by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Have you decided you want to be an aromatherapist, are a current student, or recently graduated and not really sure how you will make a living? Well, I am glad you have found this training, as I go over all of that in great detail!
Are you clear on how to practice your modality legally in the US? How about your state?
Do you know the difference between a drug or a cosmetic in regards to your product?
Do you know what you can legally say to a client one on one? How about what you can say on the label, with various marketing materials, on social media, or on your website?
Where can you obtain insurance? Why is this so important and what coverage do you need?
Learn all of this and MORE in my online training program.
This is NOT just for aromatherapists, but also for wellness representatives…the laws apply to you too!
You simply do not get this education in the typical 200-hour aromatherapy course.
When I graduated I was not sure how to invent myself. Let’s face it, looking through the wanted ad’s is not going to get you where you want to go. That is my hopes for the future, but we are not there yet. My goal is to provide you the tools to help you to feel empowered enough to take that next step, and be successful!
I wanted to make this course affordable for everyone.
Grab it now for under $50! (no expiration)
Here is what others are saying!
“As a newcomer to the field of aromatherapy, I was overwhelmed by the FDA’s laws and regulations. This course broke down what I needed to know into smaller, easier to process sections and Leslie was available with a quick response when I had questions or needed further information. The materials provided were easy to understand and the directions were easy to follow. It is a valuable resource to anyone wanting to supplement their aromatherapy education.” -Molly S.
“When I was through with my certification program, I really was not sure if aromatherapy would forever be a hobby or if I could make it a career. Leslie really helped to open my eyes to the possibilities. There was a lot covered in the course that I did not learn in school. It was well worth the investment”. -Karyn P.
“What did I say wrong mister FDA man? Oh, I couldn’t say it is a pain oil? And I can’t say it stops the pain? You mean I can’t make these things anymore? You’re closing me down? This could have happened to me and it could certainly happen to you. Do you know that even though the government doesn’t regulate the sale of essential oils and their products they do regulate what you can and can’t say? Kind of like a grammar police. You could end up on the wrong side of the bar at court if you say things you are not allowed. Yes, they will warn you but you change your words to something else that is still not allowed and you end up in court.
Am I trying to scare you? In a way I am, but I am telling you there is no reason not to know what to say. This program of FDA compliance is the course that not only could save your business but could keep you out of the jailhouse. I have seen it happen. Please take this course so you can know what to and what not to say. Not only what to say but how do you put the correct information on your product label. Again, they don’t regulate the sales but they do regulate what’s on or not on your labels. There is a lot more than just putting some oils together in a jar and slapping a label on it. Do yourself and your family a big favor and go for this course. It’s worth every dime and will keep you from doing time.” -Dan K. CA
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
In case you are not familiar with the golden rule, it states, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”, or another version is “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” This rule is imperative in life; it is one that I have taught my boys since they were able to understand what I was saying (I still preach it today, because, well…kids).
I feel that my community, the one that I have dedicated much of the last decade to, can sometimes miss the mark. Those that are super passionate like myself, can at times forget about the way they come across to people online and in social media. I feel confident when I say that if we were in a public setting, things would often not happen the way we “read” them on Facebook. If there is a true “issue”, take it to a private discussion.
I implore everyone to take step back and think how they can better themselves, specific situations, and interactions with one another.
Our industry as a whole, is about helping others, the compassionate healers, and our fellow colleagues should not be an exception to the rule. We SHOULD be thinking about how we can lift each other up, as we all have the same goals, right?
I am all for constructive conversations in Facebook Aromatherapy groups. I often participate in them. I am always conscious in how I may be coming across to others as they are not sitting with me at tea time to see my face, hear my passion, and know my truth. It is important to have this discernment. I do not go out of my way to “prove someone else is wrong”, but rather offer my point of view. Aromatherapy is not always black and white, we do not need to fight our points tooth and nail until threads close down or commenting is turned off and feelings are hurt.
