"Is Nutmeg essential oil safe?" someone asked the Tisserand Institute in a FB message. This, and similar questions, were prompted by a post that claimed this particular oil should not be used in any form, due to its potential toxicity. And since this claim was supposedly based on Essential Oil Safety 2e, I felt
by Rachel Andorfer There are several ways that essential oils are commonly used therapeutically: diffusion (inhalation), topical (skin) application, baths, and oral ingestion. In this post I’ll go into detail about each method, how it works, and important safety tips. Diffusion Diffusion describes the process of dispersing essential oil molecules into the air so that
by Tamara Agnew PhD, Robert Tisserand, and Christine Carson PhD, with thanks to Kandace Knudson PhD for her input Introduction In 2012, Posadzki, Alotaibi and Ernst published a systematic review, which “was aimed at critically evaluating the evidence regarding the adverse effects associated with aromatherapy” (Posadzki et al, 2012). However, it is an article awash
Myrtle by Robert Tisserand This is an updated version of an article published here. Some quite strong feelings and opinions have been expressed about essential oils and cats, and a frequently asked question is “Is it safe to diffuse essential oils around cats?”. Diffusing essential oils can be toxic to humans if it’s over-done, causing neurological
by Lauren Bridges, with thanks to Christine Carson, PhD, and Hana Belikova for their input We live in a world of quick fixes and proclaimed miracle cures, and essential oils have not escaped the proclivity people have in identifying the next magic bullet. Today, as we face issues like increased resistance in bacteria to antibiotics,
by Robert Tisserand One of the most poisonous plants, Atropa belladonna Although essential oils are natural substances, “natural” and “safe” have never been synonymous. Nature is replete with poisonous plants (deadly nightshade, wolf’s bane, foxglove, suicide tree, etc.) not to mention spiders, snakes, scorpions etc. Natural bitter almond oil even contains cyanide, though
by Robert Tisserand Update 12/13/2017: We are very pleased to see that since the publication of our blogpost, six companies have changed their safety guidelines! Eden Botanicals now has 0.07% as the recommended dilution for Cinnamon Bark oil, and Organic Infusions, Nature’s Gift, Ananda Apothecary and Barefut. all give 0.1% as the maximum. All of these
by Kristina Bauer Globally, aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular. As the number of essential oil users continues to grow, and as recommendations for undiluted use increase, so exposure increases. As Robert Tisserand notes, “The number of incidents of an adverse reaction to an essential oil depends on: • Its inherent toxicity • The number of