Amanda Snow

Aromahead Research Paper for Certification

13 May 2019

Common Myths and Essential Oil Safety

{It seems like everywhere you look there is someone with “an amazing opportunity” just waiting for you. I wrote this research paper for my final grade in my aromatherapy certification program. I tried to sum up my studies the best I could, but with all the misinformation surrounding essential oils, I could have easily kept on typing. In my own experience with MLM oil companies, I’ve been booed and hissed at every time I would bring up safety issues. I watched moms apply undiluted oils to their infants, and watched the lemon essential oil eat through styrofoam all while being promoted for internal usage. I attended classes only to feel as if I joined a cult and heard medical advice from people who shouldn’t be providing medical advice! So please forgive me if I rub you the wrong way. I only intend to educate so others can make an informed decision. Just as the saying goes “ there are plenty of fish in the sea,” there are more than just a couple reputable sources for quality essential oils without signing up, recruiting, or joining a cult. }

I remember the very first essential oil I was introduced to.  I was just starting out in my career and a client had brought Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) to her massage session.  She had such enthusiasm and held praise for this little bottle of oil.  When I twisted the lid to add a couple drops to my massage oil per her request, I suddenly felt immersed in this beautiful aroma.  Little did I know that this was the first step toward my aromatic journey.  I instantly wanted to know more, but after trying to research where to buy and how to use, there was much conflicting advice about what brands to use and how to use them.  The further I dove into understanding essential oils, the more animosity I discovered.  After a couple years passed, and still eager to learn, I stumbled upon more reputable sources from professionals and experts that did not endorse any particular brands but advocated safety.  

What is Aromatherapy anyway?

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, “Aromatherapy, also referred as essential oil therapy, can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind, and spirit.  It seeks to unify physiological, psychological, and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process”  “What Is Aromatherapy.” NAHA, naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-is-aromatherapy(1).  Archaeological discoveries of the use of aromatic material from the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans date back thousands of years.  A major contribution of how essential oils were distilled had occurred in the 11th century when Avicenna, an Arab physician, invented a coil pipe that allowed vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than a straight pipe.  This led to more focus on the benefits of essential oils.  The term “aromatherapy” is fairly new and had not been used until the 20th century when René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, is credited with coining the term in 1928 in an article where he supports the use of essential oils in their whole form.  He learned first hand the healing powers of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and he is still recognized as the “Father of Aromatherapy” today. The 20th Century also brought much more research and highly respected aromatherapists to the surface.  French Doctor, Jean Valnet, researched internal and undiluted uses of essential oils and used his work to treat wounded soldiers. He coined the term “Aromatic medicine” and his work is credited for being the foundation of two great trends which is the clinical and scientific approach that is regularly used by doctors in France, and the growing popular trend of a healthy lifestyle (Robbins, Wendy) “Aromatherapy History | AromaWeb.” Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Information, www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp. (2).  A student of Jean Valnet, Marguerite Maury, practiced aromatherapy and taught and practiced massage and beauty techniques with essential oils.  Many of her techniques are still used today by aromatherapy associates.  (Fioravanti, Kayla)“The Myth of Aromatherapy Schools of Thought.” The Myth of Aromatherapy Schools of Thought, 4 Dec. 2017, kaylafioravanti.com/the-myth-of-aromatherapy-schools-of-thought/ (3).  As medicinal aromatherapy took root in the 20th century, pharmacists and physicians all over Europe began to engage and bring forth new knowledge and understanding by incorporating essential oils into medical treatments.  All these contributions brought forth the different methods of applications which are topical, inhalation, and under qualified care, internal uses.  However, a common misconception has been circling around and emerges time after time regarding the “Schools of Thought” behind essential oils.  (Shepard-Hanger, Sylla) “The Truth Behind Aromatherapy Schools of Thought.” Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 23 Oct. 2018, atlanticinstitute.com/the-truth-behind-aromatherapy-schools-of-thought/ (4). An influence of Multi-Level Marketing Companies have been referring to certain methods as either the French, British, or German way of using essential oils, to promote and justify unsafe usage with little to no training outside of the company.  Instead, aromatherapy is to be taught as an integrated therapeutic discipline. “The English Aromatherapist.” Quick Answers To Common Myths, englisharomatherapist.com/common-myths/ (5). Medical use of aromatherapy is prohibited or restricted in the United States yet we still see such advice given among social media groups and sales representatives. Essential oils are used by millions of people everyday. They are very powerful substances and the essential oils in each bottle is 50-100 times more concentrated than in the plant.  Even though these are natural substances, there are many potential safety issues and the most common is adverse skin reactions from an undiluted essential oil. “How to Use Essential Oils Safely.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines/ (6).  The training of applying undiluted (neat) or excessive amounts of essential oils for a company’s signature protocol are being taught in small classes for individuals and spas to use on the public.  I must admit that I have attended one of these classes and saw first hand the amount of oils applied to the skin of the participants with very little dilution.  My questions regarding safety were quickly dismissed with the seemingly typical response of “these oils are the purest”. The deliberate application of such “treatments” contradict the safety guidelines set forth by the professional aromatherapy industry.  These types of applications have now been discredited by the Aromatherapy Council, The Alliance of International Aromatherapist, and respected experts in the field such as Robert Tisserand.  “10 Reasons to Avoid Raindrop Therapy.” The English Aromatherapist, englisharomatherapist.com/10-reasons-to-avoid-raindrop-therapy/ (7).  A common myth about Raindrop Therapy®  and the AromaTouch® protocol is that reddening, iching, burning, etc. is a sign of the body detoxing and that “pure” essential oils do not cause adverse reactions because “ allergies are erroneos immune responses to proteins, peptides, and amino acids...none of which are found in essential oils” (Stewart, n.d) According to Robert Tisserand, leading safety expert of aromatherapy,  “most cases of contact dermatitis to essential oils are allergic as distinct from irritant” (Tisserand & Young, 2014, p. 27). (8) Terms such as ‘therapeutic grade’ or ‘certified pure therapeutic grade’ or ‘clinical grade’ are often a trademark of a company and do not assure safety.  There is no governing body that regulates or endorses such terms and even the “purest” essential oil can become oxidized and cause increased risk of an adverse reaction  (Bauer, Kristina.) “Essential Oils and the ‘Detox’ Theory.” Tisserand Institute, 2 June 2017, tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-and-the-detox-theory/ (9). 

