Essential Oils Safety Information
In Australia, safety and safe practices refer to i.......
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The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy [NAHA], define Aromatherapy as:
"The practice of Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, such as essential oils, hydrosols, and carrier oils, in various ways to heal the body, mind and spirit. It promotes and harmonises emotional, physical and spiritual health through applying these extracts. Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the scientific aspects of plants and oils and combines it with the art of producing a beneficial blend. A successful aromatherapy blend combines science, art, and the practitioner's knowledge of both and how to apply it. Aromatherapy can be used topically and via inhalation. "
Aromatherapy is the use of Essential oils and refers to a range of traditional, alternative and complementary therapies. These therapies use essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds. Aromatherapy has been around and used for nearly 6000 years and is believed to improve a person's health or mood. Benefits are purported to range from improving sleep and reducing anxiety to lowering pain, minimising headaches and calming the stomach.
Publications by Dioscorides (translated by Osbaldeston) refer to his use of plant medicine in about 64AD, referring to the use of herbalism centuries before. So we can be sure that the use of essential oils has a long history of use in Egypt, Persia, India and Greece. The word "essential' in association with the oils is because of the 'essence' of the plant that is used. Within the modern Western World, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse is credited with founding Aromatherapy as a science. Regarding the 'science' of Aromatherapy, no studies have been able to adequately support the benefits of Essential oils. Research by the Australian government was unable to gain conclusive evidence, which means that there is nothing to prove they don't work either. Aroma therapists and those who use essential oils claim they effectively treat various physical, emotional and spiritual conditions. The information provided by REALM is supplied with an open mind. The user is encouraged to apply caution when using products, read the safety guides, and release expectations and promises.
Essential oils are produced by steaming or pressing various parts of the plant or flower in a way that captures the oil compounds of the plant that give the unique fragrance. The oil produced is the 'essential' oil that can be inhaled or applied topically to the skin. Some are consumed orally (Bach Essential Oils, for example). Others cannot be orally or topically ingested because of their toxicity but can be used for cleaning and sanitation.
It is believed that when the oils are inhaled, they travel up the nose, interacting with scent receptors. They are said to stimulate the olfactory nerve that connects to the brain – although there is no scientific evidence to support this. While the oil doesn't enter the brain, it is said to stimulate a neural response in the Central Nervous system, in regions called the limbic system.
Oils applied topically to the skin are claimed to create effects because of their 'low molecular weight", where they are absorbed into the bloodstream.
While many people use essential oils at home, they are also used by various health care professionals in many settings. Aromatherapy and therapists are not a regulated industry in any country, and there can be problems regarding manufacturing and sourcing. While many aromatherapy courses are offered, people are encouraged to research the organisation and the training provided. Especially concerning the prescription of essential oils (because they are chemicals and may be toxic). There are safety risks to be considered when using oils, and you can find some of them on the REALM Aromatherapy safety sheet. We encourage our readers to visit the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy to remain current on Essential Oil safety and uses.
The problem for buyers is the lack of industry regulation. Bottles containing the term 'therapeutic grade are often used for 'marketing and promotion'. Unless the correct production method is used, then the quality of the oil will be compromised. Essential oils are not mixed with 'carrier oils' or distilled. This does not mean you can't buy mixed or distilled. However, blended and distilled oils lose their potency and are no longer pure oil. It is possible to purchase 'blends' that are mixtures of essential oils without a 'carrier oil'.
Label – should contain purity levels and any other ingredients in the bottle, the country the plant was grown and the Latin name.
Business – buy from a reputable company or industry with a history of selling essential oils, and even conduct a google search on their reviews. Remember, reviews are not one hundred per cent reliable.
Storage- Pure essential oils are chemicals and can dissolve plastic bottles. Oils should be sold and stored in dark-coloured glass, which also protects the quality of the oil (which can be negatively impacted by exposure to light).
Discernment – Avoid oils labelled "fragrance". These products may include essential oil (and sometimes not), but are either pure or combined chemicals to produce a scent. They are unsuitable for Aromatherapy but may make a nice 'air freshener.
Price – The price of essential oils can be high depending on the harvest and production methods. Some oils are harder to produce or grow (such as Sandalwood and Frankincense) and, as such, can be extremely pricey. If you find one that is relatively cheap, the bargain basement price most likely reflects an impure product.
Once you have established the oil you wish to use (that carries the desired outcomes you seek), inhalation is an excellent way to use the oil. It is claimed that the effects are often immediate from a 'whiff' of their aroma. The most common inhalation methods are:
Diffuser – the diffuser is a device that breaks the essential oil into smaller molecules, dispersing them in the air and atmosphere. Some diffusers use both heat and water as part of evaporation.
Aroma sticks – these are portable plastic devices with an absorbent wick. The wick soaks up the essential oil, and the cover protects the scent until you wish to remove it and sniff the aroma. (Note: These are not VAPES or used as VAPES or orally inhaled).
Steam – Steam inhalation adds a few drops of oil to hot water. An example is for people suffering from head colds, where they put some oil into a water bowl. They then create a 'closed atmosphere' by placing a towel over their head and the bowl and inhaling the scented water.
Be careful that the water is not too hot and that you don't expose yourself to burns from the water or the bowl containing the water. If using an oil such as eucalyptus in this method – remember a little goes a long way, and too much can leave a person gasping for breath.
Dry evaporation – is simply placing the aroma onto a dry material and letting it evaporate naturally. Many people like to add oil to cotton balls and put them in their clothing draws to scent their wardrobes. Other methods are to apply the oil to a terra cotta item and keep it in the closet to repel things like clothes moth.
