When you receive health advice on the Internet, on social media, or even in your social circles, do you question it? Do you check its validity as well as its safety for you? For your children? For your loved ones and even your furry friends?
There are a few things that you need to consider:
1-Is the information accurate? Has it been properly vetted to be sure?
2-Is is safe? Have you checked multiple sources?
3-The information may have worked for that person, do you have medical conditions that they don’t? How about medications, are you taking any medication that may conflict?
In the aromatherapy industry, as well as the herbal industry, advice can be given based on a testimonial. This word, “testimonial”, has become quite a trigger word. Please do not take advice based on “it worked great for me”, or my favorite, “I have been doing it for years and nothing bad has happened to me”. How do they know that exactly? What qualifies them to give that advice? Is a testimonial based on scientific factors or even education? Of course not.
Today I would like to talk about something that happens quite often in the aromatherapy industry, and that is comparing the therapeutic qualities and more importantly the safety of an herb compared to its essential oil counterpart.
An administrator of a Facebook group contacted me today to field a comment/bad advice that was given on a thread in her group as she has done dozens of times before. The comment was given on this very question verbatim:
“Any suggestions to up Mama’s milk supply? Thanks in advance”.
This type of question for starters can be tricky all in itself. What is the health of the mother? Any medical issues? Taking any medications? Was the baby full term? Does baby have any issues? …….The comment that threw off the administrator, and rightly so was:
“Fennel essential oil rubbed above the breast”.
Fennel Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oil During Breastfeeding
First and foremost, fennel essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy as well as lactation. To be clear, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a contraindication is: “something (such as a symptom or condition) that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable” (1). Fennel essential oil, specifically the constituent (E)-anethole, is a known hormonal modulator (2). This is essentially a substance that regulates the hormones of the body. Why is this an issue? Much of our body relies on an extremely precise conversation between the central nervous system (CNS) and hormones.
Hormones regulate essentially all body functions, for the purposes of this article I will focus on reproductive functions.
Hormonal changes associated with our moon cycle may bring about the following temporary conditions: tender nipples, irritability, unsettled feeling, or increased moodiness in mother, headaches (often associated with PMS), a slight dip in milk supply (usually not a big problem), slight change in taste of mother’s milk, (depends on the nursling whether or not this will cause an aversion to nursing), and the hormone prolactin that is responsible for mother’s letdown and overall production of milk, enabling her to feed her nursling (3).
You can compare this hormonal modulation to the birth control pill. Doctors will not place you on a birth control pill containing estrogen as a newly lactating mother, simply because of the altering of hormones. An OB/GYN doctor will typically prescribe a progesterone only pill, or recommend waiting all-together, as there are so many unknowns involved during this time. I speak from experience in these areas. Any mother that is sensitive to a shift in hormones due to specific cancers, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids can be placed under higher risk here (4).
Robert Tisserand stated in his recent book, Essential Oil Safety 2e (2014), that fennel essential oil may also be carcinogenic based on its estragole content (fennel contains up to 5% estragole) See noted pages below for your review (5).
Whether or not fennel essential oil even has the capability to increase milk production is a moot point, as safety or in this case lack of safety for mom and baby, outweigh any possible, potential benefit.
What About Fennel The Herb?
Fennel, the herbal counterpart, appears to carry with it a certain amount of risk as well. According to WebMD:
“during breast-feeding, fennel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It’s been reported that two breast-feeding infants experienced damage to their nervous systems after their mothers drank an herbal tea that contained fennel”.
Is this a stretch? Possibly..maybe…(6)
WebMD also states that fennel IS likely safe when consumed in amounts found in food (7). So keep in mind, when consuming fennel herb to increase milk supply, it can be in amounts found larger than what one would consume in food.
They go on to further say avoid fennel in these instances:
“Bleeding disorders: Fennel might slow blood clotting. Taking fennel might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Fennel might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use fennel” (8).
In Closing
I felt that it was important to address this topic in more detail as it is shared so easily without much understanding of the safety issues involved. It is recommended to avoid fennel essential oil during pregnancy and lactation, and utilize caution with the herb in levels more than what would typically be consumed in food. Congratulations to all mom’s out there embarking on a beautiful time with your new little bundle of joy. Stay tuned for future articles on what IS considered a safe way to increase mothers milk. Until then, stay safe!
References
(1) (5) Tisserand, R., Young, R., Essential Oil Safety2e (2014) (p277-278)
(2) Definition of a contraindication: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contraindication
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Abhyanga, or annointing yourself from head to toe with warmed oil, is an ancient form of self-love, and is a beautiful practice to do every day for well-being and longevity.
Depending on the type of oil you use, you will likely want to do this before a shower. Your blend will also dictate whether you use it before you start your day-invigorating, or before bed-for restful sleep.
