Risks and Dangers of Essential Oils

Essential oils are all the rage lately, and with good reason. They are, in a sense, a pharmaceutical grade natural remedy with incredible power. But with great power comes great responsibility, and there are many essential oil resources online giving worrisome blanket advice about their use.

Don’t get me wrong. I love oils and I use them daily. Most often, I use them diluted in natural beauty or natural cleaning recipes, but I also use them aromatically and therapeutically at times.

Because of the strength of essential oils, I am cautious of over-using them and want to make sure that my family always uses them safely. Here are some important things to know about essential oils (and of course, check with a certified herbalist, aromatherapist or doctor) before using them.

Essential Oils are Highly Concentrated

Did you know that it takes:

256 pounds of peppermint leaf to make one pound of peppermint essential oil
150 pounds or more of lavender flowers to make one pound of lavender essential oil
Thousands of pounds of roses to make 1 pound of rose essential oil

Essential Oils contain very concentrated properties of the herb or plant they are derived from. A very small amount of EOs often has the qualities of many cups of herbal tea from the same plant. For instance, one drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 26-28 cups of peppermint tea. This isn’t to say essential oils should not be used, but they should be used carefully, with proper education and in safe amounts. If you wouldn’t ingest dozens of cups of an herbal tea, you should probably think twice before consuming the equivalent amount of essential oils.

Essential Oils on the Skin

I use essential oils in many of my beauty recipes like lotion bars and herbal face oil but in diluted amounts. The key word is “diluted.”

In most cases, essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin. There are exceptions, of course, but most of the time, essential oils should only be used undiluted under the care and guidance of a trained medical or aromatherapy practitioner. Due to the small molecular size of essential oils, they can penetrate the skin easily and enter the bloodstream.

As a general rule, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil in a 3-5% solution. On practical level this is 3-5 drops of essential oils per teaspoon of carrier oil (and much less if using on a baby or child).

Undiluted use on the skin can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people, and I’ve even read cases of someone getting a permanent sensitivity to a certain oil after using it undiluted on broken skin. Some oils, like lavender, rose and chamomile are typically considered safe for undiluted skin use, but I’d still personally dilute them (most of these are expensive oils and would be costly to use undiluted anyway).

I personally test any essential oil, diluted, on my arm before using on a larger part of my body. Some essential oils are considered ok to use undiluted on the skin if an individual isn’t sensitive to them, but again, always check with a qualified practitioner first.

From a personal perspective, I have first hand experience with the potential problems with undiluted skin exposure. I tried a new massage therapist in our small town since she had a special deal for “aromatherapy” massage. I assumed this meant that there would be essential oils in a diffuser during the massage. To my surprise, as the massage began I felt drops on my back. I realized a few seconds later that she was pouring essential oils on my back… a lot of them. I asked her what oils she was using and she assured me that they were safe, but I got a headache soon after.

In all, she probably poured 80+ drops of undiluted essential oils on my back. I had shivers and a headache for the rest of the day and a large red spot on my back (12 inches in diameter) that lasted several days. Certainly, I should have asked her to stop instead of just asking what the oils were, but what shocked me was that she did not ask if she could use essential oils on me, she did not ask if I was pregnant or had a health condition first and I found out after that she was not even a trained massage therapist or aromatherapist but that she had just “invented” the technique as a way to therapeutically use essential oils.

Again, I should have acted differently and probably asked to see her massage license first, but my experience with this amount of essential oils on the skin was not a positive one.

Bottom Line: Exercise caution and do your research before using essential oils on the skin, even undiluted.

Photosensitivity of Certain Oils

I always include a caution on my recipes that include citrus oils that they may make the skin more sensitive to the sun. These oils have certain constituents that can make the skin more sensitive to UV light and can lead to blistering, discoloration of the skin or burning more easily from minor sun exposure.

Though the risk of photosensitivity or phototoxicity varies based on the way the oil was distilled, oils generally considered photosensitive are: orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot.

Internal Use of Essential Oils

This will be a controversial point, but many essential oils are not safe for internal use and others should be used with extreme caution. Since essential oils are the equivalent of 10-50 cups of herbal tea (depending on the herb) or 20x the recommended dose of an herbal tincture of the same herb, they should only be taken internally in situations where they are absolutely needed and with extreme care (and under the guidance of a trained professional).

Here’s the thing- essential oils are extremely potent plant compounds that can have a very dramatic effect on the body. Many online sources tout their “antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal” properties. You know what is teeming with many types of bacteria? Your gut.

Research is emerging constantly about our extremely diverse gut microbiomes, but we do not fully understand them yet. We do know that gut health drastically affects other aspects of health and that imbalances in the gut can cause problems in the skin, brain and other parts of the body. The effects of essential oils on gut bacteria have not been well studied yet and the very real antibacterial properties of essential oils may kill many types of bacteria in the gut (including beneficial and necessary bacteria).

