Herbal medicine includes the use of essential oils. Essential oils (EOs) are often made from herbs by a steam distillation process. The herbal material is boiled and condensed with water in a container. The resulting oil can be decanted from the water because oil and water don’t mix. Heat alters the material, so the compounds do not completely match the original herb and may have different medicinal effects. The oils of all types are potent, highly concentrated extracts, so take care when using essential oils to ensure safety.

Personal Story

I was introduced to herbs and essential oils in 1999. I still have much to learn about the wonderful plants God created for our benefit.

Safety Begins with Knowledge

The first thing to learn is respect for essential oils. These oils can have serious potential, in the case of overdose, to affect the:

• Nervous system- from inhalation
• Liver, from oral consumption
• Skin- from topical application, significant amounts of oil passing through the skin can lead to toxicity

The safest methods of administration are inhalation and topical. Avoid over exposure via skin or inhalation. Symptoms of overexposure are:

• Emotional unease
• Headache
• Skin irritation
• “Spaced-out” feeling

Oral consumption should be monitored by a practitioner with clinical training.

For all methods, educating yourself is vital for safe use of essential oils.

Dosing

Here are some tips for dosing:

• A typical dose for an adult is three drops, three times per day. This varies depending on the type of oil.
• Be especially careful to learn the correct dosage for children and the elderly.
• Topical application should not be done “neet”, that means undiluted. Dilute the essential oil in an organic carrier oil, such as almond, apricot, avocado, coconut, or olive oil.

It is good practice to do a test patch before applying the oil over a large area.

Pregnancy

The first trimester is a time to avoid essential oil use. Even oils that are considered safe for pregnancy can be too stimulating for women who are prone to miscarriage.

Safest Essential Oils During Pregnancy

So many essential oils are unsafe for pregnancy that it is better to list the safest ones.

• Chamomiles
• Citruses (Bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, petitgrain, tangerine)
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Sandalwood
• Spearmint
• Rose
• Ylang-yang

Some of the citrus essential oils can be photosensitizing, which means it can cause an unusual reaction to the sun.

Note: Please avoid using synthetic-scented products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Tips for EO Safety

• Keep EOs out of reach of children.
• Use only pure essential oils made from plants.
• Vary the EOs you use.
• Don’t take essential oils orally for therapeutic purposes.
• Avoid overexposure to an essential oil either by inhalation or through the skin.

Pets

Treating pets with specific safe essential oils can be done cautiously. Use similar dosing to children. Take the time to research before using EOs with pets

Action

Essential oils can be used safely with therapeutic benefits.  There is much to learn, so go ahead and keep learning!

Resources:

Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, by Aviva Romm

Aromatherapy, by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What do you think? Please leave a comment.