There is not “one” way to accomplish the goal. This daily practice is said to balance the dosha’s in Ayurveda, and keep you incredibly grounded in the present. (Link below for more details on the doshas)
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age”
Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89 (One of the Great ancient texts of Ayurveda)
Make sure you are in a warm, comfortable space. If you enjoy a piece of music, now would be a good time to play it. You “can” run the diffuser, but since you are making up a massage oil blend, it is not necessary. Do not leave any body part out.
Move slowly with intention in circular strokes, chopping motions, whatever feels good. Do not make this a mindless practice, stay present and feel all there is to feel.
***As I am not aware of your medical condition, please be sure to research the oils listed to make sure they do not have any contraindications for you.
Click here for more self-care tips incorporating mind body balance and aromatherapy.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Essential Oil and Confirmation Bias. Confirmation bias is a propensity to search for or interpret information that we find in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions. In other words, when performing research online or at the library or other learning institution, the individual doing the research has already made their decision about the topic before they have begun their search (1). Rather than looking to find “the truth” so to speak, they are looking for information that agrees with what they already think!
This is never a good approach. Why is this problematic? The list is long, and it applies to any industry or modality, but today my focus is on complementary medicine, specifically aromatherapy.
Performing research can be challenging, and I hope to give some examples and make some points in a little bit that will make it much easier for you. Before I do that, I want to talk about the challenges that we face. Aromatherapists know exactly how to research, (if they don’t, they need to!). Many others (essential oils enthusiasts) however, subscribe to the confirmation bias of some sort or even worse, “testimonials” to validate what they do for themselves or what they tell others to do.
“Confirmation bias is a direct influence of desire on beliefs”
What are the issues surrounding essential oils and confirmation bias?
1. We may pick out bits and pieces of data that make us feel good. Why do they make us feel good? Largely because they confirm our own prejudices (The preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience).
2. Seeking out information that we already perceive as correct and ignore or reject information that casts it out due to what someone else may have told them. This can cause much negativity and drama in FB groups. I shy away from participating in all of that. It does not serve a purpose.
These are very rudimentary examples, but the point is crystal clear. Here are two basic Google searches (you will see later why I do not subscribe to the Dr. Google phenomenon)
—“Research essential oils calming sedative effect”. (searches never need complete sentences) The first three returns on this search bring me to PubMed research papers.
—“Why lavender essential oil is so calming”. The first three returns on this search bring me to blogger sites A. BodyEcology.com B. Health.com C. MindBodyGreen.com
Can you begin to see the difference? When you put something in the search field that is more of a conviction that in inquiry….your results will differ.
3. Google has what is called an algorithm. Algorithms SUPPORT confirmation bias!
The definition of an algorithm is: “a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer” (2).
An algorithm is like a roadmap, and can even be compared to a recipe. (Do this, then this…or step 1…step 2…) When it comes to a basic Google search if you type anything close to what others have typed/searched many times over…you will likely get the same result they did…..and the results are not based on science…but popularity, or how many times it has been searched. Unfortunately, even erroneous information can be popular based on SEO (Search engine optimized) website plugin alone (3).
4. Confirmation bias can also be an issue where groups of people are seen as “not to be trusted”. Similar to “the world is a dangerous place”. In some instances this may be a “fear” of modern medicine, in others, it may be a case of “all complementary medicine is quackery”. Look at the website www.quackwatch.com for example.
5. Not only does confirmation bias impact how research is being done, but can also impact how people interpret and recall information.
—Interpretation. When you are reading a blog that is based solely on opinion, it leaves everything to interpretation. If an article has no references to back up their claims…move on.
—Recall/memory. This can go back to the testimonial issue. “My neighbor said this worked great for her child, so it will also work for mine”.
Neither is a good method of “research”.
6. Similar to the “Halo Effect” or “cognitive bias”, many people hold their “health guru” in high esteem. This can be health figures online, their chiropractor, or another type of complementary practitioner…..You have faith in their ability to “adjust your back and get you out of pain” or “they gave you advice before that really worked”…so everything they say much be gospel….right? Know the education of those whom you look to for health advice of any kind. You can read more about the halo effect here (4).
Essential Oil Skeptics-Confirmation Bias
What are the issues at hand for the ones that provide the information?
1.This one goes out to the online health gurus, mommy bloggers, and others out there who want a piece of the action in the essential oil world, (does not apply to all, but MANY). I kindly ask that you please take your responsibility seriously. Many people hang on your every word in what you are telling them. If you are not educated in this niche, please get educated. If you are not willing to do so, PLEASE consider going back to where your education lies…and MOST importantly, consider finding a qualified aromatherapist to work with.
All practitioners, eastern or western take an oath to “do no harm”. This needs to be #1 in all you share and teach. Some have said we need to “stay in our lane”, another way to put it is “stay within your scope of practice”.
