Aroma Hijackers: The Essential Oils That Overpower Your Senses

Aromatherapy is a practice that uses essential oils to improve health and well-being. Essential oils are plant extracts obtained by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant, such as flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit, to capture the compounds that produce their unique fragrance. While aromatherapy can be beneficial for health, with essential oils being used to help with everything from headaches to sleep, it's important to note that they can also be harmful if misused.

One important consideration when using essential oils is that they can affect people differently. For example, diffusing peppermint oil may relieve headaches in one person but cause an adverse reaction in someone with a fast heartbeat. Additionally, some essential oils are photosensitive and can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight.

To ensure safe use, it's recommended to work with a certified aromatherapist or consult a doctor, especially for pregnant women, children, and people with allergies or sensitive skin.

Inhalation via diffuser, steam, bath, aroma stick, or dry evaporation

The practice of inhaling essential oils is called aromatherapy, which has been used for centuries. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.

There are several ways to inhale essential oils:

• Diffuser: A diffuser is a device that disperses tiny oil particles around the room so you can breathe them in. Follow your diffuser's directions for the right oil-to-water ratio.
• Steam inhalation: Put a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Put your head over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam.
• Bath: Essential oils can be added to a bath.
• Aroma stick: Also called an essential oil inhaler, these portable plastic sticks have an absorbent wick that soaks up the essential oil. They come with a cover to keep the scent contained until you're ready to use it.
• Dry evaporation: Put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and smell the aroma as it disperses.

It's important to note that essential oils are concentrated and potent, and they can affect people differently. Always do a patch test before using a new essential oil, and consult a doctor or certified aromatherapist to determine which essential oils are safe for your specific needs and how to use them properly.

Topical application with skin absorption

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be applied to the skin, inhaled, or ingested. They are often used in aromatherapy, a form of complementary medicine that uses scent to improve health and well-being. While essential oils can offer various health benefits, it's important to use them safely and correctly.

When applying essential oils to the skin, it is crucial to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or avocado oil, to avoid skin irritation. The recommended dilution ratio for topical application is no more than 1% for adults, 0.25% for infants, 0.5% for toddlers, and 1% for children over 2 years old.

The face, forehead, neck, temples, and abdomen are some of the areas where essential oils can be applied topically. They can also be applied to the roof of the mouth or the base of the skull for emotional and mood support. Additionally, putting essential oils on the wrists, palms, or behind the ears allows for aromatic experiences.

It is important to perform a patch test before using a new essential oil to ensure it does not cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. This can be done by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to the inside of the forearm and observing for any signs of irritation or redness within 24 hours.

Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, are photosensitive and can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation, leading to sunburn. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sunlight exposure for up to 12 hours after applying these oils.

In summary, topical application of essential oils can be a safe and effective way to harness their benefits, but it is important to dilute them properly, perform patch tests, and be cautious of photosensitive oils to avoid any adverse reactions.

Oral absorption

Oral ingestion of essential oils is not a common practice, especially in the US. However, in France, it is more common under the supervision of trained professionals. Studies have shown that ingesting essential oils is the least effective way to gain their therapeutic benefits, as the oil ends up in the digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream. Oral ingestion is not recommended for the general public because some essential oils can be toxic to the liver or kidneys, or they may cause potential drug interactions. Additionally, the beneficial chemical composition of the oil could change during gastric processing.

Essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they mix well with oil and have a greater tendency for transdermal absorption. Researchers have proven that all essential oil components have a molecular weight under 500 Dalton, so they penetrate through the outer layer of our skin with relative ease, make their way into the bloodstream, and diffuse to various organs.

Essential oils are also used in food recipes, such as orange oil, but it is crucial to follow dosing instructions carefully.

Internal absorption

Essential oils can be absorbed internally in the body in several ways. One way is through oral absorption, which involves ingesting the oil in the form of gelatin capsules or a safe dose of diluted oil. However, it is important to note that internal absorption of essential oils can be dangerous and should only be done under the guidance of a trained expert. Even with a safe oral dose, certain essential oils can cause harm. For example, ingesting eucalyptus oil can lead to central nervous system depression and a chemical burn in the mouth, throat, and stomach.

Another method of internal absorption is through the use of scented mouthwash or vaginal douche. Essential oils can also be used to flavour prescription medications and herbal remedies. It is important to consult a qualified aromatherapist or doctor before ingesting any essential oils to ensure safe usage.

Safe storage and handling

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be harmful if not used and stored correctly. Here are some detailed instructions for the safe storage and handling of essential oils:

Safe Storage

• Keep out of reach: Essential oils should be stored safely out of the reach of children and pets. Place them in a lockable case or a high-up cabinet with a child lock.
• Avoid sunlight: Store essential oils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat exposure will cause the oils to break down faster.
• Seal bottles: Keep essential oil bottles tightly closed when not in use.
• Dark glass bottles: Pure essential oils should be stored in dark-coloured glass bottles to protect their quality. Essential oils can dissolve plastic bottles over time.
• Avoid flames: Essential oils are highly flammable, so they should be stored away from flames, such as candles, gas stoves, and open fireplaces.

Safe Handling

• Dilute: Essential oils should be diluted before use. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. For topical application, the concentration of essential oils should be kept below 5%, and for children, a safe dilution ratio is 0.5% to 2.5%.
• Patch test: Before using a new essential oil, perform a patch test to check for skin irritation. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use, apply a small amount to your forearm, and cover with gauze for 24 hours. Discontinue use if you experience a reaction.
• Avoid photosensitive oils: Some essential oils, such as citrus oils, are photosensitive and can cause skin sensitivity if applied before sun exposure. Avoid direct sunlight for 12 to 24 hours after using these oils.
• Do not ingest: Essential oils should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a trained professional. Ingesting essential oils can be toxic and irritate the oesophagus and stomach.
• Avoid during pregnancy: The use of essential oils during pregnancy is controversial, especially during the first three months. Consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy.
• Avoid with infants and young children: Essential oils should not be used on infants or young children. Their skin is thinner, and their livers and immune systems are less developed, making them more vulnerable to potential toxicity.
• Wash hands: Always wash your hands after using essential oils to avoid accidental transfer to the eyes or ears, which can cause serious adverse reactions.

Frequently asked questions