![]() Many essential oils can cause adverse effects when swallowed, and children may be more susceptible to those effects than adults. While some essential oils may be beneficial for kids, it’s important to keep them out of children’s reach, just as you would with other household cleaning products. Don’t Place Them in Reach of Children and Pets Certain essential oils, such as pine and spruce, can cause skin irritation when they become oxidized (combined with oxygen), says Dechen. Keep the bottles tightly closed when not in use, too. So store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong their shelf life. However, heat exposure will make essential oils break down faster, Lin says. “Most essential oils last only six months to a year,” Lin says.Ĭitrus essential oils like bergamot, orange, and verbena generally have the shortest shelf life, while florals like chamomile and lavender have the longest, per the Institute for Integrative Healthcare. Like most food and healthcare products, essential oils have an expiration date. “The word ‘fragrance’ can mean many different things, including synthetic ingredients, so ‘fragrance’ isn’t a word you ever want to see on an essential oil bottle,” says certified clinical aromatherapy practitioner Shanti Dechen, the director of Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy in Crestone, Colorado. A statement about the purity of the oilĪlso, watch out for the word “fragrance” when shopping for essential oils.The name of the country where the plants were grown.When shopping for an essential oil, check that the product label contains the following information: That said, even if an essential oil is made from plants, several factors can impact quality, including the use of pesticides, packaging and handling errors, and improper storage.ĭo your research to ensure that the oils you choose are high quality. “It might smell good, but it won’t work,” Lin says. So they may smell like the plant, but they don’t have the plant compounds responsible for whichever health effect you’re after. That means the quality of the essential oils you can find on the market varies widely.Īccording to Lin, some essential oils are made with synthetic ingredients instead of actual plant material. To ensure that you’re working with a qualified aromatherapist, check that the practitioner has received training from an aromatherapy school approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), an educational nonprofit organization that has created industry guidelines for aromatherapy certification programs.ĭon’t Assume That All Essential Oils Are Crafted EquallyĮssential oils aren’t regulated in the United States, per NAHA. ![]() This is especially important for pregnant and first-time users and those considering essential oils for kids or pets. Lin says.Ĭonsult your doctor or a certified aromatherapist about which essential oils are safe to use, how to use them (either inhaled or applied topically), and the proper dosage. In addition, some essential oils shouldn’t be used during pregnancy because they can stimulate uterine contractions, Dr. Moreover, essential oils can affect people differently - diffusing peppermint oil may relieve headaches in one person but may cause an adverse reaction in someone with a fast heartbeat, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. ![]() ![]() ![]() One of the biggest misconceptions about essential oils is that because they’re natural, they’re safe to use, says Yufang Lin, MD, an integrative medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in Lakewood, Ohio.Įssential oils are concentrated and potent, and it takes only a small amount to create a possible well-being effect. Do Work With a Certified Aromatherapist or Consult Your Doctor Follow these expert-recommended tips for storage, application, and more. However, there are some tricks to using essential oils safely and effectively. For example, inhaling a calming scent like lavender might help relieve stress and promote sleep, while rubbing peppermint oil on your temples could relieve tension headaches, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Besides a pleasant smell, the plant compounds in essential oils may also offer possible health benefits. To harness the healing power of plants and potentially enhance your well-being, you might consider adding essential oils to your wellness routine.Īccording to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these concentrated plant extracts are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that give the plant its unique scent. ![]()
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