In fact, the studies conducted about the antibacterial properties of essential oils compare them to antibiotics and suggest that they may be an effective alternative to antibiotics (here’s one study).

Antibiotics can be life-saving and necessary in some cases (they saved my husband’s life several years ago) but they should not be used regularly, preventatively or without the oversight of a medical professional. If essential oils can act in the same way as antibiotics, we should exercise the same caution in using them internally.

In most cases, some of the same benefits of an essential oil (taken internally) can be obtained by using the herb itself (fresh or dried) or a tea or tincture of that herb.

Many essential oils are considered “GRAS” or Generally Recognized as Safe for food and cosmetic use. However, most essential oils have not been studied, especially in concentrated internal amounts. Things like vinegar, salt and baking soda also are given this status, but that doesn’t mean they should be consumed regularly or in large amounts. Always do your research first!

Essential Oils During Pregnancy or Nursing

Essential oils can affect hormones, gut bacteria and other aspects of health and extreme care should be used when taking them while pregnant or nursing.

There is evidence that essential oils can cross the placenta and get to the baby. The effects of essential oils can be compounded in utero and extreme care should be taken with essential oil use during pregnancy. Again, I’m not saying they should not be used during pregnancy, but that extreme care should be taken and research done first.

I personally would not take any essential oil internally during pregnancy (or even while nursing). At these times, I stick to aromatherapy and very diluted use of approved essential oils in skin care recipes and baths. I also always re-test an oil in a diluted skin test before using it during pregnancy.

Many oils are considered safe during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester (depending on the source), but again, I’d check with a professional and use caution with any herbs used during pregnancy. Even oils that are considered safe may be harmful to certain women and there is some speculation that the actions of some oils on hormones can cause dangerous hormone imbalances during pregnancy.

Oils Considered NOT Safe During Pregnancy

Aniseed, Angelica, Basil, Black pepper, Camphor, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Clary Sage (often used during labor by midwives safely), clove, fennel, fir, ginger, horseradish (should not be used by anyone), Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Mustard, Mugwart (should not be used by anyone), Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen.

I would personally recommend checking with a doctor or midwife before taking an essential oils during pregnancy.

Peppermint essential oil may decrease milk supply while nursing, and as such, I avoid it topically while nursing.

Use on Babies and Children

This is one of the things that concerns me the most with a lot of the essential oil recommendations I see online. In my opinion, essential oils should never be given internally to children or used undiluted on the skin. They should be diluted more than they are for adult application and care should be taken with any essential oils considered “hot” as they may cause damage to the skin.

In general, oils like lavender, chamomile, orange, lemon and frankincense are considered safe for diluted use on children, but I would personally still do a skin test and check with a doctor first.

Some oils have caused seizures in children and extreme caution should be used (this article from a naturopathic pediatrician explains more and gives some case studies– since people have commented, I want to mention that I do think her post is overly alarmist but she makes some good points as well). To clarify- these seizure reactions were rare and most were in people who were predisposed to seizures, but this still isn’t a risk I would take with small children.

Others, like peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and wintergreen should not be used around young children or babies. These herbs contain menthol and 1,8-cineole. These compounds can slow breathing (or even stop it completely) in very young children or those with respiratory problems. Of course, they should never be used internally or undiluted on the skin for children, but these particular oils warrant caution even for aromatic use. I would not personally ever use these oils on or around babies for this reason.

This article from the University of Minnesota cautions about the use of peppermint and similar oils in children under six, because: “Menthol-one of the major chemicals in peppermint oil-has caused breathing to stop in young children, and has caused severe jaundice in babies with G6PD deficiency (a common genetic enzyme deficiency) (Price & Price, 1999).”

Since the effects of essential oils are more concentrated on children, it is prudent to exercise extra caution when using essential oils on them. Personally, I stick to using safe essential oils in a diffuser or in very diluted amounts in beauty and cleaning products.

Important note to add: pets can be just as vulnerable.

Essential Oils in Plastics

Another thing that is not often mentioned is that essential oils should never be stored in plastic containers, especially in concentrated forms. Many essential oils can eat through plastics when undiluted, and even when diluted, they can degrade plastics over time.

I make homemade cleaners with essential oils in glass bottles for this reason (even though they are very diluted) and store homemade beauty products in glass whenever possible.

This caution also extends to other surfaces in the house, which I found out the hard way. A bottle of wild orange oil was left on a piece of homemade furniture in our house and when I picked it up the next day, it had stuck to the piece, pulling off the finish and stain when I picked it up. Apparently, there was a little bit of the oil still on the bottom of the bottle (likely from my hand when pouring it). Be extremely careful about leaving any oils, especially citrus oils, on wood or other stained surfaces.

The Good News

Though there are a lot of warnings about safe use of essential oils, they are wonderful natural remedies when used correctly. I hope that this post doesn’t discourage anyone from using essential oils, but rather encourages proper research and safety first.

