Essential Oils – A Guide to Safe Usage
Essential oils are natural substances extracted from various parts of plants. The term ‘essential’ might evoke thoughts of lightness and volatility, but in reality, essential oils are highly concentrated chemical substances. When chosen and used appropriately, they can have a beneficial impact on both physical and mental health. The key here is ‘appropriately,’ as improper usage can be harmful instead of helpful. I want to draw our readers’ attention to this aspect as we embark on building a knowledge base about essential oils.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are incredibly concentrated chemical substances. Most of them have a highly complex chemical composition, ranging from tens to hundreds of components. The proportion of individual compounds varies significantly, from trace amounts < 0.05% to contents > 90%.
In reality, essential oils aren’t even oils! They are highly concentrated plant components with strong cosmetic and therapeutic properties. True oils contain fatty acids, which essential oils lack. The only thing that connects essential oils with oil is the fact that they dissolve in fats and do not dissolve in water. Essential oils also lack vitamins and minerals due to the high temperature and long distillation time, leading to their destruction.
How concentrated is an essential oil? Let’s put it in descriptive terms – to obtain just 1 ml of peppermint oil, you need a whopping 1 kg of plants. 1 ml of oil contains an average of 25 drops, and just 1 drop of peppermint oil equals 40 g of fresh herb. Taking one drop of peppermint oil is like drinking tea steeped from 20 tea bags all at once.
Can essential oils be used internally?
Essential oils are not safe for consumption and can pose a significant risk of poisoning, even in small amounts. It’s important to note that oil and water do not mix, so when consuming essential oils in a glass of water, the oils are not emulsified. This means that undiluted essential oils reach the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Undiluted oils can cause burns to the esophagus and other internal organs before reaching the liver, where they are processed and eventually expelled.
Are Essential Oils Safe?
Essential oils can bring us many benefits if used wisely. This means using proper dilutions. Never use essential oils undiluted, and never ingest them internally. The most commonly used and safest method is inhalation. We can use tea light diffusers or electric diffusers for this purpose.
When using tea light diffusers, it’s best to add a few drops of essential oil to refined oil or onto wax, such as soy wax. Pouring oil into water requires constant monitoring to ensure the water hasn’t evaporated.
For electric diffusers, make sure they are compatible with essential oils. Regular humidifiers may not work well, as they can clog the device.
If you don’t have a diffuser or tea light diffuser, a bowl with warm water, a towel, and essential oil are all you need. Create your homemade inhalation, also known as a steam bowl. Add 4-5 drops of essential oil or a blend to the bowl of warm water. Take a few breaths (inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth), and then take a short break. Repeat this process several times. Inhalations should not exceed 30 minutes at a time. Allow the oils some time to take effect. For severe conditions like a cold or cough, repeat the inhalation every 4-5 hours.
Applying essential oils to the body
The general recommendations for diluting essential oils (EO – essential oils) are as follows:
- In face creams and other facial products, from 0.5 to 1.5% (so for 100 ml of base oil, add 0.5 to 1.5 ml of EO).
- In body massage products, from 1.5 to 3% (for 100 ml of base oil, add 1.5 to 3 ml of EO).
- In body products such as lotions, butters, shower gels, soaps, and bath products, from 1 to 4% (for 100 ml of base oil, add 1 to 4 ml of EO).
- For specific issues such as insect bites, herpes, acne, up to 10% (for 100 ml of base oil, add up to 10 ml of EO).
- For pain relief, for muscle, joint, or headache pain, up to 20% (for 100 ml of base oil, add up to 20 ml of EO).
Essential oils for bath
Never enter a bath with undiluted essential oils. There is a significant risk of skin burns. Oil does not mix with water, and hot water intensifies the effects of the oils.
If you want to safely use essential oils in the bath, add a few drops to your bath liquid or dilute them in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or olive oil.
I believe my words will raise your awareness of the safe use of essential oils. Now you can safely immerse yourself in aromatherapy and enjoy the pleasure of each unique scent. Discover the magic of essential oils in a way that not only relaxes but also enhances your sensory experiences.
