And because there's no regulation, the label may not even list everything that's in the bottle you're buying. That's why essential oils should not be ingested.
Johns Hopkins also advises against using essential oil diffusers, small household appliances that create scented vapor. Diffusion in a public area or household with multiple members can affect people differently. For example, peppermint is often recommended for headaches. But if you use it around a child who's less than 30 months old, the child can become agitated. It could have a negative effect. Additionally, someone with fast heartbeat can react adversely to peppermint.
A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. You're more likely to have a bad reaction if you have atopic dermatitis or a history of reactions to topical products. Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including:.
Because pure essential oils are potent, diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction when applying directly to the skin. If you get a red, itchy rash or hives after applying essential oils, see a doctor. You may be having an allergic reaction. There are dozens of essential oils, all with different fragrances and chemical makeups. Which essential oils are best depends on what symptoms you're looking to ease or fragrances you prefer.
Some of the most popular essential oils include:. The most important thing to consider when shopping for essential oils is product quality. But figuring out which oils are the best is challenging, since there's no government agency in the U. If you like the scent of eucalyptus, you can combine it with rosemary to make your space smell like a forest.
I was born and raised in south Florida. You know what they say about that, right? I love sweet orange essential oil. I think it is the best-smelling essential oil, period. It makes me happy and energized from one whiff, and in a weird way I believe that just smelling it can sometimes satisfy my sweets cravings which are severe and constant because sweets are the best.
So having orange oil around solves all of these problems for me in one inexpensive, convenient swoop. I find the smell of sweet orange oil to be so fragrant that you need only a very small amount when DIYing. One important note: Make sure you purchase sweet orange oil and not bitter orange, since bitter orange oil is very phototoxic.
You know what peppermint smells like. Or it might be in the chewing gum in your back pocket. Peppermint oil is made up mostly of menthol and menthone. It is a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant. It is an effective treatment for headaches : Participants in one study reported a significant reduction in the pain of their tension headaches within 15 minutes , and the pain continued to drop for the following hour.
It helps soothe nausea, improves concentration and memory, and is an analgesic, which means it numbs and kills pain on the skin.
Oh hi! Enter Email Address. Your official excuse to add "OOD" ahem, out of doors to your cal. Become an Insider. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Youtube Instagram. Related Stories. Experts Referenced. Adina Grigore. Each essential oil has its own chemical makeup and reason for use, so it is important to speak with a trained aromatherapist, nurse, doctor, physical therapist, massage therapist or pharmacist before applying or using an oil for healing purposes.
A trained professional can recommend and teach how to use each product, giving proper instructions on application or dilution. Consumers should also be aware that the U. Food and Drug Administration does not monitor aromatherapy products, so it can be difficult to know whether or not a product is pure or if it is contaminated or synthetic. Some beauty and household products, such as lotions, make-up, and candles contain products that may appear to be essential oils, but they are really synthetic fragrances.
Like medications, essential oils must be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and to follow instructions carefully. Since essential oils cause reactions in the body, not all the oils will benefit everyone. Chemical compounds in essential oils can produce adverse effects when combined with medications. They may reduce the effectiveness of conventional drugs, or they may exacerbate health conditions in the individual.
A person with high blood pressure , for example, should avoid stimulants, such as rosemary. Some compounds, such as fennel, aniseed, and sage act similarly to estrogen , so a person with an estrogen-dependent breast or ovarian tumor should avoid these. Concentrated products may be poisonous before dilution and should be handled with care. A maximum concentration of 5 percent is recommended.
Some oils produce toxins which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, especially if taken internally. Swallowing essential oils can be hazardous, and fatal in some cases. Individuals with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy:. If the oil is to be mixed with a carrier, the individual should tell the aromatherapist or massage therapist about any nut allergies, because carrier oils are often obtained from nuts and seeds.
Use of aromatherapy by pregnant or nursing mothers has not been proven safe by research, so it is not recommended. During the first trimester of pregnancy, aromatherapy may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid peppermint essential oil, as it may be expressed in breast milk.
Essential oils derived from citrus may make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, increasing the risk of sunburn. Some oils may affect the function of conventional medicines, so people who are using medications of any type should first check with a qualified pharmacist or doctor. This incredibly popular oil has all kinds of benefits.
This subtly floral scent can help people to relax and sleep. Moreover, breathing it in has been found to help with alleviating headaches , while the use of the oil topically may help reduce the itching and swelling from bug bites. Safety: There are a few known side effects. These include nausea, headaches, chills, and vomiting.
It can also irritate the skin if you have an intolerance. Featuring a combination of a light floral and herbal aroma, this oil has the potential to put your mind at ease when diffused and inhaled through steam.
Safety: Anyone allergic to daisies, marigolds, and ragweed should avoid using this oil altogether. Its antioxidant properties have also been found to help treat acne and improve complexion for an overall younger look. Safety: Skin irritation can occur when used topically, so make sure to use more of the carrier oil if you want to reap the skin care benefits of rose oil.
This earthy, herbal, and sweet-scented essential oil can be used on the skin to help to minimize scarring , decrease inflammation, and act as an overall healing agent. This flowery oil emits a spicy but sweet aroma, and has been suggested as an aid in relaxation , a self-esteem builder , and it even may act as a repellant toward certain insects.
Safety: Myrrh should never be taken orally. More serious side effects include heart irregularities and lower blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage if taken by people who are pregnant.
The smoky, sugary scent of vetiver is often used in tranquil aromatherapy to boost your overall mood and calm your nerves. The aroma of this one may smell like the holiday season to you, but it also has all kinds of astringent, digestive, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties. It may prevent oral issues like bad breath, toothaches, cavities, and mouth sores, and one study even suggests it can help improve skin health.
Even though this is also derived from a citrus fruit — the peel to be exact — it has more of a bitter and fresh scent, and is a popular oil to use in a diffuser. Safety: Again, similar to lemon, avoid UV rays from the sun when applying topically. Earthy and naturally woody-smelling, cedarwood is used for a number of topical beauty treatments.
Studies have shown that these benefits include fighting acne, treating eczema, and reducing dandruff. On top of all this, it also allegedly helps to reduce arthritis and relieve coughing.
When you inhale the minty herbal scent of this oil , some evidence has shown that it can relieve IBS symptoms. Likewise, a limited amount of evidence has found that this oil can help with headaches and indigestion.
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