I use essential oils almost daily, but I make sure to research each oil and its proper use first. It can also be really helpful to find a trained aromatherapist, herbalist or naturopathic doctor to ask specific questions about essential oils. It is also important to make sure any essential oils you use are organic and very high quality.

Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils:

At the end of the day, essential oils can be a great and safe natural remedy, if used safely. The main ways I use essential oils are:

Aromatically– in a diffuser
Topically– Diluted in homemade lotion, toothpaste, lotion bars, body butter and other homemade recipes.

I reserve undiluted skin use and internal use for times of real need when the benefits outweigh the risk and I avoid using essential oils in this way on babies/children or when I am pregnant.

What essential oils do you use? Have you ever had any negative effects from their use?

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

498 responses to “Risks and Dangers of Essential Oils”

Holli

March 17, 2015

I do not have the time to read all the comments (but I read MANY) and I’m confused about the advice to diffuse vs topical/internal uses. From my understanding, diffusing is the fastest and most effective way to get oils into your bloodstream. If an oil was dangerous or I had qualms about using it around small children, the last thing I would have them do is breathe it in through their lungs. I also second the recommendation to look up aromaticscience.com as a great unbiased, third party resource. Pubmed is also great. Lastly, I totally get what you are saying Katie about mlm distributors throwing out blanket advice. I do think it is everyone’s responsibility to do their own due diligence and research and come to their own conclusions. However, your comments about every email address from a negative comment on this post being linked to an eo distributor to invalidate their comment, does not sit right with me. I am a distributor, but started out as a very satisfied customer. I had such huge health benefits that I felt moved to share with those around me. You also make money from sharing products you have found valuable. So we could say the same about you- that your promoting of products is a conflict of interest if you get paid for it. I’m sure there are oil “salesman” out there that take advantage to make a buck (there are always some bad apples), but every single person I have met so far in the company I represent has a story and a passion for sharing that story for the benefit of others. Science based evidence is a great resource, but experiential evidence is also valid. Thousands and thousands of people are benefiting from the use of quality essential oils (and yes, of course quality matters just like the quality of our food and water matter)! That has to count for something.

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1. Kristie
  
  March 17, 2015
  
  Holli, I could not have said it better myself. There is a I am extremely offended at the stereotyping of anyone associated with mlm. And I agree that we don’t benefit from sharing our experience with the oils any more that Katie does from her blog. I am associated with a group of women that share these oils with people WE LOVE because they have helped us and many others that we personally know…the same way I share a new shampoo that I love, or a recipe. And the same way I formerly shared this blog site with people I love.
  
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2. Wellness Mama
  
  March 17, 2015
  
  Holli, Kristie, saying that every commenter who is negative or thinks that this article lacks integrity is associated with a mlm company is not a convertible statement. To illustrate, here is an example: “Mice like cheese. I like cheese. Therefore, I am a mouse.” That last statement does not follow. It does not mean that the first 2 are not true, and the first 2 statements being true does not make the last one true.
  
  To be more clear: I don’t believe that everyone involved in a mlm company is mercenary. I just find it interesting that the only naysayers of the “restraint, education, and caution” approach are people who benefit financially from people not exercising restraint, which not the same as saying that *all* people who benefit financially from oil sales *don’t* exercise restraint and caution.
  
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Lauri

March 16, 2015

Regarding the use of 100% pure Essential Oils and them being declared “Therapeutic Grade” is not the issue. It is essential that MOST be diluted, as they are highly concentrated. Most people normally think using more is good, but in the case, it is not. Using less is better because of the concentration level. Using “blends” are great, especially when you are sick, but again, you have to know what you are doing and know which oils blend well together and which don’t. If you are interested in knowing more, contact me and I will tell you some good books to read. I have done a lot of reading on aromatherapy and EO use, am a nurse who focuses on holistic and alternative therapy, and am in the middle of getting my Certificate in Herbalism.

I can say for a fact that I do not know of any EO out there that has a true certification of “Therapeutic Grade” and really…there is no such thing that I am aware of. Companies may say there is, but what does it truly mean? Absolutely nothing. In reference to a comment made earlier to only TG essential oils being ingestible, that is completely false! You simply cannot ingest the majority of EO’s out there. Yes, some are possible, but if a company is advertising that they’re oils are the only ‘true’ ingestible oils, then I would question their credibility and their chemistry make-up.

Most EO you must dilute with either a carrier oil or distilled water ( for a spray type use). Lavender is one EO you can safely use without diluting by putting it directly on your skin by using a cotton ball. It wonderful to take the pain instantly away from a bee sting plus many, many other uses. It has a wonderful sedative effect, as, well. I once had a customer stop by my craft booth with severe knee pain. I make Refresher Sprays with various pure essential oils. He wasn’t convinced that they worked, so I offered to give him a free bottle and sprayed it on his knee prior to him leaving my booth. He came back 30 minutes later and bought 2 bottle from me saying his pain was completely gone.! That EO is definitely safe to use without diluting it with a carrier oil or distilled water ( if you want to use it for a spray, for example). You just have to do your homework prior to using any EO’s. They do wonders for those that use them correctly!!

