(2006). Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. As you can see, there are safety concerns associated with improper use of essential oils. (But even then, it can be irritating to some. You should pay attention to the following factors. They're made from parts of certain plants like leaves, herbs, barks, and … Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., & Nielsen, J. In general, diffusing essential oils into the air is safer than using them on the skin. Young Living labels the essential oils and oil blends that contain these … Unfortunately, allergies to essential oils require strict avoidance, Dr. Jain says. Diffusing can add the potentially healing molecules of essential oils into … The recent surge in essential oil popularity is undeniable. Words and phrases like "all-natural" and "therapeutic" make it easy to gravitate toward oils with rich scents. Brandao, F. M. (1986). Stop diffusing essential oils that give you allergy symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing or water eyes. If you're contact-sensitive only, it might be possible to use an essential oil diffuser, if you don't develop respiratory symptoms. You may repeat to check for allergic sensitivity. There may not be any safety information on the bottle, but usage guidelines may be posted near sales displays, on company websites, or available through company sales representatives. Yes, they're natural and plant-derived, but it's worth taking a closer look before popping just any oil into your diffuser. If you want to use essential oils on your pet, talk to your vet. This can happen anytime after the first exposure to an essential oil, and usually presents as an itchy rash or hives. "The FDA [Food and Drug Administration] has labelled essential oils as GRAS (generally recognized as safe)." Price, S. & Price, L. (2007). Pay close attention to your pets if you diffuse essential oils, Wang says. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Tisserand, R. & Balacs, T. (1998). … "These chemicals can either lower or raise the normal hormone levels in the body," Dr. Block says, "causing disruption of development, reproductive changes or even interference with the immune system.". The skin generally heals without long-term problems, but you probably would not want to use the essential oil that caused the irritation again. "While the safety of essential oil use is individual and varies from cat to cat, a general rule of thumb is to never keep your cat in a room where oil is being diffused," he says. For skin applications, that usually means concentrations no higher than 5%. I read that it’s not safe to use topically and I read it’s safe to use topically.... so does anyone have a clue? Safety guidelines for topical use. From encouraging relaxed sleep to headache relief, essential oils are powerful wellness supports. As of this writing, there's not enough evidence about essential oils to make a definitive "safe" and "not safe" list. Take into consideration factors like allergy symptoms, sleep quality, pets and other members of your household. "You can be sensitized to multiple allergens at the same time, so it's important to get appropriately evaluated before continuing with the use of these essential oils or extracts.". In general, however, essential oils are safe when used externally (not ingested) in low concentrations. for more information on dilution and carrier oils. Using the inside of the forearm, apply a couple drops of your double concentration mix to the pad of a bandaid and keep the bandage on the skin. Keep in mind that cats and dogs have much stronger noses than humans do, so a scent you perceive as mild could really irritate your furry friend. Share on Pinterest. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy, says that while allergy symptoms depend on the route of administration (inhalation versus topical application), it's not uncommon for people to experience both at the same time. Toxicology in Vitro, 24 (8), 2084-9. If you develop dermatologic symptoms, wash it off and don't use that oil on your skin. For skin applications, that usually means concentrations no higher than 5%. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. However, experts … This concept applies to essential oils, too. Make sure to carefully handle the oils to avoid contact with your skin. The main ways I use essential oils are: Aromatically– in a diffuser; Topically– … Right now, most essential oils are considered safe with proper use, and various studies report health benefits of different essential oils. Phototoxicity can occur after you apply an essential oil topically and then go out into the sun. There’s a common concern that essential oils can metabolize into toxic compounds when absorbed through a mother’s bloodstream. Yao Xue Xue Bao, 31(3) 214-221. Abdullah, D., Ping, Q., Liu, G. (1996). This happens most often with certain citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and angelica. And if you must use them for yourself with cats in the house, you should keep it … These oxygenated agents are called ketones, phenols and monoterpenes, many … Keep your doors open so your pets can move away from areas of diffusion, and never apply essential oils directly to your cat or dog. Instead, look for expertly formulated products that incorporate dog-safe essential oils. It can occur with the first exposure. In general, however, similar cautions during pregnancy and infancy/early childhood should be used with essential oils as with other substances. