One of the biggest risks of essential oils is that most people think they are harmless. And it’s true for the most part, they are safe and effective. However, this is only when they are used correctly.
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The challenge is, there are a lot of disagreements about what constitutes safe use of essential oils. Let’s delve into how you can be safe by looking at some of the common risks of essential oils. Some of the risk has to do with the essential oils and some with the people using them.
Risks of Essential Oil
Photosensitivity
In some people being sensitive to the sun can cause a higher risk when using some essential oils. Oils such as expressed lemon (Citrus x limon) have a low risk of being phototoxic. You can even have a reaction just by peeling a lemon outside, this bizarre phenomenon is known as margarita burn. One essential oil that has a high risk of phototoxicity is expressed bergamot (Citrus bergamia), which according to Tisserand & Young in Second Edition Essential Oil Safety should be used at 0.4% (pg. 211) to avoid issues.
It is important to learn which oils may be phototoxic so you can keep yourself safe when using them.
Digestive Concerns
In my article “Is it safe to ingest essential oils” I explore some of the concerns regarding this. Many sales representatives may suggest to use essential oils to flavor your water. Stop! Oils and water will not mix! This means you are consuming a potent substance with no protection for your delicate mucous membranes (esophagus, stomach, intestines, etc.)
Population Risks
As we stated sometimes it is the oils themselves that carry risks, but on the other hand it can be who is using the essential oil. Below lists some of the reasons you should think twice before using them.
Pregnancy and Nursing
If you’re pregnant, you will want to check with your doctor before using any essential oils. Some oils have risks that have been recorded in research. The following list should be avoided.
- Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides)
When nursing you may want to avoid peppermint (Mentha x piperita) oil as it can decrease your milk supply.
Medication
If you’re taking any medications, you will need to double check about any interactions with your medicine. As an example, wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima) contains a chemical methyl salicylate, this has been known to exacerbate blood thinning. Therefore, anyone that is taking anticoagulant medicines could experience issues when mixing the essential oil and medicine. A certified aromatherapist along with your physician can better help you make the decision.
You can search for an aromatherapist in your area at NAHA.org or Alliance of International Aromatherapists.
Children
While a lot of people are supporters of using essential oils with their kids, they cannot be tested on children to determine safety. Most experts suggest first talking to a doctor and then trying them extra diluted in a diffuser instead of applying directly on the skin.
The oils that come from fruits are generally considered safe, but watch out for wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), rosemary (Salvia rosemarinus) or peppermint (Mentha x piperita) as they can affect breathing.
Pets
Again, many people do use essential oils with their pets. But don’t assume that anything you use for yourself can be used for them. As a certified animal aromatherapist I have explored this topic in detail here.
Using essential oils is a good alternative for most people. However, for some – especially children, pregnant and nursing women, and animals – it may not be the safest choice despite the marketing claiming the contrary.
Do check with your doctor or veterinarian before you use anything on your children or pets. Just because it’s safe for you to use doesn’t mean that it’s safe for them. And just because something is natural doesn’t make it perfectly safe in all circumstances.
