Essential oils have recently become quite trendy. While I have been using essential oils for years, I am concerned about their rise in popularity because of some blatant misinformation I have seen about them. I have done a lot of research on the topic and today I want to go over some important things to consider for safe and effective essential oil use.

Essential oils can be a helpful mental health and wellness tool. I use a tealight diffuser and diffuse scents such as lavender (which can be calming), bergamot (which can help with mood), and sandalwood (which smells amazing). I have also made a diffuser with bamboo sticks, which provides a more subtle scent - Google “DIY oil reed diffuser” for a quick and inexpensive craft! I like to put eucalyptus oil in steaming water and breathe in the vapour when I am congested. I use highly diluted rosemary oil on my hair and scalp. I sometimes use essential oils as a point of focus in meditation. I think it is safe to say that I love essential oils!

However.

Essential oils are not a cure-all; they are just one tool, and they are not a substitute for proper medical care, medication, or counselling. At the same time, they are an extremely potent substance which must be treated with respect. Yes, they are natural. But natural does not equal healthy or safe; there are plenty of natural things which are extremely toxic and unpleasant (hello, poison ivy!). And because essential oils are such a powerful and pure substance (one drop of peppermint oil is equivalent to 25-30 cups of peppermint tea) they can be harmful in a much smaller amount than you might think. So here are some things to keep in mind:

In addition to all the tips listed below, essential oil may interact with your medications or your health in ways I haven’t listed. Check in with your primary care provider before using essential oils.

Contrary to popular opinion, people can be allergic to “pure” essential oil, just like they can be allergic to any plant. Oils may also aggravate asthma or respiratory problems. Remember to use caution and have regard for other people who may need to avoid certain scents.

Although some essential oils may be considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) food additives, this does not mean they are safe to be consumed in significant amounts - and one drop is a large amount when it comes to essential oil. It’s far cheaper, healthier, and above all, safer, to use real herbs and fruits for flavouring in food and drinks.

Because essential oils are so concentrated, you should never apply them directly to the skin. Always dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil before applying them to skin or putting it in the bath. Keep in mind that certain oils, especially citrus ones, can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. And never put oils in your eyes, ears, or mouth.

Check in with your doctor about use with babies and children, and keep essential oils securely closed and out of reach.

It is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about whether using essential oils around your pets is safe. Make sure your pets can leave the room and get fresh air while you are diffusing and that your oils are securely stored away at all times.

Ask your doctor and consult a qualified practitioner before any kind of use!

There is no independent standard for certifying essential oil. When companies call themselves “therapeutic grade”, they are using a label that they made up, paid to trademark, and put on the bottle. It says nothing about the quality of the oils whatsoever. This happens frequently in multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, which often promote unsafe practices in order to sell more oils. I recommend Now or Plant Therapy oils brand oils as they are high-quality and affordable, with ethical business models.

So are essential oils a cure for depression and anxiety? Absolutely not. But when used in a safe manner they can certainly be a valuable part of your self-care routine.

Andi is a qualifying Registered Psychotherapist who is passionate about helping people overcome anxiety and depression. To read more about her bio, click here: www.lindsaytsang.com/andi