by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Essential oil safety is a hot topic, understandably so with its popularity. I have hit on many topics over the years and decided to share my top essential oil blogs of all time with you. Twenty topics that have been seen and shared thousands of times, in the ease of one place.
Essential Oil Safety…..There is often much debate about whether we can utilize aromatherapy in the birthing room, or during pregnancy at all. Is it safe? How do we do it? Let’s talk about what we need to consider- Utilizing Essential Oils During Labor and Delivery
The essential oils that we know, and love are derived from plants, but this does not necessarily mean that the therapeutic benefits or uses from the plant to essential oil are the same. In many cases, this does not hold true. There are many recipes online utilizing essential oils that do not honor chemistry and do not focus on safe use. Sustainability is also a massive concern as more and more people are stepping into the essential oil community every day. It is not necessary to use oils every day, or in everything. When we see a recipe shared online, we must ask ourselves if it is necessary, shifting the way we currently see these beautiful resources.
As women, “most” of us are not prepared for motherhood in the way I am about to discuss. Other than books and articles preparing us for Baby, such as the best-seller, “What To Expect When Expecting,” there is not much at all by way of truly preparing us moms for this huge life shift. I am speaking emotionally, mentally and physically. We can find information in books regarding cracked nipples, perineum tears, how long to wait before sex, stretch marks and hemorrhoids, but ladies; we need so much more than that!
Why Is It That Essential Oils Don’t Always Work? Does this topic surprise you? It is true, there are times that essential oils do not work as we think they should, and many instances where what works amazingly well for one individual does not for another. There are a few points that I want to make today on this topic, so let’s get started!
It becomes very challenging to know whom to believe when there are individuals and ‘health gurus’ claiming this to be factual, so I think it is important that I pull this myth apart. I have spent a great deal of time researching this topic. I will be simplifying and summarizing it for you today. It is time to put this idea to rest.
Drawing down a fever is not something that is recommended, as a fever is a sign that our immune system is working as it should be to help us get well. Rather than make my case for why you would or would not want to lower a fever, I want to cover the various ways in which we can work to make our kids a bit more comfortable while supporting their immune system to fight whatever germs are trying to take hold.
As someone that focuses on essential oil safety above all else, I tend to talk about why specific oils or methods of use are not safe. Today I want to shift focus to what essential oils are safe and look at them in a bit of detail. Empowering and helping are two words that are very important to me and my business…because if I do not support you to feel empowered to help your family, your children, and yourself..then what have I done? Fear is not where it’s at, so let us begin!
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 institutions, the individual doing the research has already made their decision about the topic before they have begun their search. Rather than looking to find “the truth” so to speak, they are looking for information that agrees with what they already think!
Aromatherapists have written articles about the safety of the constituent 1,8 cineole, specifically Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus smithii. You’ll read plenty of articles as to why this constituent is not safe for children and not to use it at all under the age of 10. This is not, however, an accurate statement.
There are times where we all fall suspect to confirmation bias when it comes to what we are told in regard to natural remedies. We may know that there are indeed specific benefits to a remedy, we may have even experienced a few of them firsthand, but those benefits can oftentimes be extrapolated beyond what is scientifically shown. Do Epsom salts really work?
The variety of choices for a holistic first aid kit is quite exciting for the DIY’er in you and goes well beyond essential oils. Just about anything can be handled well with holistic remedies, and there are a plethora of options. I will be going over a few of those options today. If we have the choice of handling things at home and not have to travel to a doctor’s office where there is oftentimes a myriad of germs, let’s give it a go, right? I think it is important to understand when getting medical care is needed, but it is not always needed.
There have been many blogs stating that essential oils are great for our gut health and that they provide us with a healthy microbiome. The issue with statements like these is that people walk away from reading these articles thinking that essential oils work much like a prebiotic or probiotic….when that has yet to be proven. With an education in Aromatic Medicine, I can see how these statements or claims are somewhat like a telephone game. My goal is to help you see what I mean by that. Let’s take a look at our gut health…one of my favorite topics, and how essential oils can play a role. It’s not what you think!
This article will be speaking to aromatherapy use during pregnancy and beyond into the nursing years. I decided to write about this because there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Pregnancy is a delicate time, especially during the first trimester, and as we know that chemical constituents in essential oils pass the placenta, even though only in minute amounts, so safety needs to be addressed.
Is witch hazel an emulsifier? Is witch hazel a preservative? Discover its uses and limitations.
Children are much more sensitive to essential oils and aromas in general, but they can also benefit greatly from their therapeutic uses. There are a number of things that parents need to know before using them to ensure the safety of their children. Looking up a blend or recipe online is not the best way to use your oils. Let’s cover a few things that you may or may not already know in order to keep your little ones safe.
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.
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.