First and foremost, people with skin conditions, are pregnant, have epilepsy or asthma, are on a course treatment with prescribed medications or chemotherapy, are advised to seek the advice of a medical professional before using essential oils.  There are three common concerns for the skin and include irritation, sensitization, and phototoxicity.  “Inflammation caused by contact of any substance with the skin is known as contact dermatitis, and this is subdivided into irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD),  and photocontact dermatitis, or photosynthetitization.”  Irritation, or ICD,  is the most common form of skin reaction.  Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is not an allergic reaction, and is regarded as less severe than sensitization, but is dose dependent and occuring only where a product has been applied.  There is usually an immediate reaction upon first exposure.  Signs of skin irritation include red and irritated or itchy skin, blistering, and possibly a change in the pigmentation.  The more of a product used, along with the contact time on the skin, the worse the reaction.  Other considerations are skin type, skin conditions, and age.  [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 70,76] (10).  Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) can be avoided.  Some of the most important things to consider are using less of an oil or a lesser dilution. Reduce the dilutions amount of essential oils that are high in phenols, aldehydes, and monoterpenes. These types of oils require greater caution. Never add essential oils to a bath without a dispersing agent such as shower gel.  Keep track of when you purchased and how long ago you opened your essential oils, and always store them properly in a cool dark place.  It’s extremely important to not use oxidized oils on the skin.  If you notice irritation, immediately discontinue use.  Remove any contaminated clothing and wash the area with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.  Some people find relief from an oatmeal bath and applying a barrier cream or carrier oil.  In the event of eye contact, Robert Tisserand recommends flushing the eye with water for at least 15-30 minutes to wash away any oil residue.  Another method for eye contact is to use a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut to bind to the essential oil.  In the case of a serious reaction, seek medical help right away. “What to Do in Case of Adverse Reaction.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/ what-to-do-when- experiencing-an-adverse-reaction/ (11).   Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is also known as sensitization or allergic urticaria.  It is an allergic reaction of the immune system and may not appear in the same area of contact.   The skin can show as a bright red rash on pale skin and a darkened patch on darker skin, raised and bumpy, and is a visible indication of tissue damage.  There is limited to no evidence on first exposure but subsequent exposure to the same material causes an inflammatory response that is lifelong and that individual may possibly never be able to have topical exposure to that particular essential oil or any oils in the same family. Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014. [pg. 78] (12)  Sensitization isn’t always related to dose and may take more than one exposure for a response to be elicited and can happen from any essential oil.  Caution must be used when using any oils high in aldehydes and lactones but even Lavender  (Lavandula angustifolia) has the potential for severe allergic reaction and sensitization. There is a high risk for massage therapists who use aromatherapy in a treatment since the practitioner receives more exposure to skin contact.  It is important to reduce your risk of developing an allergic reaction by using a lower concentration of essential oils and avoid or moderate the exposure to higher risk oils.  Never use an oxidized oil on the skin and always ensure proper ventilation since airborne contact with the skin could increase your risk.  “Photosensitization , also called phototoxicity and phototoxic contact dermatitis,  is a reaction to a substance applied to the skin that occurs only in the presence of sunlight” Phototoxicity can cause inflamed and painful skin such a s sunburn, discoloration, or blistering and can happen 36 - 72 hours after prolonged  UV exposure.  This is commonly found in cold pressed citrus oils of the Rutaceae and Apiaceae families that contain furanocoumarins (FCs).  Citrus oils that are steam distilled do not contain furanocoumarins and there are methods of reducing the amount of furanocoumarins by fractional distillation.  "The FCs are relatively non-volatile molecules and are generally found in expressed (cold-pressed) citrus fruit oils, but not in distilled citrus fruit oils."  [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), [pg 84-85] (13) Applying essential oils with photosensitizing properties under clothing does not cause this reaction and only occurs if those particular oils are applied to exposed skin.  Not a complete list, but common phototoxic oils include angelica root (Angelica archangelica), cold pressed bergamot (Citrus bergamia), cold pressed lime (Citrus aurantifolia), cold pressed bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), cold pressed lemon (Citrus limon), cold pressed grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) mandarin leaf of (Citrus reticulata), and opopanax (Commiphora guidotti / Commiphora erythraea).  Not all citrus oils are phototoxic and include steam distilled lime(Citrus aurantifolia), steam distilled lemon (Citrus limon), cold pressed sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), cold pressed mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and cold pressed tangerine (Citrus reticulata). Robbins, wendy. “Phototoxicity and Essential Oils | AromaWeb.” Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Information, www.aromaweb.com/articles /phototoxicity-essential-oils.asp (14).  There are a few other safety concerns to consider.  As for inhalation and diffusion, it is not advisable to intensively inhale essential oils for longer than 15-20 minutes at a time.  Ideally, Robert Tisserand recommends intermittent ambient diffusion of about 30 to 60 minutes on and 30 to 60 minutes off.  Essential oils are flammable and should not be exposed to a naked flame.  Burners that use a candle flame are not recommended.  Essential oils should always be kept out of reach of children and never let them handle the bottles.  Infants, toddlers, and young children are more sensitive to the potency of essential oils.  Special caution is necessary with potentially toxic essential oils that are high in methyl salicylate, which is linked to Reye’s Syndrome, such as Birch (Betula lenta) and Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima or Gaultheria procumbens).  Oils high in 1,8 cineole such as common species of  Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus smithii) Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and Ravintsara (Cinnamomum -camphora) should not be used near or on the face of children under 10 years of age due to CNS and breathing problems.  Oils high in menthol such as Peppermint (Mentha X piperita), should be avoided on children under 30 months of age. Do not apply peppermint undiluted. [Tisserand, R. and Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. 2nd Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone / Elsevier.], Pg 273,303,387-388 (15).  Dilution ratios of essential oils are significantly lower for young children than with adults and should be used with extreme care.  As over-the-counter and prescription medication is listed differently for childrens, essential oils must be respected the same way. “How to Use Essential Oils Safely.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines/ (16).  Below are recommended dilution charts from The Tisserand Institute.  Essential oil use on premature infants is contraindicated.  Anything over a 3% dilution is recommended for a shorter period of use on a specific area of concern.

