Aroma Source Essential Oils: Safe For Ingestion?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. While essential oils can be beneficial for health and well-being, it is important to use them safely.

Essential oils can be inhaled, applied to the skin, or in some cases, consumed orally. However, it is generally advised against ingesting essential oils unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, and can cause adverse reactions if not used properly.

To ensure safe use, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified aromatherapist. They can provide guidance on which essential oils are safe for ingestion, how to dilute them properly, and the appropriate dosage.

Additionally, it is important to purchase essential oils from reputable sources and always perform a patch test before using a new oil. By taking these precautions, individuals can safely enjoy the potential benefits of essential oils while minimizing the risk of harm.

Ingesting essential oils can be dangerous and even toxic

Essential oils are not regulated in the United States, and their quality varies widely. Some essential oils are made with synthetic ingredients instead of actual plant material, so they may smell like the plant but lack the plant compounds responsible for the desired health effects.

Ingesting essential oils can irritate the esophagus and stomach, or worse, be toxic. According to Dechen, a certified clinical aromatherapy practitioner, drinking essential oils can send the molecules into the membranes of the mouth, potentially creating scar tissue and irritation over time.

Furthermore, ingesting essential oils requires advanced knowledge and training. Typically, the drink or capsule has to be specially formulated and diluted to the proper degree. One must also know how much to ingest and for how long, and which ones are safe.

Essential oils are also dangerous when vaped. According to Dechen, there is currently no research on the effects of vaping essential oils, and heating them with the metal coil inside a vape pen has the potential to change their chemistry and become toxic when inhaled into the mouth, throat, and lungs.

To conclude, ingesting essential oils can be harmful and even life-threatening. It is crucial to consult a trained professional or certified aromatherapist before using essential oils internally to avoid adverse reactions and potential toxicity.

Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA

The FDA categorizes products as cosmetics or drugs based on their intended use. If a product is intended to cleanse the body or make someone more attractive, it is considered a cosmetic. On the other hand, if a product is meant to treat or prevent a disease or affect the structure or function of the body, it is classified as a drug.

Essential oils are generally marketed as aromatherapy products, which can fall into either the cosmetic or drug category depending on their intended use. If an essential oil is claimed to have therapeutic benefits, such as relieving pain, treating depression, or aiding sleep, it is considered a drug by the FDA.

However, gaining FDA approval for products classified as drugs is a costly and time-consuming process. As a result, most companies selling essential oils cannot afford to seek approval for drug status. This means that essential oils often lack the necessary regulatory oversight to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

The lack of FDA regulation in this area has created a gray area, with some unethical companies making false or unsafe claims about the usage of essential oils. It is important for consumers to be cautious when using essential oils and to consult with healthcare professionals before ingesting or applying them. While essential oils may offer potential health benefits, they should be used with caution and in conjunction with expert advice to ensure safe and effective use.

Essential oils should be diluted before topical application

Essential oils are highly potent and can irritate the skin if not used responsibly. Diluting essential oils before applying them to the skin is a crucial step to avoid skin irritation and optimise fragrance.

Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil, helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation and enhances the fragrance experience. It also makes it easier to spread the oil over larger areas of the skin. Effective diluting agents include carrier oils, creams, lotions, soaps, body butters, shampoos, and conditioners.

The optimal dilution ratio for essential oils depends on various factors, including age, health conditions, medications, and skin and olfactory sensitivity. As a general guideline, it is recommended to keep the concentration levels of essential oils below 5%. For adults, a maximum concentration of about 3% is recommended for long-term regular use, while a maximum of 10% is suggested for short-term use of no longer than 2 weeks.

Diluting essential oils is a simple process. First, choose a carrier oil that is compatible with your skin type. Then, add a few drops of the essential oil to the carrier oil and mix them together. The recommended dilution ratio is typically 1 drop of essential oil to 3 drops of carrier oil.

It is important to perform a patch test before using a new essential oil. To do this, wash a small area of your forearm with unscented soap, rub a few drops of diluted essential oil into the area, and cover it with gauze. If you experience any redness, itching, blistering, or swelling, discontinue use as this indicates an adverse reaction to the oil.