Just as you would (or should) exercise caution and research when using pharmaceuticals, you should practice the same careful research when using essential oils. Essential oils are profoundly powerful, which makes them capable of powerful healing, but also injury when used improperly. Overuse and misuse can and do lead to injury.
Proper use of essential oils in the bath. Not only are the specific oils used in the bath of great importance, but safety also needs to be considered in how you add them as well. For example, use peppermint with great caution as it can be a very “eye-opening” experience, and bergamot is a very strong photosensitizing oil, the bath is simply not the “best” place for its use.
The risks of diffusing essential oils in the classroom. If we take into consideration the number of germs that are passed back and forth at school, it is not a surprise that some teachers have considered diffusing essential oils in the classroom. For those with minimal education, this may seem like a great solution to keeping sickness at bay and to keep attendance up, but it comes with a significant amount of risk. Many are told that essential oils are completely natural and safe for everyone, but this is not always the case. There are many things that need to be considered when diffusing in a classroom full of children with a variety of different health constitutions. The liability in this type of situation needs to be looked at closely.
I hope you enjoy my top essential oil blogs of all time. Stay tuned as I share the latest findings and most recent research with you!
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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.
3 Common Yet Risky Essential Oil Mistakes
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Essential Oil Safety-Cautions and Contraindications. This post is in response to a need/request from a poll in my Facebook group “Real Essential Oil Education Group”. The members asked for clarification about the differences between essential oil cautions and contraindications.
I had received an email back in April of 2017, asking me to state what I thought a caution and a contraindication meant in the aroma world.
He wanted to know what I thought the differences were. I am not sure if he thought I did not know (chuckle) or if he wanted to be sure I did. Those two things may seem similar, but I assure you at the moment they were very different considering the nature of the inquiry. This was my exact response, copy and paste from my response to him:
“Of course, happy to share my thoughts….
A contraindication is a situation, which makes a particular essential oil absolutely inadvisable. Of course, we know in “most”, but not all cases these contraindications are indicated via the oral pathway.
A caution or precaution is relating to an action taken to protect against possible harm/adverse effect if you will, in this case, avoid dermally under age two. In my practice, these would be more of a case-by-case basis, as sometimes the benefit does outweigh the risk. But this is not something I teach or share online for obvious reasons.
I would hope this is how most in the field understand it, but I am being generous. A quick Google search (my favorite) shows these two terms more often than not are interchangeable”.
This is the beginning of the issue I am afraid. Good Ol’ Dr. Google. A pervasive problem in so many areas, I actually wrote a blog specifically on that topic. But I digress.
When looking up the differences between a caution and a contraindication, even Google seems rather confused (said jokingly), people are confused. So, I thought I would go over it just a bit for you today.
These two terms should not be used interchangeably when it comes to essential oils just as much as herbs or pharmaceuticals.
*All examples below are from the book, Essential Oil Safety 2e written by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young. (Get your copy here). None of the cautions or contraindications listed within is my own finding. My goal to close the gap on the many misunderstandings.
The book states that cautions are:
“potential hazards that do not warrant contraindications, either because the evidence is flimsy of because the hazard is not especially worrying”[1].
Cautions
Hypersensitive skin
Under age 2
Old/Oxidized oils should be avoided
(oral) Drugs metabolized by a particular cytochrome P450 pathway
(oral) Pregnancy
(oral) Specific medication
(oral) Peptic ulcer
(oral) GERD
(oral) Major surgery
This is not an all-inclusive list, but there are a few things to point out.
If this is a listed caution, it is ‘possible’ that there could be an issue when used in this manner.
- For example, you could utilize an essential oil that is listed as a caution under the age of 2, like lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), for example. Is it off limits? No. Should we be educated and know the risk, and work to minimize risk? Absolutely.
- Another example would be (oral) GERD, as is the case with Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil. Can you take peppermint in this manner? You can. Is there an increased likelihood to have gastroesophageal irritation and heartburn from it? There is. But, if taken responsibly, such as in an enteric coated capsule over something not recommended like dropping peppermint essential oil in water and drinking it, will go a long way in reducing the risk from said caution.
- Old/oxidized oils should be avoided. It can be challenging to determine if an essential oil has oxidized. If you apply an oxidized essential oil properly diluted to the skin, you ‘may’ have a reaction…and you may not. This is not a statement to encourage you to do this, it is just stating that it should be avoided if at all possible to eliminate the risk from said caution.If we can eliminate risk, we should right? But, reality check…..in aromatherapy, there is a risk. Some small, some not so small….and it is an aromatherapists job to first and foremost be able to analyze any risk…and look for ways to lower it. Eliminating it all together is in many cases not possible. Now let’s look at contraindications.
