general, oils like lavender, chamomile, orange, lemon and frankincense are considered safe for diluted use on children, but I would personally still do a skin test and check with a doctor first.
Some oils have caused seizures in children and extreme caution should be used (this article from a naturopathic pediatrician explains more and gives some case studies– since people have commented, I want to mention that I do think her post is overly alarmist but she makes some good points as well). To clarify- these seizure reactions were rare and most were in people who were predisposed to seizures, but this still isn’t a risk I would take with small children.
Others, like peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and wintergreen should not be used around young children or babies. These herbs contain menthol and 1,8-cineole. These compounds can slow breathing (or even stop it completely) in very young children or those with respiratory problems. Of course, they should never be used internally or undiluted on the skin for children, but these particular oils warrant caution even for aromatic use. I would not personally ever use these oils on or around babies for this reason.
This article from the University of Minnesotacautions about the use of peppermint and similar oils in children under six, because: “Menthol-one of the major chemicals in peppermint oil-has caused breathing to stop in young children, and has caused severe jaundice in babies with G6PD deficiency (a common genetic enzyme deficiency) (Price & Price, 1999).”
Since the effects of essential oils are more concentrated on children, it is prudent to exercise extra caution when using essential oils on them. Personally, I stick to using safe essential oils in a diffuser or in very diluted amounts in beauty and cleaning products.
Important note to add: pets can be just as vulnerable.
Essential Oils in Plastics
Another thing that is not often mentioned is that essential oils should never be stored in plastic containers, especially in concentrated forms. Many essential oils can eat through plastics when undiluted, and even when diluted, they can degrade plastics over time.
I make homemade cleaners with essential oils in glass bottles for this reason (even though they are very diluted) and store homemade beauty products in glass whenever possible.
This caution also extends to other surfaces in the house, which I found out the hard way. A bottle of wild orange oil was left on a piece of homemade furniture in our house and when I picked it up the next day, it had stuck to the piece, pulling off the finish and stain when I picked it up. Apparently, there was a little bit of the oil still on the bottom of the bottle (likely from my hand when pouring it). Be extremely careful about leaving any oils, especially citrus oils, on wood or other stained surfaces.
The Good News
Though there are a lot of warnings about safe use of essential oils, they are wonderful natural remedies when used correctly. I hope that this post doesn’t discourage anyone from using essential oils, but rather encourages proper research and safety first.
I use essential oils almost daily, but I make sure to research each oil and its proper use first. It can also be really helpful to find a trained aromatherapist, herbalist or naturopathic doctor to ask specific questions about essential oils. It is also important to make sure any essential oils you use are organic and very high quality.
Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils:
At the end of the day, essential oils can be a great and safe natural remedy, if used safely. The main ways I use essential oils are:
- Aromatically– in a diffuser
- Topically– Diluted in homemade lotion, toothpaste, lotion bars, body butter and other homemade recipes.
I reserve undiluted skin use and internal use for times of real need when the benefits outweigh the risk and I avoid using essential oils in this way on babies/children or when I am pregnant.
What essential oils do you use? Have you ever had any negative effects from their use?
About Katie Wells
Reader Interactions
Discussion (496 Comments)
Join the Conversation...
Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.
Your Comment *
Your Email Address *
Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.
Confirm you are NOT a spammer
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Ads provided by CafeMedia Family & Parenting Network. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Wellness Mama.
Content
Support
Policies
Join the
Wellness Mama Tribe!
Copyright © 2023 · Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding
January 14, 2015 at 11:46 PM
I use tea tree almost ( small amounts ) daily undiluted as it zaps zits and heal cuts like incredibly. I use thieves oil in my cleaners and diffuse when people around me are sick. Diffuse lemongrass a lot mmmmm smells so good. Just inhale clary sage for anxiety or if I can’t sleep. Occasionally use lavender in the bath. Absolutely love my oils. My mom went to school for them so I do have guidance.
January 14, 2015 at 11:40 PM
when you say it’s important to research oils before using them, what sources do you recommend? anytime I’ve done research online I’ve found hundreds/thousands of resources all with a different opinion/explanation for safe use. my midwife had me take oregano + tea tree oil in capsules internally when I was 38+ weeks pregnant for a possible yeast infection, and I went into labor the next morning. I’ve always wondered if I went into labor early because I took those or if they negatively affected my daughter (she’s had lots of issues, mostly with sleep + temperament). based on your research, do you think that could have done damage to my baby?