There are plenty of great Facebook groups out there that essential oil enthusiasts can come to get information from. As a qualified aromatherapist, it is important that we understand what we can and can not say, begin to take a look at what we “give away”, and how specific choices may not always be lifting the profession up along the way. At times these things are overlooked, and it tends to ruffles feathers. We do have an option, we can look the other way, or we can leave the group. I understand and share in the frustration at times, but as adults, we have the right to make those choices, and not break the golden rule along the way. Be kind whenever possible, it is always possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is how quickly the industry is blooming, and how many come to us, not only for accurate information, but compassion and care. I know we can do better!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” -Helen Keller
Let’s all work to do better, and be better going forward. It is not our way or the highway.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
What is an adverse reaction to an essential oil? Would you know what to do if you or your child had an adverse reaction to an essential oil or oil blend? Do you know what an adverse reaction looks like? I will be covering a few of those here in hopes to make you more aware of what that might look like, and what to do if it happens. When we use essential oils, safety has to be the first thing we keep in mind.
First and foremost, this article is not written to scare or instill fear, but to make you more knowledgeable. I want to empower you to use them properly and know what to look for in the rare case there is a reaction. It is important to note, if you are following basic safety instructions, the likelihood of an adverse reaction is greatly reduced.
Skin Reactions
The first thing to look out for when using essential oils topically is skin reactions.
-Skin irritation, which is a direct result of contact with the skin and is localized to where the oil was applied. Once the material is removed, healing occurs. Removal is best done with a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, or milk. Healing may not occur immediately, but you should see improvement after proper removal.
-Skin sensitization is a more serious reaction that is systemic (affecting the entire body or organism), involving the immune system called sensitization.
According to Dorene Petersen, president of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS):
“Sensitization occurs once the offending substance has penetrated the skin, been picked up by proteins in the skin, and mediated by the IgE response that produces histamine and other irritants” [1].
This is an allergic reaction that begins at the site of application but quickly spreads to the whole body. If the immune system response is activated, you likely will not be able to use the oil, or constituent in the oil again (the constituent can occur in multiple oils).
If this happens to you please seek medical attention immediately. Save the bottle of oils for the medical staff, to help them to understand what they are dealing with. (Poison Control (800) 222-1222…24 hours a day)
–Phototoxic reactions can occur from a specific list of oils. This can occur when certain essential oil constituents on the skin react when exposed to the sun (ultraviolet light). Tanning beds also need to be avoided. This can result in general redness and burning of the skin, changes in melanin of the skin, and there is even potential for a more serious reaction such as chemical burns. These oils can be used on the skin, but utilize caution by not going out into the sun for 12-24 hours after exposure. If you follow this simple safety precaution, you will never have to deal with this type of reaction.
**It is important to note that this applies to the area of skin where the oil was applied, not your body as a whole.
Here is a list of oils that should be used topically with caution, and their maximum use levels according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards [2]:
Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) 0.8%
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) 0.4%
Bitter Orange (Cold/Expeller Pressed) (Citrus aurantium) 1.25%
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) 0.4%
Grapefruit (expressed) (Citrus paradisi) 4.0%
Lemon (Cold/Expeller Pressed) (Citrus limon) 2.0%
Lime (Cold/Expeller Pressed) (Citrus aurantifolia) 0.7%
Mandarin Leaf (Citrus reticulate) 0.17%
Rue (Ruta graveolens) 0.15%
Taget (Tagetes minuta) 0.01%
*If you have a phototoxic reaction such as a chemical burn, seek out the care of a medical professional to reduce permanent effects.
Diffusing Essential Oils
Essential oil diffusers disperse the essential oil into the air in tiny droplets. Robert Tisserand recommends diffusing times of 30-60 minutes, or 30 minutes on and 60 minutes off [3]. If you are diffusing in a small room, make sure to have proper ventilation. I think Tisserand’s recommendations may be generous when looking at small children, therefore, I will go one step further to say that if you are diffusing for a small child, 15-20 minutes on and 60 minutes off will be more than sufficient for them. If you decide to diffuse for a baby, six months or older, 10 minutes will likely be just enough.
In order to explain possible reasons for the recommended times, let’s talk a little bit about our sense of smell, or our olfactory system.
