Almost any undiluted essential oil coming into contact with the ocular membranes will be corrosive, possibly causing scarring of the cornea, and certainly causing significant pain. } Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils unless they are being used under the guidance of a qualified health professional. Essential oil diffusion is a safe and effective way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils when appropriate levels are used in well-ventilated spaces. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy is a 501(c)3 non-profit association. In most cases, it is best to start with a single drop and slowly increase the amount over time. When it comes to using essential oils, there are a few safety guidelines youll want to abide by. Keep your diffusers in a safe place where your pet cant knock it over. 5 Schnaubelt, K. (2004). In reality, dilution doesnt take away from the essential oil experience. With the help of your doctor, you can use essential oils and essential oilrelated products that support the whole body. Ive been using it for a couple of years and love it! Although the article continues to describe various effects of the essential oils, none of them have any relationship with any of these conditions. 9 Bensouilah J, and Buck P. Aromadermatology. To report any adverse reactions, simply contact doTERRA Member Services. Because essential oils are a lipid-soluble substance, they can easily penetrate the skin. Cornea 31:14-17, Peate WF 2007 Work-related eye injuries and illnesses. Idiosyncratic irritation or sensitization is an uncharacteristic or unusual reaction to a commonly used essential oil. San Rafael, CA: Terra Linda Scent. Diffused essential oils have long been studied for their ability to enhance feelings of relaxation, encouragement, excitement, focus, or well-being. 4 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment though the advantage of saline is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil. The best way to prevent sensitization is to avoid known dermal sensitizers and avoid applying the same essential oils every day for lengthy periods of time. The only evidence for any essential oil treating any eye problem relates to tea tree oil and eyelash mites (see below). Youre most likely already incorporating essential oils into your daily diet, as many of the foods we eat contain small amounts of essential oil. Do not use essential oils internally unless directed by a qualified practitioner or using a professionally formulated blend labeled for internal use. The maximum dose may be lower or higher for some oils. Certain essential oils should either be avoided, used in highly diluted form under the guidance of a knowledgeable professional, or included as a minor percentage in a professionally-formulated essential oil blend. If you develop a sensitivity to an essential oil, you can make a few adjustments to avoid further sensitivity or discomfort. Clinical Aromatherapy. The reference to clary sage probably derives from 17th century European herbalists, but this refers to using clary sage seeds, or mucilage made from them, and not to clary sage essential oil: The seed put into the eyes clears them from motes and such like things gotten within the lids to offend them, and it also clears them from any white and red spots which may be on them (Culpeper 1652). Dilution increases the amount of skin, or surface area, on which the oil is applied and absorbed. Essential oils rich in these constituents should always be diluted prior to application to the skin. Fat-containing milk (not skim milk) is a great alternative. Sensitivity to an essential oil can cause responses in the skin, digestive system, respiratory system, and other areas of the body. by Robert Tisserand The irritated area can be soothed with a carrier oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil. Start with the lowest possible dose (one to two drops), and then increase the dose as needed. Essential oils are merely high concentrations of natural compoundsthe parts that give plants their taste and smell. Create an account and save 25% as a doTERRA member. Dermal or skin reactions that may occur with essential oils include: irritation, sensitization and phototoxicity/photosensitization. Essential Oil Safety. While essential oils absorb easily into the skin, you can increase absorption and extend benefits by massaging the oil into the skin or by using a carrier oil that will moisturize the skin as the oil absorbs. } top:0; 7-10 drops of Rosemary 20 Buckle, J. He also had conjunctivitis, and could not open his eyes. Authors such as Ron Guba, Kurt Schnaubelt, and Chrissie Wildwood have all pointed out that there have been no recorded cases of miscarriage or birth defect resulting from aromatherapy massage using therapeutic applications of any essential oil.12, Ron Guba points out that toxicity during pregnancy is almost exclusively due to pregnant women taking large, toxic doses of essential oils, notably pennyroyal (rich in the ketone, pulegone, which is metabolized to the highly toxic furan epoxide, menthofuron) and parsley seed (rich in the dimethyl ether, apiol) in an attempt to abort the fetus.13 And Battaglia shares this insight: the judicious use of essential oils together with appropriate forms of massage by a skilled therapist can help ease the discomforts