January 15, 2015 at 8:42 PM
http://www.aromaticscience.comis very well researched as well as pubmed.gov
January 17, 2015 at 6:24 AM
I do not know the answer to your question. However, you brought something to mind. Alcohol is another substance that crosses the placenta barrier and it is considered a teratogen (poison, harmful) to the fetus. Current research knows of no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Early birth, sleep and temperament issues are all possible outcomes of being exposed to alcohol while in the womb. The exact impact varies from person to person based on their genetics, mom’s genetics, when in pregnancy it was consumed and the amount (that is, more exposure would have the most obvious impact, but there can be subtle examples of alcohol’s interruption to in-utero brain and body development as well.) I write this comment with the mindset that knowledge is power, and perhaps it will help you or someone reading this. More info is available at http://www.nofas.org
December 11, 2015 at 6:06 PM
Thank you so much for your help. My adopted son has FASD from his birth mother drinking while pregnant. I bought the doTerra EO to help him with his aggression, hyperactivity and other issues. I was convinced after attending a EO party (which I was actually told it was for something else). But after doing my own research and reading a lot of articles, including yours, I do not wish to risk my son or my families health. And I certainly don’t feel that Gary Young or many others deserve my money or my confidence! Also thank you for bringing attention to FASD and the dangers of drinking while pregnant. As someone who lives with the effects from it on a daily basis, I can assure you that no amount of alcohol is safe for a baby in the womb! No child or family should have to live with the preventable and permanent effects of alcohol exposure. Again, thank you so much! Robin McGregor, mother of 5 and FASD awareness advocate.
October 23, 2019 at 1:23 PM
I’m really trying hard to find any science backing up whether there’s a difference in phototoxicity between topically using grapefruit essential oil diluted, or topically using a grapefruit peel tincture. I cannot find anything remotely close and I’m really hoping you might be able to steer me in the right direction!
January 14, 2015 at 11:32 PM
As you likely do, I have been learning about and researching on the uses and safety of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils for several years now. I was tracking along fine with your blog here until you posted the link to the ND’s article about essential oils, seizures and children. I must say on the outset here, that I have really appreciated (and trusted) your health/wellness articles for a while now. So – it was a big of a disappointment that you linked this article. The ND bases her (scare tactic, really) article on FOUR case studies — which involve a total of 3 children, two of whom were diagnosed epileptics to begin with. They were also never quoted as having taken the oils inappropriately, but rather having been exposed to sage oil accidentally. What manner of science/medical advising is this? This ND also maintains several times that her advice is based on hearsay (from colleagues) — and she later makes the comment that her advice is based on “sweeping generalizations.” This being said, I don’t feel it’s right for you to give credence (and web traffic) to this ND’s article. Your advice on essential oils is right-on! And your readers follow your research/advice carefully! But, you may have marred your advice here with a non-scientific, ill-written article. Would you consider removing that small paragraph and reference? That article just stands out as an awkward link in your wonderfully written blog.
January 15, 2015 at 4:42 PM
You make an excellent point and I should have just talked about the case studies myself as her article was a little fear inducing.
January 16, 2015 at 10:15 AM
I appreciate reading all opinions, case studies, etc. then judge according to what feels right to ME. I’m shocked at the number of people on Facebook EO threads that are suggesting any number of protocols and doses for babies, kids, animals, serious medical conditions, etc. to clueless new users of EO’s who have done NO research of their own or consult from a trained aroma-therapist. They’re accepting medical advice from marketers!! And don’t get me started on the use of non-Organic EO’s! Horrors! Thanks Katie for all the information you share!!
January 17, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Thanks for that response from above her advice and research is flawed? Right on! I feel that, when used directly on the skin , internal etc. It is safe (gras) and you must know that its therapeutic grade 100% pure -oil not a claim for that title.
I know first hand that,many,many of those 1000’s of claims are true. I’ve personally have seen many miracles I have used them on many children with no ill effects and pregnant women with wonder.
February 25, 2015 at 8:30 PM
This comment really scares me…. What you are suggesting is dangerous if not done at proper dilutions.
February 5, 2015 at 10:31 AM
I completely agree with this last statement….