Essential oils are everywhere and more popular than ever, and so is a considerable amount of misinformation.  From social media, blog posts, to the neighbor having an essential oil party, there is a need for education regarding how to use essential oils safely and respectively.  This is why I chose to become a certified aromatherapist.  We all can benefit from these amazing oils without the animosity of who has the better brand or catchy sales pitch.  I want to teach others how to look for a reputable company and use essential oils appropriately all while respecting the precious planet they are harvested from.  

Amanda Snow LMT, CA

Works Cited

(1) “What Is Aromatherapy.” NAHA, naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-is-aromatherapy.

(2) Robbins, Wendy. “Aromatherapy History | AromaWeb.” Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Information, www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp.  Founder and Author of AromaWeb,Gattefossé, René-Maurice. Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. Saffron Walden, UK: The C.W. Daniel Company Limited, 1993.

(3) Fioravanti, Kayla. “The Myth of Aromatherapy Schools of Thought.” The Myth of Aromatherapy Schools of Thought, 4 Dec. 2017, kaylafioravanti.com/the-myth-of-aromatherapy-schools-of-thought/.

(4) Shepard-Hanger, Sylla. “The Truth Behind Aromatherapy Schools of Thought.” Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 23 Oct. 2018, atlanticinstitute.com/the-truth-behind-aromatherapy-schools-of-thought/.

(5) “The English Aromatherapist.” Quick Answers To Common Myths, englisharomatherapist.com/common-myths/.

(6) “How to Use Essential Oils Safely.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines/.

(7) “10 Reasons to Avoid Raindrop Therapy.” The English Aromatherapist, englisharomatherapist.com/10-reasons-to-avoid-raindrop-therapy/.

(8) Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014. [pg. 78]

(9) Bauer, Kristina. “Essential Oils and the ‘Detox’ Theory.” Tisserand Institute, 2 June 2017, tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-and-the-detox-theory/.

(10)  [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 70,76]

(11) “What to Do in Case of Adverse Reaction.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/what-to-do-when-experiencing-an-adverse-reaction/.

Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety 2e. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh

 (12) [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014),pg. 78]  

(13) Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014. [pg. 84-85]

(14) Robbins, Wendy. “Phototoxicity and Essential Oils | AromaWeb.” AromaWeb, www.aromaweb.com/articles/phototoxicity-essential-oils.asp.

(15) Tisserand, Robert, and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed., Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014. [pg 273,303,387-388]

(16) “How to Use Essential Oils Safely.” Tisserand Institute, tisserandinstitute.org/safety/safety-guidelines/.