2. The one performing the research has to do their due diligence as well. Yes, even the researcher dismisses information when it does not support their initial hypothesis. A good researcher will work to try to consistently challenge their hypothesis, not consistently work to prove it.
When I was in school, I did a project in which the research paper disproved their hypothesis. Many of the students were confused about why I chose to write my paper on it. It is important to understand that there is just as much importance in a paper that disproves the original hypothesis in those that prove it. This is quality research.
One last thought on Dr. Google. In utilizing aromatherapy, nutrition, or any other complementary therapy, Google can be utilized as a reference point, one that needs further research. If you find an article, please research other sources to see if the information is up to date and accurate. The goal for all of us is the same, to make the best choices for ourselves and our family using trusted information, as well as to know when and where to look for assistance when needed.
Learning How to Research-A Crash Course
This topic could be a series of blogs, but for now, I would like to just cover a few key points, and provide a few really good resources.
Superior to a blanket Google search would be to utilize research databases for evidence-based information. Find quality research that has been validated.
Here is a sampling of databases to help you perform your research:
The best type of research paper is going to be a double-blind randomized controlled trial. According to Pubmed, “The double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) is accepted by medicine as an objective scientific methodology that, when ideally performed, produces knowledge untainted by bias” (5). This method removes the bias piece to research. The abstract of your paper will state what type of research was done. There are many other types such as but not limited to: cohort studies, case-controlled studies, and various surveys. Use the resources below to learn what those are as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
I can not tell you how many countless hours I combed through research papers hundreds of pages long with a highlighter and toothpicks to hold my eyes open (kidding on the latter), to write a quality literature review for grading. Double-blind randomized controlled trials bring the most reliable results.
Resources to help you Perform Quality Research
The books that I used in school have been valuable well beyond their price tag, so I want to share with you four that I used, and I recommend you invest in them as well.
The first book, in all honesty, as I began to read it…made me want to poke my eyes out. A few weeks into my semester I learned the value of it and went back to page one and poured myself into it. The Curious Researcher, A Guide to Writing Research Papers, by Bruce Ballenger is a must for anyone researching, writing, or even wanting to perform your own research trial.
Another gem is Making Sense of Research, by Martha Brown Menard. The book is geared towards complementary and integrative health practitioners. It goes over the scientific method, the research process, and a very detailed step-by-step for locating research articles, understanding them, and determining their value.
Last is Complementary & Alternative Medicine, A Research-Based Approach, by Lyn Freeman. This book covers what the others do, but takes it one step further to look at case studies, clinical applications, healing methods, medical advances, and the history of each discipline. Very thorough, and worth every penny.
I hope that I was able to shed some light on how common confirmation bias really is in our industry, and what we can do as practitioners to combat it. If you are an essential oil enthusiast, it is SO INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT for you, as a home researcher, to know where to find quality information that you can trust. Always look with a critical eye, at what you are reading and the evidence the writer provides to back it up. We can, and should do better!
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Welcome to podcast #3, “Why I am so passionate about what I do”…… This podcast is intended to let you see a piece of my world….and share with you my hopes for the future of the aromatherapy industry.
If you want to learn more about safety, you can purchase my new book Essential Oils…safe use for the home, in two places. Look above ^^^ under the “Products for Sale” link. For just $12 you can get a personalized signed copy shipped directly to you. You can also purchase on Amazon here, available in paperback and Kindle.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
Why I Refrain From Sharing Therapeutic Essential Oil Blends. I bet that title got your attention. There are a couple reasons why I do not list therapeutic essential oil blends/formulations in a blog. You could do a simple Google search such as “essential oils for allergies” and you will find many posts, memes, pins, etc, on how to “treat” your allergies. The issue here is multifaceted, the first being that many of the recommendations would not be effective. Another is the method of use (recommending oil in a capsule) is not the most effective or safe for allergies. Lastly, more often times than not basic safety is not covered when these blends are shared, possible contraindications listed or even safe diluting advice given.
Why I Refrain From Sharing Therapeutic Essential Oil Blends
So you may be thinking, if I know all of this information, why am I avoiding sharing therapeutic essential oil blends for the general public? Up to this point, I have taken the path of education, talking about proper use, scientific facts, and touching a little bit on chemistry.
The main reason that I do not share therapeutic essential oil blends/formulations online is the fact that everyone is different. Sure, essential oils have basic therapeutic properties that cross the board for most everyone. BUT if my neighbor, you, or I had bronchitis and needed some help with a few days of suppositories, it is more than likely that we will all have a different formulation based on medical conditions, medications, age, weight, and basic constitution. The same would apply if I made an allergy inhaler, blend for a nebulizer, or steam tent. This would likely require three different blends based on many of these things with the addition of likes and dislikes where aromatics are concerned.