Dorene Petersen of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) states that:
“Our sense of smell goes through five stages, those are: detect, transmit, perceive, analyze, and store. These stages cycle incredibly fast. The reception area of our olfactory system is called the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory epithelium is the size of a small postage stamp in each nostril, and is packed with an impressive 40 million sensory neurons, capable of detecting .0000000013 of an ounce of a scent in a single breath of air” [4].
Our olfactory system is incredibly efficient, obtaining the therapeutic benefits of these amazing oils happens quickly. To receive maximum benefit and not waste your precious oils, follow the diffusing times recommended above.
When we inhale too much of a good thing, we can have adverse effects. Tisserand stated in his book, Essential Oil Safety 2e, “prolonged inhalation (more than about 30 minutes) of concentrated essential oil vapors (e.g., steam inhalation or direct from a bottle) can lead to headaches, vertigo, nausea and lethargy” [5].
You can also experience an overall feeling of being unwell marked by malaise or disorientation, or even heartburn. I get heartburn from diffusing cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum).
Concentrated essential oil vapors are considered direct inhalation. What is considered direct inhalation and what is considered passive inhalation?
Direct Inhalation
Steam inhalation (steam tent or steam bowl)
Handheld nebulizer
Directly from the bottle
Inhalers (aromastick)
On hands, cupping the nose
On a cotton ball or other material right up to the face
I recommend avoiding these methods of use under the age of five.
Indirect/Passive Inhalation
Diffusers (atomizers, ultrasonics, nebulizers, fan diffusers, aromastone)
You can greatly reduce risk by practicing safe diffusion times, matching up the right diffuser for your space, and being mindful of adverse reactions. Remember, when you have babies, toddlers, etc., they are not likely going to be able to tell you if they are having symptoms of overuse. They are counting on you to make the best choices you can.
*For more information on safe diffusing, please refer to Essential Oil Safety 2e by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Internal Use
At times online and in social media, internal use is recommended quite casually without much respect for their true power. In my opinion, if you are not trained in the internal use of oils (Aromatic Medicine) or are being helped by someone who is, this is a risky thing to do. Why would I say this? Often times the methods that are being shared are not at all the way that they should be used. Let me explain…
The liver is not equipped to handle this amount of aromatics. You may have heard in certain circles that essential oils are pure and this is perfectly safe. Essential oils are still chemicals. The liver’s job is to recognize foreign substances such as these and remove them as quickly as possible. A good analogy here is water in a glass. Begin pouring water in, once the glass has hit maximum capacity the water overflows. The liver is no different.
Oral dosing can interfere with medication or aggravate other medical conditions. You may hear something like “our oils are pure therapeutic grade and are safe for internal use” or “certain oils are GRAS” (generally recognized as safe for consumption), but this applies to consuming in food (food additives), not in water.
Internal usage does have its time and place, but you MUST know what you are doing…or at the very least, consult with someone who has been properly trained.
Here is another great reference to learn more about internal use.
Interference with Medications
Some oils are contraindicated for use when taking certain medications. These oils can be problematic for those taking diabetes medication, heart medication, cancer medication, and medications via patches just to name a few.
If you are sharing the benefits of oils to others, are you aware of the specific contraindications? If so, are you asking your neighbor or friend what kinds of medications they are taking? The majority (not all) of these warnings are more of a concern when taking the oils internally, but if you are unaware, this can really be a concern.
*For more information on medications that can interfere with essential oil use, please refer to Essential Oil Safety 2e by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.
Closing
As I mentioned above, when you follow proper safety measures, you are much less likely to experience adverse affect. If you are unsure of something, please feel free to reach out to me anytime at Lifeholistically@gmail.com
References
[1] Petersen, D. (2012) Aroma 101-sensitization. American College of Healthcare Sciences (p 50)
[2] IFRA standards. Retrieved from http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards-library/s/phototoxicity#.V9VaSpMrJn4,
[4] Peterson, D. (2012) Aroma 101. American College of Healthcare Sciences
[3] [5] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed)
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!
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 Oils-Uncovering Fact From Fiction
Why Is It That Essential Oils Don’t Always Work
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Learning how to blend (as a beginner) or formulate (more advanced) can be really fun. However, if you are not a mathematician, it can seem a little bit daunting.
Before You Begin!
