Basic Safety Guidelines for Using Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is arguably considered to be more safe than most pharmaceutical medications due to absence of apparent and known side effects, however there are still important safe guards to consider while using essential oils.

The primary pillar of which safety revolves around is in reflection to how concentrated essential oils inherently are by their nature. For instance, when we take a closer look at lavender essential oil, it takes 200 lbs. of plant material, lavender buds, and in some instances of lesser quality distillations include leaves and stalk, which harvests an end result of 16 oz. of pure essential oil that is separated and poured off of hydrosol (the condensed water vapor portion of the distillation). When we break this down even further, it takes roughly 50 lbs. of lavender plant matter to harvest 1 oz. of pure essential oil, or 600-900 drops, depending on the size of the dropper or orifice used to dispense. When we look at rose in comparison, it takes 1600-5000 lbs of rose petals to create 16oz of essential oils. The point being… each drop is very concentrated, which is why it is necessary to dilute essential oils in nearly all instances prior to use. For guidance on how to properly dilute essential oils for various uses check out this previous blog and blending guide..

The inherent concentration of essential oils is an imperative understanding to acknowledge as a background foundation while working with essential oils. For instance, while smelling cinnamon may entice the appetite or call to memories of childhood, having a vial break in one’s pocket would result in quite a burn. Whereas lavender, in comparison being quite soothing in nature, would not lead to the same result if a vial of it broke in the pocket. In fact, lavender’s intrinsic property of soothing burns is the discovery that founded “Aromatherapy.” So it is important to understand that while an oil can be of upmost quality, it still is wise to use caution before considering it safe for all uses. One should always do thorough research on all of the essential oil allies in your tool box.  To help you discover the many uses as well as specific safety considerations of more than 100 essential oils, I developed the Esenta app. for useful reference.  

In is crucial to remember, just as in the comparison between Cinnamon and Lavender essential oils above, that not all essential oils are… so-to-speak, created equal. Each essential oil is a compound of anywhere between fifty and two hundred active constituents, in various percentages, of which allow essential oils to have all of the wonderful properties that we have come to appreciate them for.  Despite all of their notable and worthwhile characteristics, it is pivotal to acknowledge that some essential oils have constituents that have negative traits. Some essential oils have aspects that are known irritants, or are sensitizing, and some essential oils… even when diluted below 1 % make the skin more sensitive to the sun.  Use of some essential oils may even stimulate uterine contractions, being termed abortifacient because they can bring on menses and premature pregnancy.  While others are cautioned against use by those whom suffer epilepsy or are using blood thinners.

If I sound discouraging… please understand that is not my intention. My first introduction to using essential oils was nearly two dozen years ago, and I have since held them in high regard. My goal is that everyone that is as excited as I was in discovering them use essential oils in a safe manner, so that we have access to them indefinitely in the public realm. I must admit, I reason that if people are uneducated and use essential oils indiscriminately and without proper caution and dilution, negative health effects due to toxicity are likely the outcome, and ultimately this amazing allie could be placed into the realm of big pharma for safety’s sake.  And while that point of view may seem like an extreme consideration to some, another aspect to take into consideration would be that because “less is more” in the realm of essential oils, it is much more sustainable for the planet (as well as good farming practices) that we respect the dilution rule within our practice, as ultimately it is wasteful to use a concentration of essential oils that is higher than what is known to be of benefit.

When looking at products made of natural ingredients we often see the beneficial actions of the plant highlighted, for instance if something is analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), or vulnerary (wound healing). Unfortunately, there have been many instances when I have come across products that the cautions related to the essential oil or plant matter used isn’t referenced. This is what concerns me most of all, because people could unintentionally cause harm to themselves or those that they care for, all under the umbrella of “natural is safe.” Using essential oils is safe, when used with cautions in mind. With that consideration, I’d like to define some additional properties that aren’t often referenced by the multi-level marketing companies that push large sales of essential oils.

The toxicology of an essential oil isn't a cut and dry subject.  It is not only dependent on the toxic nature of the essential but also on the 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. 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, which has effects that are often not recognized such as headaches, loss of appetite, minor skin eruptions, nausea, lethargy and so on.

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 skin reactions or carcinogenesis.

Photo-toxicity

Some oils are phototoxic, meaning that they cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight.