February 20, 2015 at 1:55 AM
If you do enough research there are quite a few cases of seizures in children that involve essential oils. The article might not be a great one but it might get you to do allot of research before using something that could potentially harm your child. Better be safe than sorry! some essential oils you have to be very careful with. i have burnt my skin with oregano and clove oil (on my face trying to get rid of my acne ) and ingesting oregano oil witch i do for a natural antibiotic gives me a stomach ache. it just pays to research and many different sources so you can compare.
January 14, 2015 at 11:31 PM
Great article. Thanks for sharing. Knew most of this but was nice to refresh my memory.
January 14, 2015 at 11:27 PM
Thank you for the well put piece. I love essential oils, and I use them daily myself, but get frustrated at all the of blanket claims that are potentially dangerous swimming around out there.
January 14, 2015 at 11:19 PM
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! Awesome article of all of the stuff I wish I knew a year ago when I started using essential oils and what took me a year to learn. A lot of people deny all of this safety info but it is so important when using oils to use them appropriately. They are so great they just need to be used cautiously and people need to know what to look out for. Some can also interact with medications, thin the blood, or have a negative effect due to preexisting medical problems especially when ingested. Babies skin is also thinner and they absorb more oils so oils shouldn’t be used often on babies under 6 months especially.
January 14, 2015 at 11:11 PM
Hi, thanks for this wonderful read! I was wondering why mugwort essential oil shouldn’t be used by anyone as I’ve never heard of it and all I can find on it through google are its “health benefits.” Thank you!
February 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Rather sure that there is no such thing as a mass produced Mugwort essential oil…. It would extremely poisonous. I studied herbs for over 20 years and never was Mugwort ever called upon to cure anything…. it’s not that kind of herb.
🙂
January 21, 2018 at 11:12 PM
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) is high in thujone. It is a toxin and the oil is a known abortifacient. Please do not use it.
January 14, 2015 at 11:10 PM
Hi Katie, I was told about using 7-10 drops of EO such as clove or tee tree ( peppermint burns my mouth) mixed with distilled water in an eye dropper for toothpaste. I use it often but since I dont know enough I dont use it all the time. I like the simplicity of this especially for traveling. I know you make a paste with other ingredients, what do you think of this?
Thank you so much,
P
January 16, 2015 at 12:46 PM
Essential oils are often acidic and acid is what causes tooth decay. The holistic dentist I see says brushing with clay is a better option.
June 15, 2015 at 6:30 PM
I’m learning this lesson for myself. I’m 43 years old and have never had a cavity before the dentist found one today. The only thing I’ve been doing differently is drinking lemon or lime oil in my water often. My adult niece is having the same problem. Her multiple cavities are between her teeth. She has stopped drinking lemon oil on her water also.
Coincidence? Maybe. I won’t be drinking oils in my water anymore.
November 1, 2015 at 9:38 AM
You are very wise Ellen to discontinue ingesting these oils. Coincidence with your cavities, maybe or may not. My concern would be with your intestinal system and your liver which processes the oils. There are other ways of keeping on top of your dental health. A sulka brush, flossing and avoiding sugary stuff, especially drinks that contain a lot of sugar and we sip on them and the sugar sits on our teeth. As an aroma therapist I know the value and power of essential oils, the treatment explained in this post in the ‘rain drip technique’ and has been discredited and well documented as unsafe. This technique comes directly from YL and is promoted by their leader. A fact is a fact. There are many quality and trustworthy companies who do sell essential oils. Read NAHA’s posts on how to find one. If I do not feel comfortable with the owners or CEO’s ethics I certainly won’t be trusting their marketing or their products. YL pushes to discredit other companies all the time. I know this as I have read and seen it in action. To me this does not lend credibility to the sales reps, the product or the company.
December 14, 2015 at 3:08 PM
I’m not sure where you’ve gotten your information but I am a representative with YL and we are actually told NOT to put another company down in any way but to let our products speak for themselves. Sure there are some YL representatives out there that are very passionate about our product and have researched other companies and have even tried other brands of essential oils and may talk badly about them but I assure you we are not encouraged to do so. 🙂
December 30, 2015 at 3:51 PM
I do not represent any ML EO company, although I have some YL and DoT oils. Personally I found Do Terra folks more often than not put down YL. I don’t care since I don’t only want product, not a business. But it’s what I’ve noticed. Because Organic is important to my families health, I buy from a non ML CERTIFIED ORGANIC company in the Midwest – Veriditas. Reasonable pricing and excellent oils with integrity and no bashing. I also use Native American Nutritional/Rocky Mountail oils – mostly Organic or wild crafted but not certified. Best to keep an open mind and do your research.