There are some things to keep in mind before you begin, the first one is skin protection. Repeat exposure to neat oil is not a good thing, and can greatly increase your risk for sensitization. I recommend these nitrile gloves that you can pick up cheap. This is the very minimum in skin protection recommended, I think a long sleeve shirt is also be a good idea. If you are formulating large amounts of product I recommend a lab jacket and possibly even a hair net. Proper GMP is a must if you are a business owner.
Pipettes are another investment I would not do without. Have you ever tipped over your bottle to get out a couple drops and it pours out? Yeah, that has happened to me too…..but not since discovering pipettes years ago. These are one time use disposable pipettes to avoid contamination. Just squeeze the bulb, insert into the bottle orifice, and slowly tip bottle upside down while releasing squeeze on the pipette. No more overfilling, and you can easily squeeze the leftover back into the bottle.
Dilution Calculator
Once you have these basic supplies you are ready to start blending. My friend Emily Carpenter, Certified Aromatherapist over at Marvy Mom’s created this fantastic and extremely accurate dilution calculator. She has graciously offered for me to link to it here so that you can bookmark it for use. You will LOVE it!
Simple click the image below to get started!
Before you go, check out a couple of Emily’s other blog posts:
What’s In Your Bottle?
How To Choose An Essential Oil Brand
And a guest blog that I wrote for her- Is There Vitamin C in Orange Essential Oil?
Thanks for visiting, enjoy the dilution calculator!
Is there a SUPERIOR essential oil company?
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Dr. Google, why is it such an issue in the aromatherapy community? Dr. Google is a colloquial term used in the medical community. Dr. Google searches can result in both an incorrect diagnosis as well as a cure for what ails you, by listing a variety of possible diseases to match your symptoms. Dr. Google and aromatherapy has become so pervasive, that it is hard to imagine a life without this ability to seek out help for our health concerns.
Quality of Information
With so much information at our fingertips, it can be challenging to sort out what is trustworthy, what is personal opinion, and what is marketing material. Numerous blogs are written that make claims without substantive evidence. This can be a challenge for those with the best intentions looking for ways to help themselves and their family. Online articles about specific conditions are unable to take into account someone’s medical history, genetics, lifestyle factors, and social context when providing their opinion, all of which are important for a diagnosis, and the key to treating the whole person.
With the accessibility of information on the Internet, should we go to the doctor, whether it is an allopathic or complementary practitioner? When speaking to aromatherapy, people search the Internet, Facebook or Pinterest, asking for an oil or oil blend that will help their health concern. Many times, the method of application and safety is not covered, so in cases of someone searching for information with limited knowledge of the topic, it can be a precarious situation. The recommendations given online come from a place of wanting to help others, but many times, they miss the mark.
Here is a small sample of real-life situations that transpired through a Dr. Google search (all examples shared with permission):
- A woman who was currently under the care of a medical provider for a suspected collapsed vein performed a Google search looking for remedies for venous insufficiency. She found suggestions online to use wintergreen essential oil on her leg for relief. She had recently had a major surgery and was taking a variety of drugs including three blood pressure medications and one blood thinner (anticoagulant). She did not find a warning online about the use of wintergreen oil while on medication. She was grateful to have contacted a reflexologist/aromatherapist before attempting this at home, and found there could have been unwanted side effects.
Wintergreen essential oil is contraindicated (all routes) while taking anticoagulant medication, or after a major surgery. [1] Wintergreen has a great potential for interaction with Warfarin, a popular blood thinning medication. [2]
- A mother performed a Google search for essential oils that could help her child (5), with symptoms of her cystic fibrosis. Mom wanted to do all she could to help her daughter, and was told that essential oils could be of great benefit. Her search brought her to a large list of essential oil blends (a meme on Pinterest), which could address her daughter’s issues. The recommendations included but were not limited to: cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, oregano and wintergreen. The recipes however did not give instructions, so she asked her neighbor, an aromatherapist in training, how to use the oils. Mom was grateful she did, as she learned that many of the recommended oils had contraindications for a child her age, as well as with her current medications.