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. To perform a patch test, place a diluted drop of oil onto a small portion of your skin. For inhalation, use … (2003). Vigan M. (2010). Diffused essential oils have long been studied for their ability … We recommend that you never eat or drink essential oils. The "icon" of essential oil research and safety is Robert Tisserand, who … Do’s and Don’ts When Using Essential Oils on Children. You would know if you had an allergic reaction to an essential oil, because it would result in typical symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and congestions. As any aromatherapist will tell you, the safe and appropriate use of essential oils can bring incredible benefits. Refer to the section "How do I choose and use essential oils?" At first thought, diffusing essential oils seems totally safe. Contact Dermatitis, 38, 289-290. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. 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. If you suspect you're having an allergic reaction to an essential oil, stop using the product, Dr. Jain says, and consult your allergist or dermatologist for further evaluation. Occupational allergy to lavender oil. Dr. Romy Block, board-certified endocrinologist and co-founder of Vous Vitamin, says essential oils can act as endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the natural production of your hormones. I used them religiously pre-pregnancy and I’d love to continue because they truly … Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being as long as you use them in a safe way. "It's very important to know which extract is triggering a reaction and which extracts are safe for you to continue to use," he says. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Never diffuse them in classrooms or in public spaces.) If you want to enjoy essential oils, these tips can keep aromatherapy safe for you and your pets. B. Right now, most essential oils are considered safe with proper use, and various studies report health benefits of different essential oils. A small proportion of people may experience skin irritation, allergic reactions, or cross-sensitivity to essential oils. According to the ASPCA, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, says Lambert Wang, co-founder of Cat Person. Irritation is characterized by a rapid onset redness and pain in the skin exposed to the essential oil. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. However, as with any substance you are introducing into your body, it is important to use them intelligently. Mix a very small amount of essential oil/carrier at twice the concentration you plan to use. European J of Dermatology, 20 (6), 685-92. When using essential oils … Remember, however, that allergies can develop any time after the first exposure; thus absence of a reaction does not necessarily mean that an allergy will not develop with later exposures. Try a patch test before using an essential oil topically. Oils such as geranium, lavender, and lemon are generally considered safer options, but confirm this with your vet before using them. That doesn't mean they're without drawbacks, though. Research has shown lavender oil to be associated with early breast development in girls, for example. Williams, A. Oil Diffuser Safety Concerns As Lee noted, there is potential for a diffusing … 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). As always, the safety of a particular trend comes down to you, your health and your preferences. Thus, if you really like the essential oil that seemed to cause the skin irritation, you might try a different brand (following the guidelines given previously for choosing essential oils). For example, a 2019 study shows that eucalyptus and ginger essential oils might support immune health -- but the researchers point out that most studies have taken place in eastern countries where the compounds are "traditionally used and valued" and that the entire, pure oil used in studies does not always match what you find on store shelves. Again, old or altered essential oils are more likely to produce skin reactions (Tisserand & Balacs, 1995). While the essential oils listed here are safe for human use, they can be quite the opposite for felines. Essential oils may … If you are someone who is taking a lot of prescription medication and/or has a lot of allergies, you should do a patch test by following the instructions below to check for skin irritation and sensitivity before using each essential oil. You should also exercise caution with essential oils if you are pregnant, since essential oils can cross the placental barrier and there is little clinical research in this area. Essential oils are not explosive, and they are safe when used in a diffuser, … Lavender and tea tree oil are also thought to lead to a condition called prepubertal gynecomastia (abnormal breast tissue growth) in boys. Phototoxic contact dermatitis from 5-methoxypsoralen in aromatherapy oil. U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Aromatherapy, March 13, 2000 Essential oil safety: A guide for health professionals. Personally, I have an orange tabby cat that I love