Why should you stop using essential oils undiluted?

I am about to give you some advice that could be better for your family’s health, save you lots of money, and even be more environmentally-friendly!  If you are an essential oil user who applies essential oil undiluted straight onto your skin (that is, you dribble a few drops directly from the bottle onto your body)…

STOP!

Essential oils used topically have been proven more effective with less harmful side effects when mixed in a carrier oil.  Experts agree, using essential oils neat can result in painful skin irritations.  Plus, diluting in a carrier such as jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, olive, or sesame oil improves absorption.  And, it reduces evaporation of the highly volatile essential oils, offering added benefits to your skin.  Plus, it is way cheaper.  Essential oils are dozens of times more expensive than carrier oils, so save money and dilute.

Save the Plant & Save Money

An additional benefit of not wasting essential oils by using them neat is plant preservation.  Multiple species of plant essential oils are overharvested to the point of being threatened or endangered.  Species include: frankincense, sandalwood, rosewood, and spikenard.  Much plant material is used to make essential oil!  It takes about 100 times the amount of plant matter to extract the equivalent amount of essential oil!  Respect the plants that provided the amazing oil and use sparingly not only because it is better for your health and saves you money, but is also better for the future of the plants!  Experts in the aromatherapy industry have a common phrase we like to share with the general public about using essential oils: Less is More!

• Experts recommend: for general use to dilute to 2%, which would be about 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
• For the more fragile population, research possible contraindications and dilute to 1%, which would be about 5 drops per ounce.
• Dilute to up to 10% for acute local areas.  Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin.  And if you are thinking…I have used essential oils on my skin neat tons of times, what’s the problem?  Realize, that even though you haven’t had a reaction yet, it doesn’t mean you or someone you care about couldn’t have one in the future.

In addition, if you are ingesting essential oils…

STOP!

Professional aromatherapy organizations advise that you seek expert advice before ingesting or internally using any essential oils!  These powerful extractions from plants can cause drug interactions, mucous membrane irritations, be toxic to organs in excess, and carry other dangerous side effects and contraindications!   For safer internal use, turn to the whole plant’s herb.  Plus, save money.  It is cheaper, more diluted with its fiber and water not removed, and better for the environment because less plant matter is taken.  Be sure to seek expert advice on the use of herbs beyond typical food quantity amounts because herbs also have contraindications.  Plants are powerfully healing, but excessive use can be dangerous!

Be advised: Mother Nature has a way of making what comes around go around!

Visit these expert sites via the links below for more information.

• AIA – The Alliance of International Aromatherapists
• NAHA – The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, AIA Member, NAHA Member, LMT, RYT

Last Updated 12/27/18