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Article Series: Aromatherapy
Teach Me Some
Aromatherapy Benefits
Hazardous
Essential Oils
When trying new things, you must remember that sometimes even
something that looks like a great idea can have problems
associated with it. This applies even to the use of essential
oils that have become so popular. Essential oils are made
from plant materials such as bark, flowers, fruit, berries
or leaves. These are easy to find at your local grocery store
or any health shop and are not overly expensive.
To begin with, never
assume that just because these oils are natural products
that they pose no danger. Many aspects of
nature are dangerous. Many beautiful plants are deadly. Consider
the possibility that your use of essentials oils can affect
others. If you use diffusers, or candles to put the fragrances
in the air you should remember that those with allergies to
perfumes could be affected in the same away as secondhand cigarette
smoke affects others.
Anything used improperly can be hazardous to your well-being.
These oils are concentrated and must always be diluted or they
can have very detrimental side effects. They can cause severe
skin irritation. Many of the essential oils can cause skin
irritations or photosensitivity; which is a bad reaction to
the sun. Using bergamot, ginger, grapefruit or many of the
other citrus oils can cause this. Although most essential oils
are not to be applied directly on the skin lavender and tea
tree are exceptions and are good for cuts and burns. As well,
lemon is good for wart removal.
Looking closer at essential oils we see that many of them
are not good for using directly on the skin. The best way to
determine what works for you is to try a couple of drops on
your wrist. Leave it for a day and if it’s okay you can use
the oil. If it has turned red or itches discontinue the use
of that item.
Another concern is that, as with many things, essential oils
may not mix well with certain medical conditions. If you have
high blood pressure stay away form rosemary, common sage, hyssop
and thyme. If you are epileptic do not use sweet fennel, hyssop,
sage or rosemary. Diabetics should avoid using angelica. If
you suffer from hypoglycemia you should not use geranium and
someone with kidney problems should use juniper, sandalwood
or coriander with caution. Pregnant woman should avoid most
essential oils especially, juniper, hyssop, clary sage, peppermint,
lemon, fennel, lemon verbena, rosemary and wintergreen to name
a few. The ones that are all right to be used should be diluted
doubly.
When drinking alcohol don’t use clary sage, as it will intensify
the effects of the alcohol acting like a narcotic. When driving
you should keep away from marjoram and chamomile as either
one could cause drowsiness. To be safe when using essential
oils be careful as they are flammable.
There are concerns that certain essential oils have been proven
to or suspected of having a history of causing allergies. There
are probably twenty of these. A few of the more common include;
citronella, clary sage, ylang ylang, and verbena oils. There
are also a few that are believed to be carcinogenic; most seriously
considered dangerous are calamus and sassafras, which itself
is banned across Europe from being used in toiletries and makeup.
Sweet Birch oil is potentially hazardous. It has the same
active ingredient as aspirin, methyl salicyalte, and if you
are treating yourself with aspirin and then use this essential
oil you could overdose. It is doubly dangerous because it has
a sweet smell and could prove attractive to someone who did
not know what it was like a child. Make sure this one has the
top on tight and is stored safely away
What is the final thought on of all this? While essential
oils have been proven to be useful in helping keep you emotionally
and physically fit, there are, like many things in life, reasons
to be cautious. As well, remember to always use essential oils
in moderation. So, as you would with anything new you may decide
to try, be careful and research the essential oil you want
to try before starting to use it. Common sense is always your
best advisor.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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