Essential Oil Safety Quiz

Regular use of essential oils undiluted on the skin can lead to sensitization (including rash, itchy skin, and hives), particularly in individuals with a compromised immune system (allergies, chronic skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, etc.).

With the exception of a few more toxic essential oils (pennyroyal, sage, thuja and others), many essential oils can be enjoyed orally. Clinical studies use essential oils orally, and safety studies have shown that most essential oils have a wide degree of safety, usually requiring extreme doses (often over 10 mL) to cause harm. A person should be familiar with the composition of essential oils, those that are toxic, appropriate dosing, and potential adverse outcomes before taking an essential orally.

Some essential oils can be toxic to children (i.e. pennyroyal), cause central nervous system problems (i.e. eucalyptus), or decrease respiratory rate (i.e. peppermint), particularly in sensitive children.

Essential oils should never be added directly to the eyes because they can cause discomfort, burning, irritation, or worse (corneal abrasion, blindness). The same goes for the ears. Adding essential oils directly to the ear canal could cause severe pain or a ruptured ear drum.

This is an area where we exercise caution and make decisions based on in vitro, animal, and case-study research. Mothers aren’t lining up to test the toxicity of essential oils while pregnant, so the best course of action is to err on the side of caution and avoid or be cautious with essential oils that have shown an adverse effect in the available research. Virtually all essential oil constituents are of the molecular weight that they can cross the placenta. Always consult with your health professional before using essential oils during pregnancy and be aware of evidence-based lists (like the one found in “Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy”) of essential oils that re preferred during pregnancy.

This is a myth. It is logical that any substance that can produce a positive therapeutic effect can also produce an unintended reaction. The difference between a benefit or unintended reaction is the dose and method of administration, not the marketing term used to describe the essential oil.