Essential OiIs: Natural Doesn't Mean Risk-Free

How Essential Oils Work

Since 1000 A.D., healers have used mechanical presses or steam to extract essential oils from plants.  Today, practitioners rub oi-infused lotions on ski where the compounds absorb into the bloodstream.  Or they diffuse them into the air where once-inhaled, bind smell receptors and stimulate the central nervous system, says Joie Power, Ph. D., a neuropsychologist and aromatherapist who taught nurses how to use oils.  Research remains scarce with scientists using controlled human trials.  Due to these studies, these oils are being used in hospitals and clinics for stress relief, pain and nausea relief, and to prevent bedsores.  A study of 300 patients found that those who breathed a mixture of ginger, spearmint, peppermint and cardmom suffered less nausea after surgery.  Other studies showed lavender oil lower the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and inhaling lemongrass aroma before a stressful event prevented anxiety.  While other studies shows tea tree and oregano oils fight microbes, making them popular treatments for dandruff and toe fungus.  Still others used as anti-inflammatory.  The trouble falls where companies over state potential.  The bottom line is that essential oils are safe and effective if used properly for addressing routine health changes.

What Not To Do

Despite what essential oi companies say, these oils should not be swallowed, Power says.  Even continued exposure to small amounts (few drops a day from water bottle) lead to fatigue and headaches.  Taking in large amounts of certain oils like tea tree oils, wintergreen and camphor, lead to throat swelling, racing heart, vomiting and even seizures, says Tennessee Poison Center.  Essential oils like eucalyptus contain compounds like phenol which irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled, especially for babies.  Some hormone-like properties say it could be harmful to children and pregnant women.  For pregnant women, oils used on skin can cross the placental barrier and impact the unborn baby.  Swallowing some rare oils like penny royal can lead to miscarriage.  The safe bet is to work with professional who knows how to use them or skip them altogether, Power says.  Many citrus oils contain furocoymarins which cause chemical burns when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.