February 9, 2019 at 12:04 AM
The technique used not the blog post was not raindrop technique. The person giving the massage said she made it up. Raindrop technique wasn’t made up by an unlicensed back massager.
December 30, 2015 at 6:53 PM
I looked at the Veriditas but they are too expensive. It looks less expensive because they package in 2ml and 5ml bottles but a bottle of Frankincense would work out to be $93 for a 15ml bottle. I am a fan of either Better Essentials or Rocky Mountain. I don’t necessarily look for organic anymore. I prefer to see the oils are coming from their native regions. For Example – I want my lavender to come from high altitudes in France…just like they get at DoTerra.
February 3, 2015 at 7:44 PM
I use this toothpaste made of clay, essential oils, and xylitol. It works beautifully and my teeth are whiter than when I used conventional toothpaste! It also has a nice minty flavor.
February 3, 2015 at 7:45 PM
I use Earthpaste toothpaste, which is made of clay, essential oils, and xylitol. It works beautifully and my teeth are whiter than when I used conventional toothpaste! It also has a nice minty flavor. I bet you could make this at home!
September 19, 2016 at 2:18 PM
I was looking for a good natural toothpaste to use- I will try the Earthpaste. How long have you been using it?
January 14, 2015 at 11:10 PM
I use doTERRA essential oils and love them! I’ve never had a problem with any of the oils but I do my research and use them in a responsible manner. I think these particular oils can really compliment western treatments for a more natural approach.
January 15, 2015 at 4:11 PM
The brand of oil isn’t what determines safe usage, it’s the chemistry of the oil itself.
January 17, 2015 at 11:16 AM
Actually, the brand does matter some. Many problems are caused because wasn’t 100% pure or was synthetic. Of course, you should always exercise caution with oils, but making sure the brand has a seed to seal promise is one way of being cautious, Doterra is a good company. Personally, I use young living.
January 22, 2015 at 5:26 AM
There is quite a bit of evidence suggesting that Gary Young and Young Living Essential Oils are not what they seem to be. If you are curious, it would be worth taking a look at Gary Young’s interesting, but very unsettling, past to get an impression of who he really is. If you also search Young Living and The FDA you will find an official letter clearly showing all of the inappropriate claims that are found on the Young Living website. I realize that the FDA has their own agenda when it comes to the regulation of essential oils, but putting that aside there are still some statements made on the site that are completely irresponsible. Take what you will from this information, I just thought it would be useful to have the whole story so that you can decide whether or not this company, and Gary Young, deserves your money and support.
March 3, 2015 at 3:58 PM
Chelsea, For the benefit of those you would wish to scare away from Young Living, I will share the WHOLE truth. The FDA did not single out Young Living in their correspondence. Yes, the FDA seems to have their own agenda regarding regulation of essential oils, Therefore they sent the same letter to the other larger essential oil companies – not just Young Living.
By the way, personal affronts aside, I came to the conclusion that Young Living deserves my money and support because, like thousands of others, I get RESULTS with their oils. And research also shows that they have more control over the quality of raw plant materials and their distillation than any other company.
I wonder what motivated you do write such personally derogatory comments about another person on this site?
Katie, as a huge fan who was referred to you by a Young Living distributor, and who has referred many people to your site, I am incredibly disappointed that you approved this personal attack on an individual (Gary Young) – against your commenting policy.
One reason I have respected your advice is that you not only promote only products that you have tested and love, but you also stay away from trashing others. Here, you allowed someone to publicly trash an individual and their company. You have had a huge following in people who use Young Living essential oils. No, you didn’t SAY it, but you allowed it. Not cool.
March 3, 2015 at 10:15 PM
Hi Kristie… I completely see where you are coming from and why you were offended by her comment. I actually researched the issue more because of her comment, and there is information online questioning Gary Young. Certainly, some of it may not be accurate, but the information is out there like she said. From the way I read her comment, she was calling attention to the information but not personally attacking him or anyone else. I think YL has good oils and I have many good friends who use them and promote them. I do not think that a CEOs actions necessarily discredit the company’s product, but I can see why others would be concerned. My hope is that there can be respectful dialogue on all of this to hopefully find some truth.
