Essential oils are concentrates of powerful aromatic compounds obtained by steam distillation of aromatic plants rich in active ingredients.

They have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, but it is only in recent decades that "modern aromatherapy" has allowed us to make full use of them in complete safety.

By analysing their biochemical composition and the properties of the aromatic molecules they contain, researchers and therapists have been able to identify the benefits and dangers of each essential oil and each chemotype.

Which essential oils for which purpose?

We often start with essential oils when we are looking for a natural solution to a problem.

Essential oils are really very versatile and can be useful in many cases.

However, there are hundreds of them with just as many uses, which may explain why it is sometimes difficult to get started with aromatherapy.

For the same problem, many essential oils can be considered.

The question then arises: which essential oil to use?

The dangers of essential oils

VERY POWERFUL PRODUCTS

Aromatherapy is a natural medicine, but should not be considered as alternative medicine. Essential oils have an action based on 3 pillars:

• They are made up of many aromatic molecules, each with its own properties, giving essential oils combined modes of action that are sometimes very interesting;
• Their bioavailability is very good: when an essential oil is applied to the wrists, it takes only a few minutes for the aromatic molecules to be present in the blood;
• Unlike many natural remedies, essential oils are highly concentrated in active ingredients, which makes them so powerful.

VERY VARIABLE TOXICITY

Essential oils are therefore very potent and have a certain toxicity. However, this toxicity is very variable:

• According to each essential oil (some are very flexible in their use, others less so);
• Per user (for example, children and pregnant women are sensitive users);
• It depends on the method of use (for example, the oral and cutaneous routes are more or less sensitive to each toxicity).

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE EACH USE

Before using an essential oil, it is important to know the following in order to obtain the desired benefit:

• If you are allowed to use this essential oil (age, pregnancy, ongoing treatments, etc.);
• The recommended method of use for this essential oil;
• The dosage and dilution required.

This information is usually given systematically and for each use in aromatherapy products, on reputable advice sites or in well-trained pharmacies. If you don't know the answer to these three questions, we recommend that you ask before using essential oils.

Precautions for sensitive users

NOT FOR CHILDREN AND BABIES?

When it comes to essential oils, we often hear that they should not be used by children and babies.

Although they are powerful natural products, certain essential oils can still be used by children and/or babies, but with adapted usage. Here are some specific usage rules for children and babies:

• No essential oils for the first 3 months;
• Up to 6 years, avoid the oral route unless specifically prescribed;
• Up to 6 years, dilute essential oils used dermally in a vegetable oil;
• Respect the dosages specific to your child's age: do not copy an adult synergy;
• Check the contraindications of each essential oil, some are clearly forbidden for children and babies;
• As always with essential oils, when in doubt, abstain.

PREGNANT WOMEN?

It would be an exaggeration to say that the use of essential oils is forbidden to pregnant women, but their use requires more precision and precautions.

Here are some specific rules for pregnant women:

• No essential oils during the first 3 months of pregnancy;
• Avoid the oral route completely;
• Dilute essential oils used dermally in a vegetable oil;
• Respect the dosages specific to your condition: do not copy a synergy that is not specific to pregnant women;
• Check the contraindications of each essential oil, some are clearly prohibited for pregnant women, such as those containing ketones.
• As always with essential oils, when in doubt, abstain.

OTHER SENSITIVE USERS

Children and pregnant women are not the only people who should take extra care with essential oils:

• People with epilepsy or asthma, who should avoid certain essential oils;
• People who are easily allergic, who should carry out a special test before using any essential oil they do not know.
• People suffering from a hormone-dependent disease, who should avoid essential oils that affect the endocrine system.