What’s all the fuss about ESSENTIAL OILS?

HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN USING THEM

Essentials oils may have been around for centuries, but the rise of sales companies such as Young Living and DOTERRA has skyrocketed their popularity. There are claims aromatherapy is a miracle treatment for everything from insomnia to preventing disease, but is it true? There is some sound medical research behind essential oils, but they need to be treated with caution. “Take advice only from someone with a training as a herbalist who knows what they are doing with oils,” says integrative women’s health doctor Dr Karen Coates.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

They are chemical compounds extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits and other plants. The most common oils are lavender, tea-tree oil, peppermint, patchouli and clove, and they are usually sold as a single oil in a bottle, or as a blend of oils, to be inhaled or diluted then rubbed on the skin. Studies, including one from Mashhad University of Medical Science in Iran, show that essential oils can have positive effects on memory pain and more.

IS PRICE AN INDICATOR OF HOW ‘PURE’ AN OIL IS?

Unfortunately not. “The production

of essential oils is unregulated, so there is no way to be sure that what you are getting is exactly what is labelled on the bottle,” says GP Dr Michela Sorensen. Most companies claim that their oils are ‘therapeutic’ or ‘medical’ grade or ‘pure’, however these are self-appointed. Avoid oils that have been diluted with synthetic fragrances, oils or chemicals.

ARE THEY SAFE TO USE?

It’s wise to adhere to a few rules when using oils, “Just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean it is ‘safe,’” says Dr Sorensen.