The book further states that contraindications are:
“When the oil should be avoided. The method of administration is also stated. Oral contraindications apply to the oral of administration of essential oils as used in aromatic medicine. Oral contraindications do not apply to the use of essential oils and any other context, such as in foods, fragrances, personal care products or by inhalation” [2].
Contraindications
(all routes) Do not apply on or near the face of infants or children
(all routes) Anticoagulant medication
(all routes) Pregnancy
(all routes) Children
(all routes) Estrogen-dependent cancers
(oral) Cholestasis
- The first example here with contraindications is a popular one, and that is an essential oil high in 1,8 cineole should be avoided (is contraindicated) on or near the face of infants and children. This does not mean no, never, it means never near the face. Responsible diffusion may be perfectly ok.
- Pregnancy contraindications, when listed as (all routes). The benefit does not outweigh the risk, it should be avoided for all routes of application: topical, inhalation, or oral, period.
A couple of important points to remember:
*If a contraindication states (oral) in the book, this does not mean that the oil needs to be avoided topically or via inhalation.
*Remember, cautions are a ‘potential chance’ of an issue. There are many essential oils that are cautioned under the age of 2 dermally/topically. This does not then mean it cannot be inhaled.
Some may see this information as cut and dry, while others still need further clarification. There is nothing wrong with being overly cautious, and many professionals are. We all come to the table with varying levels of experience so this is expected.
If I ever find myself in a position where I am taking a caution a step further than Tisserands recommends I typically say “The research states X, but in your situation, I am not comfortable making that recommendation because of Y”. I try to always stay true to what we do know, not make my own rules, but I am willing to step outside of the box when my education and experience tells me the situation warrants it.
I am a stickler about using the verbiage above in order to not cause confusion on what we do know about cautions, contraindication, and hazards….and explain things as thoroughly as I can.
I hope that this helps to clear up any possible confusion that a ‘caution’ often brings up. If you need further clarification, I invite you to reach out to me in the group (request to join), or simply email me at Lifeholistically@gmail.com
References
[1] [2] Tisserand, R., Young, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
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.
What is an Adverse Reaction to an Essential Oil?
Find Your Footing Using Natural Remedies
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
I have received this question quite a bit lately, so I decided to publish a short article giving my professional opinion in regards to essential oils during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I addressed this a bit in another article but thought it bears repeating. Essential Oil Safety-Using Clary Sage During Labor & Delivery
I have been asked if there is anything that can be used to move labor along. What I consider moving labor along is not the same as how the question is usually intended. You can use essential oils to keep yourself calm, to keep the body from tensing and being overly-stressed, and by doing this, labor progresses nicely. The goal of essential oils should not be to induce or increase the intensity of your contractions or move labor along. This is not recommended. I have the same opinion of Pitocin. If this medication can be avoided, avoid it. Pitocin can cause problems such as intensified rapid contractions, so intense that both baby and mom can potentially become very distressed, increasing the need for medical interventions. I do understand that sometimes things are out of your control; so, do not beat yourself up about the way things progress in the delivery room. However, if you are able to pull it off, a natural birth is ideal. Here is a great article that talks about the pros as well as the cons of Pitocin; non-biased information is always best [1].
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an essential oil that is touted for starting labor. Unless you are working with a qualified clinical aromatherapist, do not use essential oils with this intention. Please let your body do what it knows to do, in its time. This does not mean, however, that clary sage needs to stay out of the birthing room.
Once labor is underway and contractions are regular, clary sage can be used safely in an inhaler to calm, with little potential for harm. I hope you can now differentiate between timing and wanted outcome.
You will find varying opinions on the Internet and in social media regarding whether essential oils are safe during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Be sure to question the training and experience of anyone who has written a book or blog on a serious topic such as this. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils are not regulated in the United States, so a license or degree is not required to give you and your family advice. During this special time of your life and the birth of your child, you will want to consult with a well-trained and qualified aromatherapist.
According to Jane Buckle Ph.D., RN, who is a very well respected aromatherapist, and founder of the American Holistic Nurses Association, aromatherapy is in fact very safe when you are well-versed in its safety and use. Aromatherapy has been used for years in a clinical setting without known harm to mom, infant or fetus [2]. Buckle has taught nurses all over the world how to safely use essential oils in their clinical practice. I can’t stress this enough, do not pick up a random book or blog on essential oils for the birthing room. If you are unsure and would really like to explore the possibilities of using aromatherapy for you and your family, please reach out to a qualified aromatherapist.
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.
References
[1] Pitocin Induction: The Risks and Benefits.
