Oils of Alchemy - 101 - Safety and Precautions

Detailed Information On Safety

The safe use and toxicology of an essential oil isn't a cut and dry subject. It is important to keep in mind that the quality of an essential oil does not determine its safety for use. Safe use is not only dependent on the toxic nature of an essential oil but also on the concentration, dosage, frequency of use, and route of administration.

The dosage concentration of a substance topically, orally and otherwise makes a difference as to its therapeutic benefits and its toxic effects. It is important to keep in mind that depending on the plant, it can take anywhere from 12.5 lbs – 100 lbs of plant material to create 1 oz of essential oil; they are very concentrated substances. Also consider that frequency of application also plays a part as to the ultimate effects of using any substance. For instance, daily use of a relatively small quantity of a toxic essential oil, over a period of several months, could cause minor tissue damage to the kidneys or liver. It should also be considered that frequent use of small amounts of mildly toxic essential oils can bring about chronic toxicity(has a compounding nature within the body), and has effects that are often not recognized such as headaches, loss of appetite, minor skin eruptions, nausea, lethargy, etc.

Dermal Application

The percentage dilution used in traditional aromatherapy is between 2-3%, with a minimum and maximum concentrations ranging for topical use between 1-5%. Maximum use levels are based on already established guidelines because higher concentrations can cause negative skin reactions, burns, and carcinogenisis.

Safety Designations and Terms

Irritation

It is useful to do a “patch-test” to determine one's individual reaction to any oil, particularly if an individual is known to have sensitive skin or if a particular oil has a caution of being an irritant. To test for the sensitivity to an individual oil, apply the essential oil at double the concentration that is intended in the end product, to the inside of the forearm and observe for any negative reactions throughout the following 48 hours. To test for sensitization, reapply 2 drops of the same essential oil to the inside of a plaster. This second application will reveal whether there is an increasingly sensitization to the essential oil. If there are any signs of redness, itching, swelling, or blistering, which is very rare, it would be best to avoid using this particular oil in any application or dilution.

Sensitization

Some essential oils have been observed to cause sensitization, or an increased skin sensitivity to the use of a specific essential oil. This often happens when an essential oil is not diluted properly prior to use. An unfortunate outcome of this is that a person who becomes sensitized to a specific oil, often becomes sensitized to other oils with similar terpenes. Please keep in mind that due to the concentrated nature of essential oils, is very important to properly dilute them prior to use. (This app will help guide you!)

Oral Use

Due to the concentrated nature of essential oils, the Internal Use of essential oils is commonly discouraged within the practice of traditional Aromatherapy. While there are some acute situations that one may lean toward the use of essential oils internally it is a wide-spread recommendation that this is only done under the guidance of a trained and certified aromatherapist or otherwise trained medical professional whom is specifically trained in the internal use of essential oils. Research studies have recently shown that two drops of therapeutic grade Lavender, placed into a gel capsule with olive oil, and taken internally can be of benefit for deeper sleep and reduced anxiety. Proper application and dilution is of priority when using this method as irreparable damage can be done to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, kidney and liver, and even DEATH can happen quite easily when used incorrectly. ALWAYS SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF A TRAINED HEALTH CARE PROFESIONAL PRIOR TO USING ESSENTIAL OILS INTERNALLY!

The safe use and toxicology of an essential oil isn't a cut and dry subject. It is important to keep in mind that the quality of an essential oil does not determine its safety for use. Safe use is not only dependent on the toxic nature of an essential but also on the concentration, dosage, frequency of use, and route of administration.

The dosage concentration of a substance topically, orally and otherwise makes a difference as to its therapeutic benefits and its toxic effects. It is important to keep in mind that depending on the plant, it can take anywhere from 12.5 lbs – 100 lbs of plant material to create 1 oz of essential oil; they are very concentrated substances. Also consider that frequency of application also plays a part as to the ultimate effects of using any substance. For instance, daily use of a relatively small quantity of a toxic essential oil, over a period of several months, could cause minor tissue damage to the kidneys or liver. It should also be considered that frequent use of small amounts of mildly toxic essential oils can bring about chronic toxicity(has a compounding nature within the body), and has effects that are often not recognized such as headaches, loss of appetite, minor skin eruptions, nausea, lethargy, etc.