of pregnancy and provide a sense of nurturing that will comfort the mother at times she is likely to be feeling rather fragile.14, Due to the lack of clear information regarding the toxicity of essential oils during pregnancy, it would be best to adhere to general safety guidelines. Elderly clients may have more skin sensitivities so a reduced concentration/dilution may be indicated. For example, doTERRA essential oils are put through a meticulous testing process, where they are analyzed for potentially harmful contaminants and other substances that could compromise the safety or quality of the oil. 35.45% Dementholized mint oil All They require rapid treatment, and severe burns have a poor prognosis. Start with one drop of oil and 10 drops of a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil. For example, special caution should be exercised with potentially toxic essential oils such as Birch and Wintergreen which are both high in methyl salicylate, Eucalyptus which is high in 1,8 cineole and Peppermint which is high in menthol. Its better to take a smaller dose, which can be repeated every four to six hours as needed. As one increases dilution, potential dermal (skin) reactions may take place depending on the individual essential oil, the area in which the oil is applied, and other factors related to the clients own sensitivity levels. Start with a small amount of a diffused or diluted essential oil, and then observe your pets behavior. Reactions can range from a mild color change through to deep weeping burns. Always dilute essential oils down to 12 percent (100 drops of a carrier oil for every one drop of essential oil) before topical application. Infants, toddlers, and young children are more sensitive to the potency of essential oils and safe dilutions generally range from 0.5 - 2.5% depending on the condition. New York: Churchill Livingstone. It occurs on first exposure to a substance, but on this occasion, the noticeable effect on the skin will be slight or absent. The potential safety concerns with dermal application will be discussed below. While some essential oils are never appropriate for internal consumption, plenty of oils can be safely taken internally and processed by the body. New York: Churchill Livingstone. 22 Buckle, J. height:0; New York: Churchill Livingstone. 14 Buckle, J. Due to the ethical issue of testing expecting mothers and their fetuses, limited clinical studies address the safety of essential oils during pregnancy. The child immediately showed signs of respiratory distress, and was taken to the emergency room. 1 Burfield, T. (2004). You are seeing this message because you are using the Internet Explorer web browser. This type of reaction is difficult to predict and rarely occurs but is a possibility. The recipe is as follows: 7-10 drops of Frankincense 18 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). Start small. 3.7% Wintergreen oil Recommend that the client stay out of the sun or sun tanning booth for at least twenty-four hours after treatment if photosensitizing essential oils were applied to the skin. Dilute. Its important to remember that pure essential oils are very potent and that each individual will have a different reaction to each oil. (2003). Along with proper nutrition and regular exercise, essential oils can be used during pregnancy to help support a healthy body and healthy baby. Under these circumstances the skin condition may be worsened, and larger amounts of oil than normal will be absorbed. Olbas Oil may cause problems even when not applied directly to the eyes. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science. Remember, caps can come off and bottles can break, so keep oils out of reach of children. V-6 is a proprietary blend of vegetable oils. A dermal irritant will produce an immediate effect of irritation on the skin. The second article describes using essential oils diluted to (by my estimation) about 3%. However, subsequent exposure to the same material, or to a similar one with which there is cross-sensitization, produces a severe inflammatory reaction brought about by cells of the immune system (T-lymphocytes).7 The reaction will be represented on the skin as blotchy or redness, which may be painful to some individuals. Essential oils are a safe alternative to many of the products you see on grocery store shelves that contain synthetic toxins or chemicals that could be harmful. During pregnancy, its not uncommon for a woman to be sensitive to essential oils. By following proper safety guidelines, you can feel confident in using essential oils during pregnancy. The ointment was applied to the lid margins with eyes closed, daily for 4 weeks after washing the face, and resulted in considerably less itching and fewer mites. doTERRA has a system that allows you to report any adverse reactions you might have. The standard treatment is copious irrigation with saline solution for 1-2 hours. For example, some people have sensitive skin, which simply means that they will need to dilute more potent essential oils. It can also be used to clear eye sight due to foggy vision or an injury to the eyes. Most aromatherapy oil based blends will be between 1 and 5 percent dilutions, which typically does not represent a safety concern. With regard to inhalation, from a safety standpoint, inhalation presents a very low