Are all essential oils natural?

Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzzes lately for helping with everything from head to toe to throat. But does this plant-based oil work?

Essential oils can have a positive effect on your health and well-being as long as you use them safely.

Want to try essential oils? Learn what conditions may be helpful and how to obtain essential oils, since not all products are made equal.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are basically extracts of plants. They are made by steaming or pressing various parts of the plant (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit) to extract fragrant compounds. It can take a few pounds of the plant to produce one bottle of essential oil. In addition to making a fragrance, essential oils perform other functions in plants, too.

Essential oils are found in natural plant-based sources, leading users to think they are safe - but natural is not always safe. There are many types of essential oils from the composition of a single ingredient to a combination of many different ingredients. Other examples include peppermint, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, clove, and sandalwood.

Essential oils are often used in the same way as medicines: applied to the skin, inhaled by the lungs (aromatherapy), and sometimes applied to the mouth (internally). However, unlike medicines, essential oils are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you cannot be sure that the product actually contains what the label says. It can label the wrong plant types or combinations of ingredients, and it rarely mentions any impurities present in the compound.

Side effects

Many people think that because essential oils are natural products, they will not cause side effects. This is not true. Potential side effects of essential oils include:

Irritation and heat: Regularly dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Apply a small amount to a small area of ​​skin first to check for any reaction.

Asthma attacks: While essential oils may be safe for most people to inhale, some people with asthma may respond to inhalation of smoke.

Headache: Inhaling essential oils may help some people with their headaches, but the excessive smell can lead to headaches in others.

TIPS FOR SAFE USE

• Use essential oils as recommended dosage - more do not mean better or more effective. Consumption of blended oil increases the risk of overexposure or side effects such as redness or wrinkles on the skin. Stop using essential oils immediately if they cause any symptoms.
• If you are applying oil to the skin for the first time, do a "skin test" by applying it to a small area only first. That way, if it irritates your skin, it is easier to treat than to spread irritation.
• Do not use any photosensitizer (it increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight) before sunburn. Avoid the sun 24 hours after using photosensitizing oil like lemon oil.
• Avoid prolonged use of any essential oil. Using the same oil over and over again can increase the risk of side effects.
• Keep all essential oil bottles and diffusers out of sight and out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure the bottles are tightly closed, and kept in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• Always use essential oils in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not use essential oils directly on the ears or nose, and be very careful to avoid getting oily eye drops.
• Essential oils burn - avoid direct contact with flames, matches, and cigarettes.
• The oil should not be used by people with chronic health problems such as asthma or heart disease, and should be avoided by pregnant women unless they talk to their doctor first.

Summary

Essential oils are the extracts of plants that can be beneficial. People are starting to use essential oils more widely for a variety of conditions, and some studies show that they can help reduce symptoms in some cases.

Essential oils are generally safe when used properly. Always dilute essential oils with carrier oils before applying them to your skin and never ingest them.