In addition to skin irritation, undiluted essential oils can also cause photosensitivity. Some essential oils, such as orange, lime, and lemon, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to redness, discolouration, or blistering. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight for 12 to 24 hours after using these types of oils.

By diluting essential oils before topical application, you can minimise the risk of skin irritation, enhance the fragrance, and make the oil last longer. Dilution is a necessary step to ensure the safe and effective use of essential oils.

Aromatherapy can be beneficial for symptom management

Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses essential oils to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. It is a holistic therapy that supports the mind, body, and spirit. Aromatherapy involves either inhaling essential oils or applying them (diluted) to the skin.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and is believed to provide several health benefits. While there is ongoing research into the effectiveness of aromatherapy, it is generally considered safe and may be beneficial for symptom management in the following ways:

• Reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality: Aromatherapy is often used to complement other treatments for people with anxiety. Essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, orange, bergamot, and cedarwood are known to have calming and sedative properties, helping to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
• Pain relief: Aromatherapy can help ease certain types of pain, including pain from kidney stones, osteoarthritis of the knee, and surgery. Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can provide pain relief.
• Nausea relief: Essential oils such as peppermint and ginger can help soothe nausea, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• Boosting relaxation and improving mood: Aromatherapy can boost feelings of relaxation and improve mood by stimulating the release of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin. Oils such as sweet orange and lemon can help ease stress and promote relaxation.
• Fighting bacteria: When applied to the skin, certain essential oils can fight bacteria and prevent infections. For example, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and is often used for acne and wound healing.
• Cancer treatment side effects: Aromatherapy can help ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, pain, and improved quality of life.
• Preoperative anxiety: Aromatherapy is beneficial in reducing anxiety before surgery, helping patients feel more relaxed and calm.
• Dementia: Aromatherapy may help with dementia symptoms such as issues with behaviour, thinking, and mood. However, research in this area is ongoing, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

While aromatherapy offers these potential benefits, it is important to use essential oils safely. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, and do not ingest them unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Additionally, keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets, and store them in a cool, dark place.

Essential oils can be flammable

While essential oils are often touted for their therapeutic benefits, it's important to remember that they can be flammable and require careful handling and storage. Here are some key points to consider regarding the flammability of essential oils:

Factors Affecting Flammability

The flammability of essential oils depends on several factors, including purity, concentration, and the presence of external agents. Oils with higher purity and concentration are more likely to be flammable. Additives and carriers can also alter the flammability of the oil, and heat and sunlight can degrade the oil, impacting its flashpoint.

Safety Measures

Given the flammability risks, it is crucial to handle and store essential oils with care. Always store essential oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in amber-colored bottles. Avoid using oils in their purest forms, and instead, opt for proper dilution techniques using carrier oils to reduce risks. Never use essential oils around open flames, candles, or smoking materials.

Misconceptions and Marketing

It's important to note that "natural" does not always equate to "safe." The marketing of essential oils often emphasizes their benefits while downplaying their potential risks. It is crucial to educate yourself about the properties and safety guidelines of each essential oil before use.

Case Studies

While rare, accidents involving essential oils and fires have occurred. For example, a woman named Emily Smith suffered severe facial burns after using a diffuser near an open fire. Another individual, Sophie Uliano, experienced a similar incident with an aromatherapy ceramic burner, resulting in second and third-degree burns. These stories underscore the importance of taking extreme caution when using essential oils around any potential ignition sources.

Benefits and Risks

Essential oils offer a range of therapeutic benefits, from soothing sore muscles to elevating mood and promoting tranquility in aromatherapy. However, it's important to be aware of potential risks, such as allergic reactions or negative interactions with certain medications.

Tips for Safe Storage

Proper storage of essential oils is crucial to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Store essential oils in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations. Use dark-colored bottles to protect the oils from UV rays. Always ensure the lids are tightly sealed, and consider using dropper caps for precise dispensing. If you have a large collection, invest in a storage box with compartments to keep each bottle secure.

Frequently asked questions