Essential Oil Myths and Usage

Although essential oils are all natural, which is the reason people love them, don’t underestimate how powerful they can be. We know essential oils are super strong because:

  • It takes 150 pounds of lavender flowers to make just one pound of lavender essential oil.
  • It takes 256 pounds of peppermint leaves to make one pound of peppermint essential oil.
  • It takes thousands of pounds of roses to make 1 pound of rose essential oil.
  • Just one drop of peppermint oil is equal to 28 cups of peppermint tea. 

It’s important that you understand which essential oils can and should be used in different situations, which is one the reasons we write this weekly blog. Here’s some information about essential oils we think it’s important for you to know.

Myth #1: There is no such thing as ‘therapeutic grade’.

This myth is both true and false at the same time. doTERRA has their own grading of oils known as CPTG, or Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (we have an earlier blog on this topic here). However, there is no industry standard requirement for words like ‘pure’ and ‘therapeutic’ in essential oils, as there is currently no governing body over this industry.  According to Dr. Robert Pappas, who is a scientist and an expert on essential oils and their usage says, “There seems to be a misconception that there is some kind of independent body that certifies oils as therapeutic grade, but to this date there is no such body, at least not one that is widely recognized. Does this mean there is no such thing as therapeutic grade? No, but just realize that any therapeutic grade standard out there right now is an internally derived company standard. Now this standard may be an overall great standard and perfectly acceptable to me or any other analyst or aromatherapist out there but it just needs to be noted that it’s not an independent standard.”

Myth #2: Rashes associated with essential oil use are just your body ‘detoxing’.

A detox rash and an allergic reaction or rash caused by irritation to the skin are totally different. Chances are if you break out in the area on which you’ve placed essential oils, it’s your body’s way of telling you that oil is not a good match for your skin. Before using an oil for the first time, especially a “hot” oil, meaning it’s likely to irritate your skin like cinnamon, oregano, clove or cassia, test the oil on a small area of skin that is not as sensitive as other areas. It’s also important to dilute “hot” oils appropriately, as children may react to an oil that adults do not due to skin sensitivities.

Myth #3: It’s safe to be in the sun after topically applying essential oils.

Some essential oils, especially citrus oils such as lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and bergamot, are highly photosensitive. The chemical components in these oils are broken down quickly by UV light and cause discoloration or burning of the skin. You can read our earlier blog on photosensitive oils here.

Tips for Using Essential Oils

  • Always check dilution recommendation on oils when you start using them. Make sure you know which oils should be diluted to avoid skin irritation. Here’s the quick reference chart from doTERRA for single oils- “neat” means most people can use the oils without needing to dilute it; “sensitive” means people with sensitive skin and children should dilute the oil before using; and “dilute” means…well, to dilute. We recommend using fractionated coconut oil to dilute your essential oils because it has no smell and does not stain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Store oils in glass containers. “Hot” oils and citrus oils eat through materials such as thin plastics (like water bottles) given enough time, and will quickly destroy Styrofoam. These same oils can take the finish off furniture as well, so be careful around treated wood.
  • Pregnant and nursing women need to be very careful when using essential oils. These are just a few of the oils that are considered unsafe for pregnant and nursing women: cedarwood, cinnamon, sage, clove, ginger, lemon, rosemary, ginger and chamomile. Check with a qualified practitioner before using any oils.

Remember: Essential oils are potent and although highly therapeutic, can be used incorrectly if you do not educate yourself on the do’s and don’t’s of essential oils.

Do you have questions or comments about this blog? Would you like to find out more about purchasing essential oils for yourself? Visit my doTERRA page or complete the form on the right side of this page and I’d be happy to help you! You can also subscribe to our blog on the right side of the page.

*These claims have not be evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have serious health concerns, consult a doctor- and bring your oils with you! You never know which doctors will be willing to help you take a more natural approach to health care!

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