March 16, 2015 at 10:27 AM
I think that was an unnecessary attack on Chelsea by Kristie, Thank You Katie for having the level head here and setting the record straight without the attack. Yes Everyone can do their own research on this matter and come to their own conclusions and how they wish to handle it. This is a site to learn and either accept the advice or not. There is good advice here but the attack mode turns me off from here. I hope in the future this will not happen again. Simple respect and doing your own research on what others say is good enough.
March 17, 2015 at 2:01 PM
Henry Ford was a brilliant man who completely and forever changed the way we manufacture autos and everything else. He made sure that his vehicles were not only made quickly and effectively as possible but also cheap enough for the worker to afford. He even made a car completely constructed out of hemp and which ran on hemp fuel! He was environmentally conscious and thought we shouldn’t use too much oil or chop down all the forests. Whether Ford Motor Company is your choice of vehicle or not, no one can really deny the achievements of Henry Ford. And while it is true that his past wasn’t spotless, he wasn’t a perfect man and many have complaints about this or that, his achievements are still real, still true and still stand the test of time. And no amount of bad talking him will change his place in history or all the good that he did.
I really gotta say that surely Gary Young easily falls into this same category! The 3rd party testing isn’t being done on gossip or on Gary’s personality – it’s being done on bottles of oil made in clean labs. Love him or hate him, it is a fact that he perfected distilling equipment that would take essential oils from perfume grade (and therefore not really safe for the skin) and upgraded them into some that is therapeutic grade, and that requires that we take another look at our opinions about oils… and the way we use them. He has uplifted and enriched essential oils so that they are so much much more than they were before – and just like herbs, you just have to know what you are doing. Therapeutic grade is not a trademarked term – it is a scientific term to designate this class of oils. Just like superfood isn’t just a headline or eye catching phrase, it is an actual scientific term with a valid definition. Same as therapeutic grade essential oils, which are awesome tools given by God and Nature for us to use… and I am very grateful for pure ones!!
When researching essential oils, please don’t miss these very important sites!
13751 published studies… so far.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=essential%20oils
This one is quite informative and will clear many misconceptions up.
http://www.agoraindex.org/Frag_Dem/toxicitymyths.html
And if you really care about certification, testing and making sure you are purchasing the purest, best oils possible, please consider supporting Airase, a non-profit, 3rd party organization dedicated to testing and certifying essential oils, because we all know the pharma companies aren’t going to do it and testing is quite expensive. So I say, let’s put our money where our mouths are, continue our educations and stop fighting about who and what is best… Let’s support this 501 so we can stop the blog wars and the misinformation once and for all, to the benefit of us all!
PS. Over 1,000 people a day die from preventable medical errors. Don’t you feel that is a bigger worry that whether or not we should put EO’s on our feet? Let’s look at the big picture folks and please, please do not fall for the fear!
May 30, 2015 at 10:06 AM
Chelsea, I am convinced the MLM companies have a cult like mentality. Money is a vicious thing. The only reliable source of testing right now is done by Dr. Robert Pappas. Essential Oil University, google it. Also a group on Facebook called Blue Tansy Analysis offers reliable testing of honest companies.
A certain company in question here sells a Jasmine oil claiming to be pure, undiluted. Yet it is mostly containing di propylene glycol.
Make of that what you will. As they say, knowledge is power. Consult a certified aromatherapist about your concerns. Check there diploma that it isn’t from a diploma factory, research the scool they graduated from, and if it is satisfactory, trust there advice. 🙂
May 30, 2015 at 10:15 PM
It may not be nice but it is very true. Research the ceo, it’s not very pretty and was enough to make me say no thank you!
June 5, 2016 at 9:38 AM
I have been instructed by a veterinarian in integrative medicine to use some Young Living essential oils topically (undiluted)? on one of my dogs to help in the prevention of seizures. Frankincense, Clary Sage, Lavender, one drop of each placed at the base of the skull and about 4 inches above the base of the tail, twice a day. I have been using them for about a week or so. Today, for the first time, he doesn’t seem to be feeling well. His appetite is off , and he seems very tired. Could he have been exposed to too much of this?