Wintergreen oil is contraindicated for children, and all the other oils listed here have restricted uses for safety reasons. [3]
- Mom with heartburn and indigestion completed a Google search to see which oils could help her to find relief. She found a blog instructing her to take one drop of peppermint essential oil in her water every day. At first, she thought there was improvement but it quickly got much worse with pain, burning, and a new symptom of intense acid reflux whenever she lay down at night. She sought advice from a trained aromatherapist and discovered that ingestion of peppermint can increase the risk of GERD. She stopped immediately and the severe discomfort subsided.
Peppermint oil should be used with caution, with those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as it can exacerbate the condition if taken orally. This is because peppermint oil can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. [4]
- An aromatherapist finds in a FB group a mom who was asking about treating her baby for a suspected staph infection with clove essential oil. Mom stated she searched online and saw that clove essential oil should be applied to the skin to remedy the infection. The aromatherapist reached out to her to try to explain the safety issues surrounding clove on the skin for a young baby. The outcome is unknown.
Clove should be used with caution in children under two years of age [5].
Clove is not the best choice here because it is considered a hot oil, and can increase the risk of skin irritation.
- A first time mom is having issues with her milk supply, and wants to be sure to support her growing baby the best that she can. She completes a Google search for oils to help increase her milk supply, and finds someone suggesting trying fennel essential oil. She begins using it faithfully every day but was not finding much benefit. She asks in a FB group what she can do to increase supply and mentions what she has already tried. She discovers that fennel is actually contraindicated during nursing and it is the herb that would provide the results she is looking for. She immediately switches to the herb, and was very grateful to find results quickly.
Fennel essential oil is contraindicated for all routes during breastfeeding based on the estragole content. [6]
More on fennel and nursing here
Be a Critical Thinker
The basics of aromatherapy can be researched well on the Internet. Looking up oils to help improve mood, or help with restful sleep for example, are some of the things a home user can find help with relatively easily. The more in depth topics, however, need more scientific, evidence-based research. The credibility of the source needs to be considered. Many popular health gurus have recently taken on the role of essential oil expert, without proper training. We should all be cautious with using unvetted health information, no matter the topic. Confirmation bias plays a big part in personal online research. This is a propensity to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms our preconceptions. Google, based on what is typed in its search queue, also gives results based on popularity. Question and verify what you have read with other sources. A good goal is to look for an additional 3-5 sources that back up the original information
What Type of Research Should You Look For?
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:
PubMed
Google Scholar
MedScape
Tea Tree Oil Database
PubMed Central-Open Access research
Trained aromatherapists are another great way to find quality information. I encourage you to ask what training they have received. A basic aromatherapy course includes 200+ hours of training, and a clinical level program is 400 hours of training. Aromatherapists are taught to analyze and critique current aromatherapy research and apply this knowledge to positively affect their client’s commitment to their well-being. Aromatherapists help to rebalance the body and restore wellness.
Many wonderful aromatherapists have dedicated their time and money to their field, and have a large personal investment in helping others. They focus on safety and the notion of “Above all to do no harm”.
Finding Balance
Aromatherapists at times struggle to find a balance between managing the misinformation that is seen on the Internet and operating their business. Many aromatherapists are present and active on social media sites in an effort to help the consumer practice aromatherapy safely. They are there to help those who ask, but there is a line to be drawn. This would be similar to calling your doctor for advice. That advice might cover the immediate concern, beyond that you would need to make an appointment to be seen, in order for the doctor to properly assess you and your concerns.
If you have specific concerns about yourself or your child, I encourage you to seek out an aromatherapy practitioner. A consultation will be specific to the client and should incorporate knowledge about contraindications, the chemistry of the oils, and synergistic’s of making essential oil formulations. Aromatherapists look at the whole person and work to restore homeostasis to the body, mind, and spirit.
As Madame Maury states:
“Each of us is a unique message. It is only the unique remedy that will suffice.”
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.
References:
[2] Valussi, M. A short review of wintergreen/methyl salicylate toxicity. The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. Volume 4. Issue 3. (2015) p 43-49
[1] [3] [6] Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety (2nd Ed) London: England. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier
[4] Peppermint. University of Maryland Medical Center.
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.