more than most people. Because people can have different reactions to different oils: Only the individual can know which ones to avoid. Children are more likely to have adverse reactions to essential oils than adults, so it is important to know how to use them safely. Cross-sensitivity is the potential for an allergic reaction to similar substances (for example, if you are allergic to ragweed, you might also be allergic to chamomile essential oils). We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Blasting your diffuser all day. In general, you should adjust dosages downward for children, but also use extra caution in choosing essential oils to be used in babies and children (or avoid use altogether). Some problems of this sort have been caused by oils adulterated with synthetic chemicals or chemically changed by exposure to heat or light over time. Essential oils boost moods and are used in eco skincare. This is caused by the immune system's response to one or more of the chemicals in the essential oil. Don't keep your pet in a room with an essential oil diffuser running, and leave doors open so they can freely move about. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 57, R7-R9. Some essential oils may not be safe for pets. This site complies with the HONCode standard for trustworthy health information: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm127054.htm, Research each oil by reading about it in books or looking up information on the web, Adhere to all cautions for not overdoing it, Follow recommendations for diluting the oil, Identify a knowledgeable person who can answer your questions. Talk to your doctor before use if you're pregnant or have any medical conditions. © 2020 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. For inhalation, use intermittent exposure (not more than 15 minutes in an hour). http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/productinformation/ucm127054.htm. [Review]. Again, it's hard to make a black-and-white list of essential oils to avoid. Our Health & Wellness newsletter puts the best products, updates and advice in your inbox. Essential oils are likely more safe for cats than artificial fragrances and air fresheners. If you have a fur baby or several, you might've wondered whether essential oils are safe for pets. This site was created by the University of Minnesota's. (2000). Most essential oils are safe and free of adverse side effects when used properly. To practice essential oil safety it’s important to use oils in the appropriate way. In short, there aren't any safe essential oils for cats; they all have the potential to be toxic to your fur baby. Kejova K, Jorova D, Bendova H, Gajdos P & Kolarova H. (2010). “The molecules and chemical constituents that make up essential oils are irritating to mucous membrane … Buckle, J. A quick internet search will return hundreds of lists that don't match, so it's really up to you to vet the risks of the essential oil you want to use and to use them safely. Phototoxicity of essential oils intended for cosmetic use. Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in practice. Here are Some Essential Oils that are Safe to Diffuse around Cats Some of these essential oils are void of the organic compound phenol and if any is however present, then it must have reduced in terms of its concentration to a level where it is bearable for cats.. Cedarwood Essential Oil. Some essential oils are known allergens and skin irritants. "If you notice a change in behavior after using essential oils, discontinue use immediately and visit your vet.". I also love peppermint essential oil, so I was sad to learn that peppermint oil is a no-go for kitties. Essential oils: Renewal of interest and toxicity. Many people turn to topical oils for their skin … However, if you have a lung condition, hold up. Oils to Avoid There is a group of compounds that can wind up in essential oils that are particularly harmful to your kitty. This wellness trend has been going strong for years, but take it from the pros: Essential oils aren't for everyone. Pregnant women and people who have hormone-related medical conditions such as diabetes should talk to their doctors before using essential oils topically or with a diffuser. If you are in doubt, contact a knowledgeable healthcare provider. In general, however, essential oils are safe when used externally (not ingested) in low concentrations. Lung health experts are more cautious about the use of essential oils by people who have lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your endocrine system includes glands that produce hormones to regulate your metabolism, sleep, mood, appetite, sexual function, growth and much more. Here are just a few more examples of the benefits and drawbacks of essential oils: Lavender is known to help with sleep and relaxation but, as mentioned above, it could act as an endocrine disruptor. , 24 ( 8 ), 685-92, Ersser S., et al that can benefit your health your..., et al: only the individual can know which ones to avoid and your preferences not as... Site was created by the immune system 's response to one or more the... Reactions ( Tisserand & Balacs, 1995 ), Bendova H, Gajdos P & Kolarova H. 2010. Oils to avoid contact with your skin of using essential oils, says Lambert,! 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