August 10, 2015 at 12:07 PM
I agree. The reason that you –Wellness Mamma-may have had a reaction to the oils is that they MAY have been oils that had synthetic elements in them. So then you are not reacting to an actual pure essential oil but rather something else. Also, the oils can have a detoxing effect and they reason you had a headache (if the oils were pure) could have been that your body was eliminating toxins.
October 23, 2015 at 3:35 AM
Hi there im new here. I need an ans to my ques. Cos its driving me nuts. I purchased the young living oils collection plus the diffuser. I do believe the goodness of the oils. But y do i always have a allergy reaction to all the oils. The min ute if i inhale the oils i will sneeze like mad. N there will be tears from my eyes n non stop sneezing till i pop a flu pill. They just make me so sick. But i dun wanna give up on these oils yet 🙁
January 3, 2016 at 6:22 PM
THANK YOU for sharing so much great information about essential oil use. I was trained by Dr. Jane Buckle in a course for holistic nurse practitioners to use essential oils therapeutically with clients. The golden rules are: 1) only chemical-free, low temperature, low pressure essential oils from reputable suppliers, 2) always dilute, 3) never ingest except under a doctor’s orders – I’ve heard too many horror stories. Yes, gas chromatographs are a plus, and many suppliers offer them. I’ve found many great sources over the years and I purchase oils from numerous suppliers on a regular basis. I was part of an MLM company with oils for several years. I got out for all the reasons typically mentioned. What I know for sure is that you can get absolutely fabulous oil without paying MLM prices and telling people to ingest oil without a medical degree is irresponsible and downright dangerous.
February 21, 2016 at 5:26 PM
my husband ingested pepperment and eucalyptus oil and he now has severe brain damage and is in a vegatative state and doctors say he going to die oils are extremly dangerous and this was pure
February 24, 2016 at 11:00 AM
I agree with you Eliza.
October 29, 2015 at 10:03 PM
I use only DoTerra oils. I study the safe use. I dilute in coconut oil but mostly I use in the difusser.
January 17, 2016 at 6:21 PM
I too am a Doterra user. I do not go around bashing YL or any other company. It irritates the heck out of me and I dismiss anyone immediately who does. You don’t build yourself up by knocking someone else down. Politicians do that and I am not a politician. I love Doterra oils and I use them internally with caution, topically with coconut oil or in lotions I’ve made, or by diffusing at night time. I love cooking with them or making products with them.
February 24, 2016 at 10:58 AM
To the person who said their husband is in a coma – what? You do realize that peppermint is GRAS, that is to say Generally Regarded As Safe, and that many foods and candies are flavored with it. I often use the smallest drop in a glass of water for indigestion and stomach upset, rather in the same way one’s Grandma would give you a peppermint candy for the same reason.
And eucalyptus? While perfect for inhaling in times of colds or respiratory distress, what reason would one have to ingest it? And just how much of the oils did he drink? The whole bottle?? I am sorry if your husband is truly ill but your story is very very fishy and suspicious and simply doesn’t make sense at all…
January 14, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Aromahead institute has a free essential oil course you can take online. It only took me 5 days to complete and you get wonderful information and essential oil cleaning recipes. Thank you for another great post!
January 17, 2015 at 7:24 PM
Which course is it? The ones I saw were not free? Do you have a link you could share please?
January 20, 2015 at 6:11 PM
Just took a look. They have a course called “Introduction to Essential Oils” which is free. 🙂
June 16, 2017 at 9:49 AM
where do we find out this information for they FREE course?
January 20, 2015 at 6:12 PM
Looks like their “Introduction to Essential Oils” class is free!
June 18, 2015 at 3:34 AM
I think It’s not that harmful if we find the good one.
https://www.amazon.com/10ml-Roller-Bottles-Essential-Oils/dp/B079FSJB47/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=543296fbedb588df188d2e7abdfc385f&language=en_US
They are made of thin amber glass, which is perfect for seeing the contents through the bottle. This way I can clearly tell how much liquid is inside so I don’t overfill, and so I can tell when to refill the bottle. Very convenient..You may visit the amazon store if you need it.
November 7, 2015 at 1:29 AM
Thank you for this Information I am going to sign up right now!