Essential Oils-Uncovering Fact From Fiction
Why I Refrain From Sharing Therapeutic Essential Oil Blends
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Aromatherapy, not “always or ever”, not “black and white”. What do I mean by that? A quick visit to social media can leave a home user dizzy with information, much of it is erroneous; hearing statements like never use on babies, never take internally, and always dilute are commonplace.
I understand that some professionals are making attempts to keep the home user safe, as well as keeping children from being exposed to neat oils at a very early age among other things. Let me assure you, I share that concern, as they are valid. However, the fear that is being instilled in statements like “Oh my, you should never do that”, is not helping anyone.
To be fair, it can be a difficult task to find quality, reliable information on the Internet surrounding the art and use of aromatherapy. I have taken to speaking about safety often for this very reason. I have extended knowledge in my field, and to some, my education may not have even scratched the surface.
There is one that I am sure of, that the professionals in the field of aromatherapy have a few things in common:
- We want to help you. We decided to go into the field of aromatherapy as we are healers in our own right. This is our passion, and our mission statements may vary, but have one common thread: “First do no harm”.
- Learning is ongoing. We do not have all the answers but are always seeking them. We all want to be experts in our craft.
- We all believe in the magic and powers of essential oils, and have seen firsthand how they can help in a variety of situations.
Now our approach may not all be the same. And even more importantly, our education is not all the same: different institutions, different amount of hours, a different focus or niche among other things. This can be problematic. Therefore, it is important for you, the end user, to do your own research. At the very least ask the aromatherapist what their credentials are, and ask for resources to back up what they are telling you. When my clients ask for these things, I am more than happy to oblige. I would expect you to do the same thing if it were a pediatrician or psychologist. Every single one of us in every aspect of our lives is “practicing”, whether we are a professional, a parent, or a friend. A good rule of thumb is utilizing what works and discarding what doesn’t.
Never Examples
My first example of a “never” statement is telling others to NEVER take oils internally. This is not helping anyone. What should be discussed is how to do so safely and when does it make sense to do so. For the record, it is not in water, or neat under your tongue. Follow this link for more.
Another example is NEVER using essential oils on babies. This is not looking at the big picture. Some will tell you no oils before two years of age, some say no oils before five years of age, some say no oils before 10. Based on scientific research (key term here) this is what we do know:
**Oils should typically be avoided topically for infants and small babies under a few months of age. The reason for this is their integumentary system (skin) does not mature until then and using oils topically (even when diluted) can increase the risk for adverse reactions and set them up for possible sensitization.
**There is a pretty extensive list of oils that should not be used “dermally” under two years of age. This does not imply the statement above of “no oils under two”.
(Please reference Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety 2e for the details)
**Babies and children ARE much less equipped to handle certain essential oils topically, due to immature livers and detoxification systems. Less is more, the gentle way first utilizing herbs and hydrosols, are things that I agree with. This is the reason why many recommend speaking to a professional. It should not be to induce fear, but to empower you to know the right way, period.
**Last example in regards to children: NEVER use eucalyptus essential oil under the age of 10. This is a fear based statement and not all that accurate, BUT there are precautions to know about and be cognizant of. According to Robert Tisserand, this oil (high in 1,8 cineole) should be kept away from the face for children under 10 years of age, especially for those children that are susceptible to issues such as seizures or have other CNS weaknesses. This does not mean NEVER, it means you need to know what you are doing (Source)
Always Example
ALWAYS dilute. On social media, this may be the best way to keep the general population safe as SO MANY are recommending neat use. It is not an always statement. All aromatherapy professionals know that there can be a time and place for undiluted oils. A better statement would be: It is very important to know when and where to apply oils undiluted and to know which oils carry a high risk of irritation/sensitization. If you do not know how to safely navigate this for yourself, you are better off diluting everything you apply topically. This is especially the case for children. Please do not take this kind of advice from someone that is not educated. Sensitization is real, it does happen, and it is ugly.
In Conclusion
Aromatherapy is simply not black and white, and nothing is always or never. Safety should always be the first consideration, and everyone has his or her different way of handling it. If you can do one important thing here for yourself, it is to do your due diligence and find out the facts, with CREDIBLE resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected, researched, and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
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 the website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should is be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical 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.