level of risk to most people. overflow:hidden; Copyright 2022 National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. In the most extreme cases, exceeding dosage recommendations for oils can lead to toxicity. When used appropriately, essential oils offer many wonderful internal benefits. It is placed in the eye, so advice from an optometrist is important before use. 3 Schnaubelt, K. (2004). When using essential oils internally, its important to regard them with as much precaution as any other supplement. If youre using a water-based diffuser, its generally recommended to use 110 drops of oil per diffusion period. Eyesight problems are difficult to treat, and once damage has occurred, recovery is not always simple. Higher drop amounts are appropriate for larger areas, like big rooms or outdoor spaces. When nursing, the goal is to maintain a strong and healthy body and support a growing newborn. Aromatherapy Lifestyle. If you suspect a client has sensitive skin, perform a skin patch test. Do not try to induce vomiting.19, For information on how to be safe when using aromatherapy with your animals, downloadAromatherapy for Animals. All Olbas Oil patients recovered fully within one week following intensive treatment (Adams et al 2009). Provide the purest, highest quality essential oils and products. Thomas Kelly, London, Gao YY, Xu DL, Huang IJ et al 2012 Treatment of ocular itching associated with ocular demodicosis by 5% tea tree oil ointment. More than 65,000 work-related eye injuries and illnesses are reported annually in the USA, a significant percentage of these being ocular chemical burns. Essential oils have numerous benefits for your pets. While every pregnancy is different, the goal is the same: to support the healthy, proper function of the entire body. Safe use of essential oils varies from individual to individual. The word experiment in the above seems appropriate. Abindon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd. 10 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). Table 3 lists some common essential oils considered to be photosensitizers. Seek medical attention if the sensitivity is severe or prolonged, or if breathing becomes difficult. Not all companies use thorough testing methods, and many essential oil distributors will use synthetic fillers that alter the efficacy of the oils. Take a look at the screenshot below for a sneak peek. New York: Churchill Livingstone. Feel free to adjust this ratio to meet your specific needs, taking into account your personal preferences, the oils chemistry, and your personal sensitivity. 2 Schnaubelt, K. (2004). To empower you and your loved ones with health and wellness. If leaving the area is not possible, increase air circulation by opening a window or air vent. position:relative; 16 Guba, R. (2000). Here are the If the reaction occurs in the eye, immediately rinse it. So the question arises how to weigh potential benefits against potential risks? e-newsletter today and stay in touch. It includes the following advice: When you use appropriate amounts of pure essential oils, they are absolutely safe enough to use at home for yourself and with your family. Only use essential oils that have been carefully produced and thoroughly tested to ensure safety for you and your family. Adulterated essential oils increase the likelihood of an adverse response and hence the need for pure, authentic, and genuine essential oils is of the utmost importance. The skin will need time to calm down, which may take hours, days, or weeks, depending on the severity of your bodys sensitivity response, as well as amount of oil used. I started using this recipe before I had to have a vision exam in order to purchase new contacts. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Even natural, seemingly harmless substances like water, minerals, or vitamins, can become toxic when used or consumed in excess. Table 1 lists some common essential oils considered to be dermal irritants. Once you educate yourself on the safety guidelines required for using essential oils with children, its easy to help your kids reap the benefits that oils have to offer. Due to these sensitivities and all of the changes that occur in the body when pregnant, it would be wise to consult with your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy. Before using oils topically on your pets, first consult with your veterinarian. The above implies that using these oils on a daily basis is likely to have a healing effect in cases of cataract, macular degeneration or failing eyesight. As with any product you use topically on your skin, (lotions, creams, makeup, and so on), there are a few safety precautions that will allow you to take advantage of the benefits of essential oils and avoid irritation or sensitivity. Its never wrong to dilute oils, especially when using oils with a more potent chemistry, such as Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Thyme, and others. 18.5% Cajuput oil Please visit ifparoma.org for more information about IFPA. The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a controversial topic and one that is yet to be fully understood. Not a member yet but would like to stay up to date with NAHA? Bay, clove, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, and thyme ct. thymol essential oils should be avoided in baths completely. 