By reading some of this, so many people are misleading others simply by giving out wrong information. If you don’t know, then don’t say it. Simple as that. True 100% pure essential oils can do you a world of good, if used correctly. Just don’t go out and buy some; however, and start using them anyway you think you should. You have to read up on them and how they are used. Each one is different. There are different types and each go through a rigid distillation process. There is a “solvent extraction” process which is how we get most of our citrus EO’s. This literally squeezes the oil from the fruit peel. You will find the citrus EO’s to be less expensive. There is also a “solvent extraction” which makes absolutes, which are highly concentrated EO’s. Ever heard of Rose Absolute? Smells absolutely wonderful and I have made a liquid soap using it once; however, it is extremely pricy because of the method used to make it.

In addition, EO’s must be stored in a cool place, not in your medicine chest and the area their stored in should be no warmer than 55 degrees. They have to be kept out of direct sunlight in a dark bottle or you will lose your aroma. They must be kept separate from other things and tightly closed. I store mine in clear small storage bins. I purchased all my plastic storage bins at the local dollar store and just put these bins in the refrigerator in my garage. Each time I open an oil, I put a little sticker on it with a date so I know when it was opened. Each type of EO expires differently. Depending on the type, it can be 6 months or one year, once opened. Some can last up to two years once opened. It all depends if you store them properly.

EO’s are wonderful to use for medicinal purposes, if you know how. They are not something to mess around with; however. You must know what you are doing if you want to use them in that sense or you can seriously do more harm than good. I am willing to recommend some good reading material on herbal and aromatherapy use should anyone be interested ( I am in no way connected to the authors to gain anything). Just trying to be helpful to those that may be interested in improving their knowledge on this subject. Good luck to everyone and I hope so information I said helps clear some things up on essential oils. I have done a lot of reading on aromatherapy, essential oils as well as herbs and find it interesting how much misleading information is out there. No wonder there is so much confusion!

Respectfully,
Lauri

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Chrissy

March 11, 2015

Hi Katie, love your site…. one of the lines under oils not to use when pregnant has me confused.. WHICH oils are not to be used by anyone? It seems like you are saying all these are not to be taken but I know you use some of these in your recipes? #Confused.
(should not be used by anyone), Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Mustard, Mugwart (should not be used by anyone), Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen.

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  March 11, 2015
  
  Only the ones with “(should not be used by anyone)” after them are unsafe for anyone.
  
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Yvonne Carlson

March 4, 2015

I almost cried when I read your article! I have been reading numerous articles that express caution, education and using trained professionals for EO’s. I think they are valid and worth investigating but all of the articles from professionals say the same thing you did – rarely use undiluted, not recommended internally, avoid repetitive use, and extreme caution with children and pregnancy. You put all this information together beautifully and cited your sources. Thank you!!! Too many people buy a kit and just start experimenting. Thanks for the reasonable guidelines.

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Candy

March 2, 2015

I am very new to EO’s. I went to a Young Living Seminar to get info on safe usage. They promoted un-diluted use in a lot of cases. A friend (who has been using oils for 15 years) gave me a bottle of their “Gentle Baby” blend. I used it on my 2 year old before bed to promote calming. As directed, I rubbed one drop (un-diluted) on the bottom of each foot. I used it 4 nights. 2 of the 4 nights she had a night terror. She’s never had one before. It could be a coincidence, my other children have had night terrors before, but I will be doing more research before I continue using any more oils at all.

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Sara

February 18, 2015

So glad I read this. No oils for my family. They sound really dangerous.

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Lindsey

February 17, 2015

Hi Katie. Thank you for everything you share. I’ve been using one of your homemade toothpaste recipes for my toddler and myself for some time now, and I’m starting to worry because of the peppermint oil…she tends to suck the paste right off. Furthermore, we give her chamomila almost every night, which might be contraindicated, too? Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your time!

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  February 18, 2015
  
  That was something that concerned me too, especially when they are that little. I’ve been experimenting with adding ground up peppermint leaf to the toothpaste instead. That being said, my kids have used toothpaste with a small amount of peppermint essential oil and we’ve never had an issue, I just worry more as I keep researching it.
  
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Drew Lemark

February 12, 2015

I was researching the potential risks of essential oils and came across your blog, thank you for this wonderful post! I read in another blog that there hasn’t been a lot of research done in regards to the use of essential oils by pregnant woman (and what they do to the fetus), I think this is an important area of research that needs to be more broadly examined.

Also, when I learned about the FDA’s inquiry into the Young Living brand (I think they also warned that company called “doterra” too), I wasn’t surprised.

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Sue

February 11, 2015

Good to know to tread with caution re EOs. I had no idea! But a bummer to read all the “dire warnings” re Peppermint Oil (though I realize the main concern is re little children & pregnant Moms).

