Aromatherapy Adverse Effects

Safety testing on essential oils has shown minimal adverse effects.

Several oils have been approved for use as food additives and are classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, ingestion of large amounts of essential oils is not recommended.

In addition, a few cases of contact dermatitis have been reported, mostly in aromatherapists who have had prolonged skin contact with oils in the context of aromatherapy massage.[1] [Editor's Note: Attention Aromatherapists: Know your essential oils source. Find a company you can trust. Prolonged exposure to inferior, adulterated oils may show adverse effects such as contact dermatitis .]

Some essential oils (e.g., camphor oil) can cause local irritation; therefore, care should be taken when applying them. Mix "hot" oils (like oregano or cinnamon oil) with massage oil when applying. You may apply oils neat to the foot soles. Only use therapeutic-grade essential oils, because when applying oils to the foot soles, the oils will be in your body from toe to the tip of your hair in about 20 minutes. You can verify this fact. Rub your big toe with garlic and check how long it takes until you taste the garlic.

Phototoxicity has occurred when essential oils (particularly citrus oils) are applied directly to the skin before sun exposure. Don't use lemon, orange or grapefruit oils on sun-exposed skin. Put your "grapefruit perfume" on your t-shirt rather than on your arms.

Most often, aromatherapy uses undefined mixtures of essential oils without specifying the plant sources. Who wants to confess that they are using synthetic oils ... Read The Danger of Essential Oils and protect yourself.

Allergic reactions are sometimes reported, especially following topical administration. Therefore, know your essential oils source. Find a company you can trust. Essential Oils are not created equal.

As essential oils age, they are often oxidized so the chemical composition changes. Use proper storage conditions for your essential oils. Always store your precious oils in a dark bottle and keep at room temperature.


References
1. Bilsland D, Strong A: Allergic contact dermatitis from the essential oil of French marigold (Tagetes patula) in an aromatherapist. Contact Dermatitis 23 (1): 55-6, 1990. [PUBMED Abstract]


Maria Schasteen is the owner of Aroma-essence.com and publisher of the Aromatherapy Tip of the Week.