0.1% Clove oil. Philadelphia: Elsevier Science. Which phone would you like to validate with? Finally, it can have beneficial results for people with eye issues related to aging., This actually dates from May 2010, but judging from the related comments, has only recently been noticed. Two hours after admission his eyes became inflamed, and examination revealed bilateral superficial corneal scarring. Internet Explorer has not been updated with new features since the release of Windows 10 in July 2015, so it doesn't support the modern standards that our website uses. Seek immediate medical attention if the sensitivity reaction is severe or worsens over time. Sorry, you must select a phone number and call type, Sorry, verification call didnt work, server failed to send, Sorry, that is not the correct code, please try again, You must enter the verification code below, $35.00 annual membership on your first order without a kit. A mucous membrane irritant will produce a heating or drying effect on the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, nose, and reproductive organs. If a reaction occurs in the digestive system, immediately discontinue use. Here are some of the best practices for safe essential oil usage: .video-responsive{ When using an essential oil, always follow the proper usage guidelines to help you prevent overwhelming the body with incorrect essential oil levels. Some people ask, Can you have an allergic reaction to essential oils? An allergic reaction occurs when the body experiences an abnormal immune reaction after exposure to a protein molecule that is typically harmless. Individuals who practice aromatherapy need to be aware of the safety issues involved with using essential oils in order to avoid potential adverse effects. Table 5 lists some common essential oils considered to be mucous membrane irritants. Its advisable to take a break from the application method that caused the reaction (for example, if you have a skin reaction, avoid topical use for a while) and choose other ways to enjoy the benefits of the oil. Aromatherapy Lifestyle. This is why its important to consider your own personal needs when it comes to safety. It is recommended that mucus membrane irritating essential oils not be used in the bath unless they are adequately diluted in a dispersant such as natural bath gel base, polysorbate or vegetable oil. For example, it would be easy to confuse tbsp with tsp, resulting in a dilution of about 10% instead of 3%. 13 Burfield, T. (2000). 19 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). Contact lenses should not be removed initially (Peate 2007). Just as you would check with your doctor before using any new products when breastfeeding, its important to discuss your essential oil use with your healthcare professional when you become a nursing mother. Because children are smaller and more sensitive than adults, it is important to understand that the rules of essential oils are different for children than they are for adults. Alternate between adding coconut oil and gently wiping the area. In certain cases, you may need to refrain from using a particular essential oil if it causes sensitivity when you use it. International Journal of Aromatherapy, Vol 10.1/2. The following properly diluted essential oils appear to be safe for use during pregnancy: benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, chamomile (German & Roman), clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lavender, lemon, mandarin, majoram (sweet), neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, orange (sweet), tea tree, ylang ylang. Clary sage is used as a cleanser for the eyes. If youre trying an oil for the first time, consider diluting it with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil before application to see how your skin responds. Those who are new to essential oils often ask, Are essential oils really safe?. Click here to see a copy of the IFPA guidelines. Because this is your first time logging in, please authenticate your account. A 3% dilution may not be sufficient to cause corneal erosion, but on the other hand there is no evidence of any benefit. Safety of Essential Oils. 11 Bensouilah J, and Buck P. Aromadermatology. They were flushed with saline over four days, and he recovered with no residual scarring (Wyllie and Alexander 1994). Diffuse. Abindon, UK: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd. 12 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). or physician. border-radius: 8px How to Use Essential Oils during Pregnancy, Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the skin, Skin irritation (such as itching, rash, or hives). For severe reactions, seek medical treatment if needed. For this reason, it is best to follow usage recommendations on the oil bottle or packaging. It is extremely unlikely that a nightly bath containing a few drops of essential oils will cause any problems for the unborn child and later states there are no records of abnormal fetuses or aborted fetuses due to the normal use of essential oils, either by inhalation or topical application.11, According to Wildwood, A common myth in aromatherapy is that massage oils containing essential oils such as Clary sage, rose or even rosemary can cause a miscarriage and hence should be avoided throughout pregnancy." As with all application methods, diffusion should be used in smaller doses and multiple times throughout the day to achieve maximum benefits. One of these, on the Livestrong website, states: More and more people are choosing to use alternative medicines to treat minor illnesses rather than taking a prescription. 