[2] Tillett, J., Ames, D. (2010) The uses of aromatherapy in women’s health. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. Vol. 24, No. 3, (pp. 238-245)
Resources
Essential Oils During Labor and Delivery
How to Prepare for Motherhood, Taking Best Care of Self
Prenatal and Postnatal Care for Mothers
Essential Oils, Uncovering Fact From Fiction
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by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Essential Oil Safety…..There is often much debate about whether we can utilize aromatherapy in the birthing room, or during pregnancy at all. Is it safe? How do we do it? Let’s talk about what we need to consider- Utilizing Essential Oils During Labor and Delivery
If this is not your first pregnancy this should come as no surprise; your sense of smell is very heightened during this time. Smells that never bothered you before may now make you incredibly nauseous or even vomit. Perhaps an aroma you loved prior to pregnancy you do not like at all now. The opposite can also be true. Now, perhaps a new food has appeal simply because of its smell. You may even find that your partner smells better than ever! Enjoy that!
What causes this heightened sense of smell?
“The plasma volume (blood flow) in your body increases by up to 50 percent in pregnancy, so anything moving from your blood to your brain reaches it faster and in larger quantities. This heightens your responses and some experts think that’s why you react more strongly to smells,” says midwifery teacher Denyse Kirkby, author of, “My Mini Midwife” [1]. So, in theory, your olfactory receptors are also strongly affected by this increased blood flow.
Could this be another miracle of the body? Perhaps this is a protective mechanism to prohibit mom and fetus from inhaling anything potentially harmful? I would like to think that this is the case.
If you intend to utilize essential oils in the birthing room, you need to keep your heightened sense of smell in mind. The state of your body during labor also needs to be a part of the equation, as it and you will be in a heightened state of stress.
If you are unsure of what to choose, reach out to someone well versed in the use of essential oils during this sensitive time. If you do not have any major medical issues or are not taking any medication, aromatherapy is likely very safe. A trained aromatherapist will be happy to assist you to be sure.
Aromatherapy inhalers are my suggestion for the birthing room. I do not recommend filling the room with an essential oil blend via a diffuser for a number of reasons. First and foremost, your needs and wants will change, a lot. You will likely want to be as relaxed as you can be during increasing contractions up until it is time to push, then you will benefit from something to empower and awaken you while staying centered and focused. Those require different things.
Second, even though this is your experience with your partner, exposing everyone in the room to your diffuser blend is not a good idea. Public diffusing can be precarious. You do not know what other’s situations are in regard to health conditions, allergies or medications, and I do not know about you, but I would want my doctor, doula, midwife, and nurses to be alert, not enjoying a calming and sedating blend of essential oils, so please avoid direct diffusion in the birthing room.
I have been asked if there is anything that can be used to move labor along. What I consider moving labor along is not the same as how the question is usually intended. You can use essential oils to keep yourself calm, to keep the body from tensing and being overly-stressed, and by doing this, labor progresses nicely. The goal of essential oils should not be to induce or increase the intensity of your contractions or move labor along. This is not recommended. I have the same opinion of Pitocin. If this medication can be avoided, avoid it. Pitocin can cause problems such as intensified rapid contractions, so intense that both baby and mom can potentially become very distressed, increasing the need for medical interventions. I do understand that sometimes things are out of your control; so, do not beat yourself up about the way things progress in the delivery room. However, if you are able to pull it off, a natural birth is ideal.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an essential oil that is touted for starting labor. Unless you are working with a qualified clinical aromatherapist, do not use essential oils with this intention. Please let your body do what it knows to do, in its time. This does not mean, however, that clary sage needs to stay out of the birthing room.
Once labor is underway and contractions are regular, clary sage can be used safely in an inhaler to calm, with little potential for harm. I hope you can now differentiate between timing and wanted outcome.
You will find varying opinions on the Internet and in social media regarding whether essential oils are safe during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Be sure to question the training and experience of anyone who has written a book or blog on a serious topic such as this. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils are not regulated in the United States, so a license or degree is not required to give you and your family advice. During this special time of your life and the birth of your child, you will want to consult with a well-trained and qualified aromatherapist.
According to Jane Buckle Ph.D., RN, who is a very well respected aromatherapist, and founder of the American Holistic Nurses Association, aromatherapy is in fact very safe when you are well-versed in its safety and use. According to Buckle, aromatherapy has been used for years in a clinical setting without known harm to mom, infant or fetus [2]. Buckle has taught nurses all over the world how to safely use essential oils in their clinical practice.
I can’t stress this enough, do not pick up a random book or blog on essential oils for the birthing room. If you are unsure and would really like to explore the possibilities of using aromatherapy for you and your family, please reach out to a qualified aromatherapist.
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References
[9] Kirkby, D. (2014). My mini midwife: everything you need to know about pregnancy and birth. Chichester, West Sussex: Vie.
[10] Tillett, J., Ames, D. (2010) The uses of aromatherapy in women’s health. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. Vol. 24, No. 3, (pp. 238-245)
Resources
Postpartum Depression..The Importance of Asking for Help
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 Safety for You and Your Family
