Safe Use of Aromatherapy

When considering the use of Aromatherapy for your health and well-being, an important safety feature to know about is the presence of Latin binomials.

Eucalyptus serves as a great example.  There are many different plants in the Eucalyptus family and there are common uses and yet there can be major differences. The knowledge of Latin binomials allows users of Aromatherapy to utilize the best oil for the situation.  Eucalyptus as a family has a few major uses.

First, it is excellent for the respiratory system possessing anti viral and mucolytic (breaking down mucus) properties.  Second, the Eucalyptus family is excellent for relaxation of muscle fibers. Now to learn of major differences, Eucalyptus globulus is excellent for the respiratory system yet is not sage for children under the age of 12, older frail adults, pregnant women and individuals at the end stage of illness. 

Eucalyptus radiata is also excellent for the respiratory system and it is safe for children as well as the other individuals mentioned above.  Eucalyptus citriodora is best for muscle massage with sore, tight muscles and is child safe. 

It is vital to remember to avoid any essential oil that does not list the Latin binomials on the bottle.  It is not important that a user of aromatherapy oils know all of the Latin binomials.  It is important to know they exist and have a few reference books that list essential oils in Latin binomials and state the safety precautions of each.  There are many books available that provide this information.

Here are a few basic essential oils that can be used to create a holistic medicine chest.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis):  Excellent to relieve stress and promote sleep.  Also, excellent for bruises, burns, rashes, cuts and any other irritations of the skin.  Safe for children and one of the only essential oils that can be used directly out of the bottle  (2 - 10 drops).

Geranium, Rose (Pelargonium gravelons):  Balancing for female hormones reduces stress, uplifting.  Safe for all.

Lemon (Citrus limonum): Improves concentration, energizes, fights germs and bacteria, Inhale for morning sickness. (Avoid exposure to sunlight 4 – 5 hours after application.)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):  Great for jet lag, circulation, mental energizer, mild pain or headache.  (Not used with children, pregnancy, or by individuals with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita):  Energizes a sleepy driver, reduces nausea and headache, improved digestion.  (Best inhaled, may be skin irritant even when diluted.)

The information in this article is not to take the place of the care and knowledge offered by your health care practitioner.  Please discuss with your physician / health care practitioner your individual health issues.

About the Author

Patti McCormick, R.N., Ph.D., is Founder and President of the Ohio Academy of Holistic Health, inc., (OAHH), one of the only state approved and federally accredited Holistic Health Schools in the United States. OAHH also houses the Ohio Wellness Center, the clinical division, which offers holistic health care services through physicians and additional health practitioners. Call 937-708-3232 for more information.

This is the second of a two part series on the safe use of Aromatherapy to promote wellness and health safely. Click here for Safe Use of Aromatherapy Part I.

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