7 Bensouilah J, and Buck P. Aromadermatology. He describes the result as a chemical burn, though he found that Olbas Oil in tears was pH neutral (most chemical burns are caused by substances that are strongly acid or alkaline). If essential oil droplets accidentally get into the eye (or eyes) a cotton cloth or similar should be imbued with a fatty oil, such as olive or sesame, and carefully swiped over the closed lid.18 And / Or, Immediately flush the eyes with cool water. Do not use or recommend the use of photosensitizing essential oils prior to going into a sun tanning booth or the sun. As with any new product you introduce to your pet, begin slowly. Just as it is of key importance to use pure essential oils on yourself and your family, you should use only high-quality, pure essential oils with your pets. Opinion Document to NAHA: A Brief Safety Guidance on Essential Oils. One concern is that the wrong dilution may be used, and the risk of this is substantial. Our office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Mountain time, Monday - Friday. This is a mixture of essential oils and menthol: 35.45% Eucalyptus oil 17 Battaglia, S. (2002). They can help with calming emotions, soothing muscles, deodorizing unpleasant aromas, and maintaining overall wellness for your furry family members. Tisserand and Balacs further point out that the only likely risk would be from prolonged exposure (perhaps 1 hour or more) to relatively high levels of essential oil vapor which could lead to headaches, vertigo, nausea and lethargy. (2003). Put oils in a glass dropper bottle with a lid on it. Even in a relatively small closed room, and assuming 100% evaporation, the concentration of any essential oil (or component thereof) is unlikely to reach a dangerous level, either from aromatherapy massage, or from essential oil vaporization.4. The severity of the reaction will depend on the concentration (dilution) applied. According to Burfield (2004), the following oils listed in Table 2 are considered to be dermal sensitizers and are not recommended for use in aromatherapy massage. (posted with permission). * Eye injuries and diseases are medical conditions, and any product claiming to treat them is a medicine, subject to drug legislation. Dilute even more for animals under 10 pounds. Eye damage I could find no reports in the literature of ocular accidents involving single essential oils, but there are several for Olbas oil. Adjust application methods. The mother of a 4-month-old boy placed several drops of Olbas Oil in his right nostril in an attempt to help his respiratory infection, not realizing that the product warns against use in infants. Start with short diffusion periods (1520 minutes), and then increase the time as needed to achieve the desired benefits. Some worry that diluting an essential oil before applying will take away its benefits; however, dilution actually makes for better absorption into the skinextending the benefits for even longer. While there is some controversy surrounding the essential oils on animals, when used properly, essential oils can be part of a well-rounded program to help your pets live happy, healthy lives. The 5% concentration was arrived at after preliminary testing using various dilutions on rabbit eyes (Gao et al 2012). You can also use essential oils during labor and delivery to make it a more pleasant or positive experience. Seek medical attention if the reaction is severe or prolonged. Click here for more information. 2 Tbsp of V-6. 6 Tisserand, R., and Balacs, T. (1995). Essential oils are safe to use, as long as the appropriate dosage and application methods are observed. Essential oils rich in aldehydes (e.g., citronellal, citral) and phenols (e.g., cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol) may cause skin reactions. Certain drugs, such as tetracycline, increase the photosensitivity of the skin, thus increasing the harmful effects of photosensitizing essential oils under the necessary conditions. By diluting an essential oil with a carrier oil, you slow the rate of evaporation, enhance absorption into the skin, and protect against sensitive or delicate skin. In addition to concerns about essential oils and pregnancy, many people ask, Is it safe to use essential oils while breastfeeding? While the body changes significantly during pregnancy, these changes dont end with the birth of the babyyour body continues to change as you adapt to post-partum life. .content-img { Like anything else youd use in your home or with your children, essential oils are safe when you adhere to recommended dosage amounts and use them within proper parameters. Gary Young has used this recipe for his patients at the Ecuador Clinic for macular degeneration, health issues, cataracts, and improving sight. New York: Churchill Livingstone. Always give a child smaller doses of essential oils than you would an adult. Essential Oil Safety. The more oil used in closer proximity to the diffuser, the more potent the effect will be.
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