Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts distilled into oil. Popular in complementary and alternative medicine, these oils, derived from flowers, leaves, roots, and other parts of plants, have been used for medicinal purposes in some cultures for centuries. Continuing scientific research has found that certain essential oils do indeed have health benefits; in fact, many modern medications are derived from essential oils.
However, while some oils are beneficial in small doses, others can be dangerous. And because essential oils are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most should be used with caution, ideally with the guidance of a certified holistic practitioner. It is known that people with epilepsy should be careful when using certain essential oils since some contain neurotoxins which have a convulsant effect.
AVOID
- Basil
- Birch
- Dill
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Ho Leaf (Camphor)
- Hyssop
- Pennyroyal
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Savin
- Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) [DO NOT confuse it with normal lavender – which is Lavandula angustifolia]
- Tansy
- Thuja
- Turpentine
- Wintergreen
- Wormwood
- Yarrow
OFTEN USED
- Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Copaiba
- Frankincense
- Holy Basil
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Ylang Ylang