II. Definitions
- Essential Oils
- Scented liquid ("essence") extracted from plants, and diffused into the air as part of Aromatherapy
III. Efficacy
- May be effective for a variety of painful conditions based on limited evidence
IV. Precautions
- Essential Oils are very concentrated solutions
- Avoid ingesting Essential Oils
- When using topically, dilute solution and apply only a small amount to unbroken skin
V. Adverse Effects
- Inhaled (Aromatherapy)
- Unlikely to be harmful in the short-term
- Topicals (esp. if applied to open wounds, or if not diluted)
- Systemic absorption (e.g. Gynecomastia may occur in boys exposed to lavender)
- Contact Dermatitis
- Photosensitivity (e.g. citrus)
- Oral
- Avoid ingestion!
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Adverse effects vary by essential oil
- Life threatening effects may occur with some agents (e.g. ingested Tea Tree Oil may cause coma in children)
VI. References
- (2018) Presc Lett 25(10):59