Just about a month ago I had read that PEPPERMINT OIL EO acts as a preventative to “…cell death via DNA damage due to Radiation.” (See Dr. Josh Axe, chiropractor’s website/article re the “25 Best Uses for Peppermint Oil.” The line re Radiation was at the bottom in #25, I think).

And at the same site there was an article re FRANKENCENSE OIL, studies that it can help cure cancers. (Whether Dr. Axe is connected to an EO company I do not know.)

So, after learning that, specifically re the Radiation, I got out the one & only bottle of EO I had EVER bought (10 years ago!), Now Brand Peppermint Oil, & began sprinkling it straight from the bottle onto my chest & abdomen almost daily for the past month (I noticed it helps “wake up my brain” as well!)

The reason for “jumping on” that “Radiation Preventative” asap was/still is due to the Power-Grid-Turned-Smart-Grid (in my location as of 10-months ago) which is emitting all kinds of unnatural, anti-human-body Frequencies (aka Radiation), not to mention celltowers, smartphones, wifi & all other wireless-radiation gadgets in our neighborhoods these days.

So I guess I merely need to DILUTE the Peppermint Oil & carry on that way.

As for deadly radiation frequencies, that would be a good subject for young-Moms-yet-unaware, ESPECIALLY for the little kids’ & infants’ sake (their bodies can’t take it for sure). Many sites online about all this but people may not run across them without specifically searching for the subject.

Some search words to use:
–EMFs (ElectroMagnetic Frequencies),
–EMR (ElectroMagnetic Radiation),
–MWR (MicroWave Radiation > not just in your oven!),
–Pulsed-MicroWave Radiation (extra deadly),
–RF (Radio Frequencies),
–Dirty Electricity (DE),
–Stray Current aka Stray Voltage aka Ground Current,
–Smart Grid, Smart Meters (which are causing all of the above to proliferate),
–Radiation Sickness,
–Symptoms of Radiation Poisoning,
–Etc.

Some PEOPLE & Experts’ sites/videos to look for, as a start (PhDs, MDs, & regular folks, etc.):
–Dr. Magda Havas
–Dr. Dedra Davis
–Dr. Klinghardt
–Dr. Sam Milham
–Dr. Martin Blank
–Barrie Trower, MWR Expert from his military years,
–Curtis Bennett, Thermal Radiation Expert & Electrician (“ThermoGuy” site),
–Lloyd Burrell, “ElectricSense” site,
–Sandra Chianfani aka Sandaura’s “Smart Meter News Updates” & Testimonials site,
–& many more!

Most people are “sitting ducks,” unaware of the danger lurking in the wings, because they cannot yet FEEL it in their bodies, nor HEAR it (the ear absorbs 94% of radiation, more than any other part of body, per the owner of the WaveShield site).

(Powerlines being saturated with “Smart Grid” technology are emitting an obnoxious radioactive Low-Rumbling to High-Fast-Drumming Frequency noise. Not everyone can hear/feel LFs, at least not yet!)

Radiation is cumulative. When the human body reaches its maximum radiation-threshold, people WILL begin feeling it & hearing it, & it’s NOT fun. Curtis Bennett (who also acts as an expert witness in lawsuits re Smart Grid), describes it as “Subtle Electrocution,” &/or “Being Tazed on your own property 24/7.” Perfect succinct descriptions! & so true!

If anybody you (&/or anyone) ever knows, friends, family, workmates, says one day, “I hear a Hum, do you?” but you do not hear it, don’t assume they are loco. And/or if they say, “It feels like the floor is vibrating,” &/or “It feels like the bed or chair is vibrating,” &/or “It feels like my insides are vibrating” (chest cavity, stomach, etc.), they are also not looney.

What they are feeling/hearing is the “new” Power Grid. Their body has reached its Maximum Radiation Threshhold which is why they can feel/hear it but you don’t.

(And contrary to the EPA’s propaganda, it is not just “old people” who are experiencing this but also people in their 20’s & 30’s. It just depends on one’s lifelong Radiation Exposure Levels. Due to the proliferation of Radiation across the planet in the last 20 years, the age of sufferers will get younger & younger, since the younger ones are being exposed full-time these days whereas we “Boomers” were not heavily exposed during our first 20-30-40 years.)

Not trying to be an alarmist but I got the “rude awakening” (bodily & audibly) 10-months ago, & had to scurry to “catch up,” education-wise, on this subject. So better to “start early” & learn/prepare now if not yet already aware of this “Smart Grid Monster Hiding in Plain Sight.” It could be the “extra Radiation dose” that pushes a loved one’s body beyond their Maximum Radiation Threshhold.

HTH & Thank you!

(Now where’s my Peppermint Oil… 😉

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1. Donna
  
  March 25, 2015
  
  You might want to try another brand… I think we can all agree that NOW is the worst of the worst and I certainly wouldn’t be putting dozens of drops of that on me day after day! Please, I implore you to look for a better brand.
  
