Guidelines Regarding Essential Oil Use

Though we personally believe essential oils are infinitely better than the myriad of chemicals ingested every day, we also recognize that they are potent tools in God’s medicine cabinet and should be used prudently.

As you might expect, information published about essential oils is very inconsistent. Check some opinions on the web and you’ll find tremendous disparity regarding oils. Some believe that many oils are safe to use directly and undiluted on the skin; others claim that such concentration can be harmful and recommend that they only be used topically in their diluted form. Some claim that ingesting certain oils is safe; others suggest they must be ingested in a diluted form to remain safe; still others recommend that essential oils never be ingested.

A lot depends on the oil, its level of use, and its method of application. If you look at the FDA website, you will find that the FDA has approved many common oils as Food Additives or considers them GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Click Here for Link to FDA.gov Indeed, we eat essential oils in foods we currently purchase in the supermarket. However, the FDA has not yet determined acceptable vs. unacceptable levels of use; instead, the FDA recommends using the smallest amount of any ingredient necessary for the desired benefit.

The following information is intended as background information, in case you are new to the oils arena. We have tried to include the most common cautions so you can use the oils safely. A quick internet search will yield many books written about aromatherapy. We HIGHLY recommend you spend some time researching the benefits and effects of essential oils before using them. Though there are different schools of thought, those opinions will help you form a basis for developing your own opinions. Please visit our “Library” tab at www.welcometolifeoils.com where we provide a short description of some books we have found useful. Ultimately, you are the primary decision-maker in your health and the health of your family.

To Health!

What are Essential Oils?

Essential Oils are extracts that are removed from a variety of plant parts: roots, bark, peels, stems, leaves, blossoms, and flowers. They are extracted most commonly through steam distillation, expressed (pressed) methods, and with solvents. A very large amount of raw material is required to produce a small amount of oil (150-2000 pounds of raw material per pound of oil).

How old are Essential Oils?

Old. They are mentioned many times in the Old and New Testaments. In addition, ancient Egyptians distilled oils for medical conditions, emotional centering, spiritual awareness, embalming, and cosmetic uses.

How are Oils Used?

Most often, oils are used in one of three ways: aromatic scents (smelling and diffusing), topical application (on the soles of the feet and other places), and ingestion (as supplements or food additives).

How are Oils Used Aromatically?

Typically, positive emotional uplift is obtained by smelling essential oils. It is likely that physical benefits are also obtained through inhalation. Oils can be inhaled from the bottle or by applying a small amount of oil onto a tissue or a cotton ball. Diffusing essential oils with a cold-air diffuser suspends micro-fine body-ready amounts of oil into the air.

What Aromatic Safeguards Should I Consider?

Ø      At the start, diffuse oils for a short time (less than 30 minutes a day). If positive benefits are achieved, you may wish to increase the time to 60-90 minutes a day. In either case, it is recommended that you run the diffuser for less than 15 minutes in a single hour.

Ø      Locate the diffuser high in the room to aid in oil suspension.

Ø      Some oils are not appropriate for aromatherapy. Most of these are not commonly marketed for general use; camphor, wintergreen, pennyroyal, sassafras, and others.

How are Oils Used Topically?

Topical applications of oils come in many forms. The most common are through massage (with the use of a carrier oil which dilutes the concentration to avoid skin sensitization), through application on the soles of the feet (the recommended place of application), or on another part of the body (when site considerations are important).

What Topical Safeguards Should I Consider?

Ø      Oils are strong—too strong for use around the eyes, for using in the ear canal, or for any mucous membrane areas.

Ø      It is wise to test one’s response to specific oils by diluting the oil in a carrier oil like olive, almond, or fractionated coconut oil. Less than 5% oil is a good starting dilution.

Ø      Apply the oil to the soles of the feet. This minimizes the chance for a reaction and allows the body to adjust to the oil. When applying to other parts of the body, test the reaction before general application.

Ø      Choose carefully when considering oils to be used for children. Diminish the concentration to account for age differences. Oils rich in Menthol (like Peppermint) should not be used on the neck or throat of children under six.

Ø      If a reaction occurs during topical application, have additional carrier (or vegetable oil) available to mix with the oil; this will help dissipate the reaction.

Ø      Essential oils should not be used in bath water unless the oils are dispersed evenly. One method for doing this is to drop 2 to 3 drops of oil into a cup of Epsom salts and hold the mixture under the faucet while the water is running. This should prevent oils from stinging sensitive body areas.

Ø      When oils are diluted appropriately, there is a relatively low risk of reaction. However, overuse, even in low dilutions, may cause a sensitization to develop over time.

How are Oils Used Internally?

There is not enough research or clinical information for experts to recommend the ingestion of essential oils. Their impact upon various body processes has not been sufficiently studied. For this reason, the internal use of essential oils is discouraged. However, this does not necessarily mean that the ingestion of certain essential oils is harmful. It just means that we do not yet have enough evidence to make a clear determination. Most authorities leave internal oil use to certified practitioners only. Those who advocate the internal use of essential oils are typically associated with companies that are marketing or selling oils.

If you decide that internal consumption of oils is in your best interest, be sure to sufficiently dilute the oils. We prefer putting a drop of oil in a tablespoon or more of fresh lemon juice. However, honey, olive oil, rice milk, or water can also be appropriate for this purpose. Some companies advocate putting the oils in a capsule and swallowing them. We find this difficult and personally believe that mixing a drop into food or drink (so the oil is diluted) is a safer alternative. As a general rule, 1-3 drops per 8 hour period is usually sufficient to achieve the desired benefits. Oils with GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) or FA (Food Additive) status (from the FDA) can be used as flavorings in cooking. Again, just a drop or two is sufficient. You may be interested in purchasing an essential-oil-focused cookbook.

What Internal Safeguards Should I Consider?

Ø      Do not give essential oils internally to children under the age of six.

Ø      ALWAYS dilute!

Ø      Consider an oils GRAS or FA status to help determine its value as a flavoring etc.

Are there General Considerations for the Safe Use of Essential Oils?

1. Keep oils out of reach of children. If a child ingests more than 5 drops at a time, consult a health care professional.
2. Some oils are photosensitizing and should not be applied before spending time in the sun. These include Bergamot, Citrus oils (except Grapefruit), and Angelica.
3. If pregnant, consult your health care provider before using essential oils. The effects on a developing fetus have not been sufficiently studied. Some oils are known to be questionable during pregnancy for various reasons. Some of these are anise, birch, cassia and cinnamon bark, fennel, hyssop, myrrh, oregano, sage, wintergreen, and green yarrow.
4. Epileptics should not use oils without consulting their health provider. They should take extra caution with sage, peppermint, rosemary, nutmeg, birch, basil, fennel, tansy, and hyssop oils.
5. Individuals with high blood pressure should avoid rosemary and sage.
6. If a reaction is noted to a particular oil, discontinue using it.
7. Some oils are flammable. Store them away from potential sparks or flames.
8. Store oils in a cool, dark location and keep them tightly closed.
9. It is recommended that oils be used intermittently to avoid sensitization.