Diffusing essential oils, could this possibly be harmful? Enjoying the scents of peppermint, lavender, or lemon, could it somehow have harmful effects? Using essential oils has become quite popular recently, I do wonder if everybody is aware that concentrated essential oils have precautions, even if they are considered natural.
It is worth the effort to do a little research before using essential oils. Essential oils do provide numerous benefits, but in the wrong hands, they can also contribute to things like skin irritations, they may exacerbate respiratory problems, or even affect hormone-related issues. Also, your pets are prone to be sensitive to oils. So, it is important to know which oils you can use and which to avoid.
If you are ever in doubt about using essential oils for a physical problem, always check in with your doctor first before jumping in and applying the oils. Some even encourage the internal use of essential oils. Personally, I would only do so on advisement from a professional doctor. If you do suffer from any kind of physical problems like diabetes, epilepsy, hormonal problems, to allergies, or if you are pregnant and you are unsure about essential oils, ask your doctor, or a registered professional therapeutic aromatherapist. Not many may know this, but the study of essential oils is regulated and anybody claiming therapeutic benefits must have the relevant certification and belong to the specific councils and associations.
· Watery and itchy eyes (diffused oils)
· Runny nose and sneezing
· Topical applications can cause itchiness and redness or even swelling
If you suddenly develop these symptoms and think it is essential oils, simply stop using them. If you do suffer from allergies in general, you may have to seek out help to evaluate what the allergy triggers are before you begin to use essential oils again. The best way to see if you are sensitive to an essential oil product applied topically is to do a patch test first. Apply the product onto a small area on the inside of your forearm or wrist area and wait to see if a reaction occurs.
It may be complicated to draw up a list of safe and not-safe essential oils, as most common and readily available oils are considered safe if used correctly. For example, lavender has been known to be a great de-stressing and calming oil, but it can also harm the endocrine system. Chamomile oil is also known as a relaxing oil, but certain people with allergies may have a negative reaction. Peppermint oil is cooling and refreshing, but it can cause skin irritation and is a definite no around animals.
People can react differently to each essential oil, so it might be difficult to draw a definite line between what is safe and not safe. With pets, it may be a bit more complicated, as they are more sensitive. The best thing to do here is to not use essential oils on pets unless you know for sure it is safe and try to diffuse oils away or in rooms where they do not enter. Keep spaces well-ventilated, not only for pets but for those who are prone to get migraines and headaches. Breathing in too much-diffused oils might also not be such a good idea.
Never apply an essential oil undiluted onto your skin. Always dilute in carrier oil first. This also applies to using essential oils in the bath, dilute them in a carrier oil before adding them to the water. But be aware that the oils can make the bath slippery. And always store your essential oils in a cool dark place away from children and pets. You can get read more about the safety of essential oils on the AromWeb website, which gives more information on dilutions, pet safety, and more.
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