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Kristy

February 8, 2015

Katie,

I’ve been so confused as to what brand of essential oils to use. What brand do you use? Thank you!

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1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  February 9, 2015
  
  I’m currently buying the majority from here: https://wellnessmama.com/go/essential-oils/ but I purchase from several companies depending on the blend I need.
  
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Annie

February 6, 2015

I would just like to start out by saying that I completely see the heart with which this blog was written. The heart to help people, and encourage people to research personal usage with essential oils and not just blindly begin using these powerful little drops. That being said, I respectfully would like to say that I have been extremely blessed by using them internally. I am a Neurological Lyme patient. I have been sick for 2 1/2 years. At my worst I was in a wheel chair with no short term memory, severe tics and tremors, daily fevers, tachycardia, and that is just a few of my symptoms. I was so blessed to find an amazing doctor. Because all of my illness was located in my brain, the only way to access it was through IV antibiotics. 2 years of shots, PICC lines, a ports, and hundreds of oral medication. The treatment worked. I almost had reached remission when my gallbladder began to fail, my liver became distressed, and my gut couldn’t even digest my food because it was so decimated from the horrific candida growth. I had no options. I couldn’t continue my treatment – but I couldn’t go without some kind of therapy. My doctor told me point blank that he has never seen anyone with neurological lyme (much less with a severe case like mine) go into remission with anything other than antibiotics, but he cautiously supported my choice to begin an essential oil protocol. By the time I began the the oils I had been off treatment for 2 months. I was again using a walker and beginning to slip away. Now- 6 months later, I am again, nearing remission. I went for a (very) short run last week. I can think, and I can be a mom to my kids and a wife to my husband. I do not say this to discredit this article. I have no research to support what I am saying so I can’t recommend this path to you. I merely would like to state that I am so thankful for the essential oils that gave me my life back. I lived to 2 years battling this disease- and just as fiercely battling the side effects from all the drug therapies I was on – and the drugs did damage that I will live with for the rest of m life. For me- there was no other option. And compared to what I went through before essential oils, these are a godsend and blessing to me and my family.

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1. Ronda
  
  March 23, 2015
  
  That is so wonderful, Annie! EOs have been a blessing to my family too! I would much rather use them (with education and caution) than risk side effects and long-term adverse effects of pharmaceuticals. Don’t get me wrong, I will use medications and give them to my family when needed, but avoid them whenever possible. Thanks for sharing.
  
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  1. Donna
    
    March 25, 2015
    
    Thank you so much for sharing Annie!! I too have resolved very serious, supposedly “incurable” dis-eases myself, after the doctors gave up on me and told me to go away. Well, I went home and got my first modem and enrolled in an herbal college and started doing TONS of research. Many things helped a bit now and then but nothing changed my life the way essential oils have and I only wish I had found them sooner. I will never be without them or EO infused supplements ever again!
    
    It really is sad that the author of this site, who is so well known and “respected”, and yet she has chosen to cause absolute hysteria about EO’s rather than read the new science and actually learn something meaningful she could pass on to her readers. I mean, folks worrying about back-splash from poo-pourri?? Scared of eucalyptus and peppermint? Those are old time remedies and they work even better now with a more medical grade of oil. Lemon is unsafe to drink? Really? No one ever puts a lemon in thier tea then? Because you would be consuming EO’s if you did. I mean, Come on folks – the shampoo you just used contains at least a dozen carcinogens, and that doesn’t even take into account the chlorine in the water you bathed in!! Essential oils are the answer to the problems you won’t even admit you have. You are scared of the wrong things people!! Wellness Mama, please stop the harmful fear mongering!
    
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    1. Katie – Wellness Mama
      
      March 25, 2015
      
      Hi Donna, thanks for reading and for the comment. I am so glad that you’ve recovered your own health and are doing so well. If you read the post, I’m not at all anti-essential oils, I am just trying to spread the word that there ARE some cautions with using them. As you know, they are very powerful and can do amazing things, but anything that powerful absolutely has the potential for damage. In the span of a week, I had friends mentioned that they had done things like put oregano oil in their baby’s mouth and use peppermint directly on a newborn’s skin. Both of those would not be recommended uses of EOs, even though those oils can certainly be beneficial. With the dozens of blogs specifically dedicated to essential oils, I felt it was important to present the other side. Again, I’m not against EOs and use them myself, but they can be overused or used incorrectly. My mother in law had a burn on her retina from using oregano oil incorrectly. I actually have cited the “science” in this post, as there are studies where essential oils are used to help kill certain mutagens or bacteria, but that does not mean that the general population should be ingesting large amounts of these if they don’t have those specific problems. Putting lemon in tea is drastically different from putting lemon essential oil in tea. Adding a wedge of lemon to water in a Styrofoam cup won’t harm it. Adding a drop of lemon essential oil will burn through the cup and cut it off at the water line. Most people here aren’t using shampoo with carcinogens and most filter their water, so those aren’t issues (though incidentally, if one did use those things and use EOs, it would actually increase the likelihood of absorbing those chemicals since EOs enter the body so quickly). To repeat- I’m not opposed to essential oils or trying to be “fear mongering” about them, but just want to encourage safe and healthy use (a goal I would hope we share) 🙂
      I also find it telling that you have only ever commented on this post and only about essential oils (I’m guessing you are a YL rep or at least a fan based on your comments). I find it interesting that those most attacking this post are the ones that have a financial interest in selling essential oils. I’m certainly not opposed to someone promoting essential oils and having a home based business, in fact, many of my closest friends do just this, but being a rep for an EO company does not in itself make a person qualified to dispense medical advice, nor does have a financial interest in an oil company make them safe. I’m happy to have you here to contribute to the discussion, as I think it is very important, but please refrain from giving any medical advice related to EOs as I am responsible for these comments since they are published on my site.
      
