Aromatherapy Cautions

Introduction

In general, aromatherapy can be safely practiced at home as long as you follow some basic safety guidelines. Most important, if you suspect or know that you have a health problem, see your medical doctor for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options before you attempt to resolve the problem through aromatherapy. Heed the following guide-lines:

Research details about the reported effects and any possible safety considerations of the specific oils you plan to use. For instance, people who have sensitive skin or lung conditions should not use certain oils because they may cause irritation. Also, some essential oils tend to cause allergic reactions, and some are especially toxic.

Let your medical doctor know that you plan to use aroma-therapy, and ask whether the oils you plan to use may be harmful to you, given your individual medical history and current health. And have the specific information on the oils you wish to use for your doctor. Many physicians are not knowledgeable about essential oils. Be sure to list everything about the oil, i.e., its chemical components, known side effects and anything else that you deem important. This is especially important for people with long-term health problems, those taking medications, pregnant women, and children and older adults.

For purposes of aromatherapy, use only pure essential oils, which occur naturally in plants.  Manufactured fragrances are not pure essential oils, and their properties may be different, even if they seem to smell the same.

If you buy a prepared product that claims to be aroma-therapeutic (such as bath products, skin and hair care products, candles or incense) read the label to be sure the product actually contains essential oil. Note also where on the list of ingredients the essential oil is placed. Some companies use manufactured fragrances rather than essential oils in these products. Candles that contain manufactured fragrances have been known to cause head-aches. Also, manufactured fragrances should never be used in diffusers.

Research the brand of essential oils you plan to use to find out about  the company's concentration. Two different brands of the same essential oil may have different concentrations. Because of the dangers of side effects and overdose, you should not ingest drinks made with essential oils, unless you are working closely with a skilled aroma-therapy practitioner. Overdose of essential oils may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, agitation, convulsions and coma. Pregnant women and very young children should not ingest essential oils.

Because they are volatile, essential oils tend to be flammable. Take care to keep concentrated essential oils away from heat or flames.  Avoid prolonged use; it may cause you to become hypersensitive to the oil, leading to skin reactions or reactions in the kidney, liver or other organs.