What Is A Contraindication?
Many essential oils come with what are called contraindications. These are specific instances when an oil should not be used because it might be harmful, for example, anyone with a history of seizures, asthma, blood clotting disorders, taking certain medications or are pregnant or nursing to name a few. There are certain oils not recommended for children for various reasons. Some oils increase the risk of skin irritation when applied topically (more so for those with sensitive skin), while other oils are phototoxic.
This slowly begins to paint a picture as to why sharing essential oil therapeutic blends can be an issue.
When Things Backfire
As an aromatherapy educator and someone who is present in social media, I have seen more essential oil “accidents” then I care to think about.
-A woman contacted me with chemical burns on her mouth and chin from the application of diluted cinnamon and clove to a cold sore. The burns lasted a couple weeks and were extremely painful and slow healing with continual cracking of the skin.
-I have had a panicked mom in the ER contact me as her daughter was covered in hives and patchy red sores/blisters from a one-time application of a blend to her chest for a cough.
-I have had a mom contact me panicked that her child was listless after a nap where a recommended blend from Pinterest was recommended for peaceful sleep.
There are many others, but I listed these three as they were the ones that were really upsetting to the individuals affected. Luckily, all three cases recovered nicely and are ok today.
Do I Give Advice?
Am I willing to give advice to others on social media or over the phone? I am willing, at times, to do so privately if I feel the situation warrants it, although I tend to stick to the facts surrounding safety in all things. Before I do this I ask proper questions such as: Do you have any medical condition I need to be aware of? Are you taking any medications? What is your overall health like? Do you have sensitivities? Do you have allergies? Depending on the possible recommendation I ask: Do you have any small children in the home? Do you own pets?
I also run a very large Facebook group, where I get questions daily. I answer those to the best of my ability, but always state to do additional research, as that is really important.
There is much to be considered.
Aromatherapists Responsibility
As a trained aromatherapist, I took an oath of “do no harm”. First and foremost, my thoughts are on keeping you safe. If you follow my FB page, you may have made note of something special that I add to posts when I share something that is written by others that contain a recommendation within, whether it is for an herb or sometimes, rarely an oil or oil blend. It reads something like this:
**Make note, as I do not know your medical history please do your own research before following the recommendations within.
At the very least, this is appropriate.
It is also the responsibility of the professional aromatherapist to understand that we are not to treat medical conditions. “Diagnose, prescribe, or treat” are things we should not and do not do. What we should do is look at the whole body, the whole person. We work to restore homeostasis by addressing the whole body, in all it fabulous layers and complexities.
This quote addresses this aspect quite nicely:
“To reach the individual we need an individual remedy. Each of us is a unique message. It is only the unique remedy that will suffice”.- Madame Marguerite Maury
Madame Marguerite Maury (1895-1968) was an Austrian born biochemist who became interested in what was to become aromatherapy. Look again at the years of her life…have we veered too far from her quote and lost the true art of aromatherapy? She was a very wise woman indeed.
What Can Be Done
Let’s take a brief look at what I consider to be beginner’s blends. These are very basic blends that do not carry with them cautions or contraindications. Essential oils that when used are safe for everyone. I do share these at times. These do not address specific ailments. As a professional, if I can assist in helping to get essential oil enthusiasts feet wet using the oils in a safe manner, I have done a great service to our community as a whole. Everyone starts at the beginning. This is very different than a more complex blend that is specific to the individual. Two different uses, if you will. These very basic beginner’s blends may not affect everyone in the same way but do help to see which oils complement each other, as well as the basic use of the oil. The more therapeutic use of essential oils needs to be recommended after a one on one consultation with an experienced aromatherapist.
Take A Step Back
There are plenty of responsible aromatherapists with years and years of experience out there that have written blogs, books, and more that do list recipes/formulations for potential ailments. I own and recommend many of these books to my readers/clients. Every professional in the field works from their own level of education and experience, no two of us are alike, and I see this as a beautiful thing. I have a deep respect for everyone and their views, this is what makes us unique.
I have a large following of friends, family, and acquaintances that reach out to me to make sure what they are doing is appropriate. There are, however, much more out there who are not utilizing proper information, as there is so much of it out there it can be difficult to determine what is factual and what is misguided opinion.
What You Should Look For
The best that you can do as a home user is to do your own research. If you are reading blogs they should have plenty of resources and references for you to dig deeper. If you come across an article giving recommendations with no references to speak of, I would keep looking.
Other Things To Consider
Is the publication recent?
Is the author respected “in the field”? In the field is an important piece as many health guru’s have moved over to the essential oil industry without the proper education to back them or their recommendations up.
This is my take on sharing them more therapeutic essential oil recipes/formulations, and why up until now have decided not to do so.
To your health! <3
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