      Reply
      1. Annie
        
        March 26, 2015
        
        Hi Katie,
        Wow. I must admit I’m a little hesitant to post again. I would hope to be able to share what’s on my heart and mind. I understand your firmness in your responses (I’m an admin on a closed group for Lyme Disease and essential oils and the weight of that responsibility sometimes weighs heavy on my shoulders. As the group grows, more and more advise is thrown out there by people with good intentions, but at the end of the day I am responsible.) So, I must first of all state that I have not been an active oil distributor. Up until recently I’ve not been an active anything 🙂 I was just sick and fighting to get better. For 2 1/2 years. I bring this up because I pray I can respectfully state a thought I’ve been mulling over since I read yours and others’ blog. The day I found this blog I had actually sat down to research about EO controversy. I had met someone, and was a little shocked when she rolled her eyes and spoke about the unfortunate MLM EO business and those just in it for the money. I was little stunned. I had been getting to know her at my daughters birthday party and amazingly, we were both on the gaps diet, both had infrared saunas, both had chronic diseases… But when I mentioned my current EO usage she went OFF. See, my experience has been one of dealing with selfless individuals. People who prayed for me for 2 years. People who supported my decision to embrace a pharmaceutical based protocol even though I suspect they grieved for the damage they knew I would endure from it. These people never even suggested that I look at EO’s as an alternative. These were the people that I called when I was torn and my body was broken- when I had reached the end of what the doctors could give me. These people had done countless hours of research developing EO supports based on scientific research and doctor’s recommendations. My experience? My people may “sell” essential oils, but they have a heart of ministry and serventhood. So when my new acquaintance railed against those in it for the money, and when I read your continued inferences that those who are involved in a MLM are almost automatically not qualified, I must respectfully say that was the opposite of my experience. I would also like to bring up (again, I hope I’m able to communicate my heart here) the issue of personal freedom of health. I suppose this issue goes deep for me. I have a disease that first, the CDC, said didn’t exist. Now they admit it exists but now they say there is no treatment and any doctor that treats it will lose his medical licesne. So- Lyme doctors don’t accept insurance. Which means this disease is an almost automatic financial and physical ruination of a family. Because a government branch has regulated it to be so. I don’t at all mind good information being out there on the EO safety. Katie, I actually just went back and reread your blog so I could be sure and remeber your heart. I agree with so much of what you said. I shudder at oregano in the eye, and other dangerous uses you cited. I also appreciated that you recognized there may be a time for internal usage- when the benefit outweighs the risk. I also appreciated that you constantly urged people to do there own research. I suppose, what I felt disheartened about, were some of the comments I read, as well as other articles I read when researching this controversy. I want to be able to manage my own health and take ownership for my health. That means I am assuming a tremendous responsibility that means I must do my research, know my body, and know when to seek help. The discouragement to me is that I see what I feel to be equally as harmful boundaries set into place by those on the opposite side- if you will- of the EO debate. I didn’t see you do much of that, Katie. I have seen others write similar arguments where they cite research, and then provide the outline stringent EO usage guidelines. It isn’t my EO pride that feels injured by that, it is my freedom as a patient. I read an article that cited the death of an individual after and internal consumption of 60ML of Eucalypus (!!!!) and then proceeded to state that no oils should be used internally in addition to about 6 other regulations he believed should be mandated. I guess my point is that “education” can be a slippery slope to regulation, and then where will the hope be for those of us who have been told there is no hope left?
      2. Katie – Wellness Mama
        
        March 30, 2015
        
        Annie, thank you so much for the heartfelt and well-thought out reply. My apologies for anything I said that came across harshly and I can absolutely see where you are coming from. I’m glad to know that there are those, like you, who have benefitted from careful use of EOs and who have a genuine heart to help others. I also agree wholeheartedly that this can be a slippery slope to regulation and with very rare exception, I do support regulation or additional rules regarding health treatments. These definitely should be the choice of the patient. At the same time, I felt that I needed to speak up just to show the other side here since there is an overwhelming amount of information about EOs online and some of it is very dangerous. Hope that makes sense and thank you again for taking the time to explain your story. I’m glad that you are doing much better and I wish you continued healing and vibrance! 🙂
Jodi Cohen

February 2, 2015

Laura – there are some blends that we recommend using out of the bottle in a specific protocol. i think the important thing is that you educate yourself on the product and how to use it appropriately. I love that wellness mama is doing that.

