Be Careful What, and Who You Believe

It seems like every day someone asks me what I think of a certain recipe, person associated with aromatherapy or essential oils. I am here to tell you, not everyone is created equal. It saddens and angers me that people, even doctors, with no essential oil usage training spouting "cures", unsafe recommendations and writing articles for the general public.

Medical Professionals

Not only is it unsafe, it is totally unethical and lacks integrity. These educated, highly trained professionals would NEVER suggest the use of prescription drugs without a diagnosis or years of training. Why is it ok to suggest an essential oil?

Almost every drug on the market comes from a synthetic derivative of chemical constituents in an essential oil. Essential oils are HIGHLY potent and come with risks. Just as a prescription medication does. Is it because essential oils are all natural that people feel they cannot hurt you? I am here to tell you, they can, and do. Essential oils come with risks. If you aren't specifically trained on how to use them safely, you need to consult with someone who is.

Where we live, many chiropractors have jumped on board the essential oil train. It's hard to walk into any office and not see bottles of essential oils on display or smell a diffuser running. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications so essential oils are an excellent, all-natural alternative. Except..... the education coming from these sales companies is limited. What is generally taught is not correct.

Unless your doctor has taken a course or courses specifically on essential oils, they likely are not trained on usage. It is not typically part of allopathic (western medical) training. Natural modalities including herbalism, and essential oils are not considered part of that curriculum. I have had many western medicine doctors in my lifetime. None of which have been trained by their medical school in either modality.

In order to be understand how they work with the body, you must be educated and trained. If someone ever suggests adding essential oils straight into your water to drink, or apply neat (undiluted) anywhere, chances are they have not been properly educated.

Even though eos like lavender or tea tree will not burn the skin if applied undiluted, we have learned more and more about sensitization. Sensitization may occur from using old or oxided oils or from neat use. It may not happen the 1st time or the 101st time. No 2 people are the same and will react differently. Just be careful and educate yourself too.

Essential oils and water do not mix, someone truly trained and wanting to help you and your health would never tell you to do this. Just this morning I read an article from a doctor regarding cancer treatment with essential oils. His suggestions were to apply essential oils neat, behind the ears and to make a peppermint lemonade drink. Chemotherapy changes the way essential oils work in the body, as do many other medications. If you are on chemotherapy drugs and use essential oils, the chances of those oils altering your chemotherapy is very high. It can either make your chemo too weak, or too effective. Either way, you shouldn't be using essential oils with cancer drugs unless you are working with someone trained in aromatherapy, specifically with cancer. There are many areas of expertise in aromatherapy, not everyone is trained in them all. I know I am not.

I am not in any way trying to scare you. I am trying to educate, and help you make informed choices regarding your care. Essential oils are wonderful. However, they are not benign. It makes me happy that essential oils are becoming more main stream. YOU need to choose who you are comfortable taking recommendations from. I love my doctors, I really to. But if they told me to go home and use an essential oil for something, I would question it. I know none of them are trained to give such advice. It's like going to an ENT to fix your foot. You would never do that.

EO Sales People

Let's not forget the essential oil sales person. I know in my heart their intention isn't to hurt you either. They really do want to help you! At what point does the true want to help become a quest to make sales? Many of the multi-level marketing companies have membership costs, monthly buying quotas and new team member requirements. That requires money. If you aren't selling, you aren't making money. If you aren't making money, you probably aren't making your quota and on and on. It can become a viscous cycle where the initial reason for joining the company falls by the wayside and becomes about sales.

Please, for your safety and that of your family, be VERY careful who take advice from regarding essential oils. As an aromatherapist, I will share general recipes. I will never share a recipe for a specific medical condition. Not only would it be unethical, I don't even know anything about 99.8% of you reading this article. My first obligation is to "do no harm". By blindly recommending something, I could hurt you. Even though it wouldn't be intentional, it could still happen.

For the sake of the essential oil industry, please, please, please consult with someone who has been trained. If you or someone you love is hurt, please report to Aromatherapy United, or the Tisserand Institute Adverse Reaction Database. Don't know if you are having a reaction? Read my blog about Reactions here.

I am fearful if there are too many people hurt, we will find the ability to easily obtain these precious oils harder and harder. Be safe, dilute and don't ingest unless you are working with someone qualified to give you advice. Your body will thank you. Cheers to a healthy, and happy life!

Please dilute all essential oils accordingly. Some have max dermal limits. Please do your research. ​In 1 ounce of carrier oil:

• 0.5% (1/2 percent) - 1 years old to 3 years old (2-3 drops)

• 1% - 6 years old to 10 years old (5-6 drops)

• 2% - 10 years to adult (10-12 drops)

• 3% - 4% adult bad cold, infection, acute pain (18-24 drops)

​Should you have any questions, send an email to melissa@sweetwillowspirit.com. If you are looking for single, pure essential oils, Barefut sells tested oils at an affordable price. You can check the out here.

Love and light,

Melissa

The material on this page is not meant to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Since the actual use of this product by others is beyond our control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of their use can be given nor liability taken. Use at your own discretion. Any application of the recommendations is at the user’s risk. Sweet Willow Spirit, LLC disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this information and assumes no responsibility for any actions taken. This should not be used in place of traditional therapies but solely as a complementary means for bringing well-being. The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of this oil or healing modality.

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