There are two situations where photo-toxicity may be increased. In the first scenario, the risk increases proportionately when several phototoxic oils are used together. Secondly, when concentrated citrus essential oils are used, therefore cautions should be made by reducing the concentration. It is advised that if an essential oil is known to be phototoxic that it be used in no more than 1% of the total blend essential oil blend, this needs to be especially taken into consideration if the blend is comprised of multiple essential oils that are known to be phototoxic. If an oil must be used that has this property it should be advised that the person stay out of direct sunlight for 12 hours after use and wear long-sleeved clothing. The majority of essential oils that are known to be photo-toxic are citrus oils and root oils: Bergamot, cold-pressed lime, cold-pressed bitter orange, angelica root, cumin, rue and opoponax. Mildly photo-toxic oils include: Cold-pressed grapefruit, cold-pressed lemon, cold-pressed sweet orange and cold-pressed tangerine.

Sensitization

Also known as dermal sensitization, this term describes a reaction to specific essential oils that results in some form of a rash, blotchy redness, and is most often accompanied by itchiness and irritation. This outcome is said to be relatively unpredictable, however I have observed throughout the years of practice that sensitization often occurs as a result from using undiluted essential oils. The negative reality is however, that once a person develops an allergic response to a certain oil, other essential oils that have similar compounds may cause irritation as well, even when diluted. Once an essential oil has been observed to cause an allergic reaction its use should be discontinued immediately. This is yet another reason why one should ALWAYS dilute essential oils prior to use, especially those that are known to possibly cause sensitization. There are even some oils that are known dermal and mucous membrane irritants and sensitizers, these oils should always be avoided on the skin: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Bitter Fennel, and Verbena. Those that are known to be slight dermal sensitizers and should be used with caution on the skin include: aniseed, catnip, citronella, khella, laurel leaf, lavender absolute, lemongrass, Melissa, myrrh absolute, dwarf pine, scotch pine, star anise and ylang ylang.

Children

There have been many cases of poisoning in young children, usually between the ages of 1 and 3. Parents need to take more caution when placing essential oils around the home due to children having a natural oral inquisitiveness and the ability of smaller amounts of essential oils to have harmful effects due to size.   Children have skin that is thinner and therefore more sensitive than adults, some essential oils are best avoided on children under the age of 2 years old. In many instances of poisoning mint essential oils were used which resulted in cessation of breathing. Essential oils should not be instilled into the noses of children under the age of five years old.  Essential oils should always be kept out of reach of children.

Dermal Concentrations
Age	Maximum Concentration (topical)
Up to 6 months	.5%
6-24 months	1%
2-10 years	1.5%
10+ years	2%

Oral Dosage Cautions

Serious poisoning with essential oils has been recorded with relatively large doses of essential oils. In very few cases this happened in situations when the oils were being taken for therapeutic purposes, and in these very few instances the person was self-administering rather than following the directions or advice of a practitioner. Due to these occurrences, it is always recommended and advised that the use of essential oils for medicinal purposes only be prescribed by primary care practitioners or medical herbalists with in depth knowledge of essential oil toxicity. For a more thorough explanation of why I think the practice of ingesting essential oils indiscriminately, should be reconsidered, please read this blog on taking a closer look at ingesting essential oils.

The amounts of absorption vary greatly in different routes of application. For instance, the largest amount of an essential oil can be absorbed if taken orally in comparison to both inhalation and dermal application. One should use great caution when considering prescribing essential oils be taken by mouth.

Some essential oils are known to have adverse effects on people with certain health conditions and are best to be avoided. If you are under the guidance of a health care professional, please consult them prior to using essential oils as a supplemental treatment of any kind.

Cautions for known conditions:

During times of pregnancy use essential oils in half of the strength as usual. Oils which have emmenagogue properties should be avoided and are contra-indicated include: angelica, star anise, aniseed, basil, bay laurel, cedarwood (all types), cinnamon leaf, citronella, clary sage, clove, cumin, sweet fennel, hyssop, juniper, lovage, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, and white thyme. It is also suggested to avoid using the essential oils of rosemary, rose, and peppermint during the first four months of pregnancy.

People who have Epilepsy should avoid all use of the essential oils of Fennel, Hyssop, and Rosemary.

In cases of High Blood Pressure avoid Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common), and thyme.

In all cases of Diabetes avoid use of Angelica.

During times you are using Homeopathy, avoid using the oils of black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus and peppermint which are not compatible with this form of treatment as they can cancel out the effectiveness of homeopathic treatments.

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A note from the creator and writer: Any information shared within this App is not intended to be taken as a replacement for medical advice. Any person with a condition requiring medical attention should consult a qualified medical professional or therapist.

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By Kathryn Delaney, founder of Esenta Botanicals, has been studying and practicing aromatherapy and herbalism for more than 20 years. She is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, and Holistic Practioner. For more information, custom formulation or consultations please write to esentabotanicals@gmail.com