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LAURA GRIMES

February 2, 2015

thanks for this article, there is someone on the web that is promoting using the essential oils straight from the bottle and i try to comment on some of her posting but she will give essential oils a bad rap. she just wants to sell and make money but no concern for proper use.

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teri

January 30, 2015

Your comments are for ingestion of essential oils or topical use in lotions or carrier oils. What about using essential oils in a home made version of poo-pourri. You spray it in your toilet before you go so there is no nasty smell. Would there be a chance of the essential oils in it ‘splashing’ up and getting enough on you to do harm to anyone? There would be less than 1/4 to 1/3 of a drop total in the toilet per use.

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 30, 2015
  
  First of all… great idea! Second, I think that any oil you would get of you would be pretty diluted, so it would probably be ok.
  
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2. Donna
  
  March 2, 2015
  
  I would be way more worried about the microspray of toilet water that splashes all the way across the room before I would be worried that a few drops of air/room spray “might” accidentally get on my body. I mean, just think about it for a minute… It doesn’t make a lot of sense and the truth is essential oils can assist with killing germs and nasty things so if some did get on you while in the washroom, that could be a good thing!
  
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Jennifer Rambo

January 30, 2015

Hi Katie,
I’m wondering if you have any tips regarding fighting athletes foot?

I have been applying twice a day 25% oil of oregano followed by diatomaceous earth powder.
It has been about two weeks of this, with no real signs of relief.

Any ideas or remedies you might have would be amazing!

Thanks so much!

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 30, 2015
  
  Coconut oil is great! It’s naturally antifungal and is very helpful.
  
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Kristy

January 30, 2015

I have been diffusing peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender for my 2 year olds’ asthma. After reading this I’m scared to continue. What do you suggest for wheezingcoughing? Thanks!

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linda

January 29, 2015

katie, thank you for this much needed article! i am allergic to some essential oils like peppermint and even a carrier oil, sesame oil, so i am quite cautious and do lots of research before using any EO myself. unfortunately, as i read various blogs for homemade beauty/cleaning recipes i do see people recommending EOs for uses that are not usually considered safe. fortunately, someone usually comments and adds the needed info like about not using citrus oils in face/skincare products due to photosensitivity. not everyone has the time nor inclination to do so much research though so i’m glad you have posted some of the cautions. i really enjoy using EOs but realize they need to be used safely. personally, i would never take an EO internally unless under the advice of a professionally-trained aromatherapist, if even then. sadly, i have seen some selling EOs, from MLM companies, giving very unsafe and inaccurate advice about EOs generally. it is no coincidence you are getting pushback from some MLM distributers on this post.

when i was trying to decide which company to buy EOs from i came across a couple of bloggers who did comparisons of numerous brands, some even with pictures, and the EOs from the big MLM companies were quite expensive but did not rate better across-the-board than less expensive brands. they may have been better for one or two specific oils iirc. i ended up buying a starter set from a smaller company i found on amazon which i later read is well-respected. there really is no need for anyone to spend a lot buying EOs and it is very important to be well-informed on the safety recommendations.

i found this article How to Buy Essential Oils really helpful: https://aromaweb.com/articles/howtobuyessentialoils.asp

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Rebekah

January 26, 2015

Where can I buy glass spray bottles for cleaning? Do you have a recipe for all purpose and bathroom cleaning? Thanks for such great information and not making it overly dramatic, but easy to understand the importance of exercising caution where needed.

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1. Wellness Mama
  
  January 26, 2015
  
  Yes, I have an all-purpose cleaner: https://wellnessmama.com/756/homemade-all-purpose-cleaner/ and you canhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2F54TG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00J2F54TG&linkCode=as2&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=FXLM2DSWKZX7ATYX get the glass bottles here:
  
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Asatherley

January 26, 2015

I recently used Oregano oil on skin, small amount, undiluted, followed instructions from natural website (not this website).. only used a few times, it’s caused an infection in the area where I used it, any ideas of what to use to help prevent scarring and heal.

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Ken

January 25, 2015

I haven’t read the article yet but I will after I post this question. On my bottle of Marjoram Essential oil there is a warning label: concentrated not for internal use. Keep out of reach of children. What I understand from that is, as it is concentrated you should not ingest it but if you dilute it and use caution it’s okay, even though that’s not specified in the warning. Essential oils are potent and I understand that but there are people out there that throw caution to the wind. I am not one of those persons. Do you think it’s safe as along as dilute it? Say one drop in 4 ounces of rice milk or something?

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