Another warning on improper use of essential oils

PRIME – June 2014 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist, the Herbarium Before I begin my column this month, I must repeat, in the strongest possible terms, this warning: "Never, never, never ingest essential oils by mouth or suggest others do it!" It is against federal law. It is practicing medicine without a license. I do not care what you have read, or who may have told you it is all right, it is not! I say all this to make the point that there are some slick websites, slick marketing, and very dangerous information being spread around out there regarding the sales of essential oils for internal use. I had a woman in recently who was going to add peppermint essential oil to her 2-year olds neti pot to rinse his nasal passages! Common sense would or should have kicked in, but she was assured it was "okay." To add insult to injury, this woman was a health professional! Please, please, do not use essential oils internally in any way shape or form.* (*only under the direction of a fully licenced, clinical aromatherapist ) Do not believe anyone who claims to be a "certified "aromatherapist" – there is no such certification that is legal. Check out Aromatherapy United or the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy website. There are a number of adverse event reports listed, and an explanation of RDT (Rain Drop Therapy). This is the Young Living (YL) practice of applying essential oils "neat" (undiluted), directly onto the skin, for the purpose of "curing" scoliosis of the spine. YL claims scoliosis is caused by a virus, and the essential oils will pull the virus out, thus straightening the spine. The oils that YL used – or claimed as being safe for skin – have been proven to be extremely irritating, and cause burning of the skin. Victims were told that the blistering of their skin was just the virus coming out. Also, be careful about the book you see listed as a reference, the "Essential Oil Desk Reference," because it is written by Gary Young, the same guy who says it is safe to apply these oils undiluted onto the skin. I read one "review" that bowled me over: The woman was a self proclaimed housewife, with no background in essential oils or anything else (I am not knocking housewives). She thought the oils were pure because they smelled nice. She thought it was okay to consume the oils because they smelled good and she was told, were "pure". How the heck would she know? I am reading reviews and endorsements from people who have no background or understanding of essential oils, but are in the organizations to make some cash on the side. Please folks; understand there is a great deal of legitimate research on essential oils. Dr. Jane Buckle, who is my wife Kathy Duffy's boss, wrote one of the many peer reviewed books on Clinical Aromatherapy, the science-based use of essential oils. Duffy teaches this program in hospitals and other health centers to doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Buckle and Robert Tisserand are two names you can trust for real information pertaining to essential oils. There are several truly good sources of essential oils, but Young Living and doTerra are not among the good sources. Be certain you do your homework on this subject. Caveat Emptor! Reader questions Dear Jonathan, I have tried many herbal remedies for sleep but they just do not work. Do you know of any good sleep aids? – Bill Dear Bill, I have no clue as to which remedies you have used, the maker, formula, etc. so it is difficult to know just what will be good for you. Generally speaking nervines such as valerian, chamomile, skullcap, and passionflower work quite well. Tryptophan is good to help as a base to get you to sleep. In some cases people need adrenal formulas, because of adrenal fatigue and burnout. The Herbarium has several formulas for sleep, relaxing, anxiety, depression and adrenal support. Check out our website at www.theherbarium.com and see if any of these formulas look intriguing. Magnesium is an excellent aid for sleep, relaxing the muscles and helping nerve function. There are homeopathic remedies that may be of use to you, but without any other information, it is difficult for me to suggest any other products. – Jonathan Dear Jonathan, I have digestive issues that go way back. My food just sits in my stomach after a meal like a ton of lead. I use omeprazole, and it helps for a little while, but then I have to take more. Do you have any suggestions? – Allen Dear Allen, I need a bit more information than you have given me. In general, many people need digestive enzymes or digestive stimulants to get their own juices flowing, and in some cases people will use Betaine Hydrochloride with pepsin, to add acid to the stomach. Some people have used organic apple cider vinegar (Bragg's) to help with acid indigestion and improved digestion. Stop by Buon Appetito restaurant in Westfield and talk to owner Mino Giliberti. He will introduce you to several appertivo's (digestion-stimulating drinks) We have quite a few articles on digestive health available free of charge here at The Herbarium, and have conducted several informational seminars on the topic. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for future seminar dates. – Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.