CHARLOTTE – Using essential oils is said to be one of the healthiest ways to experience the benefits of a variety of plants and herbs… but are they always safe to use?

We’ve been using completely natural plant extracts and oils for thousands of years. Today, the essential oil industry is at an impressive $17 billion.  Clinical studies show essential oils can play a big part in helping us manage health issues such as: blood sugar, low immunity, joint pain, depression, and anxiety.

Here are 3 risky mistakes you must avoid when using essential oils:

1. Using Your Favorite Oils to Your Heart’s Content; Plants are powerful– and when they’re concentrated, they’re even more powerful! In fact, some essential oils are not safe to use topically, and all oils must be used according to safety guidelines to avoid toxic reactions.

Using oils such as cinnamon, thyme, or oregano on your skin can cause irritation.  That’s why before using any recipe with essential oils, you need to understand exactly how much of each oil is safe, or else you’re putting your health– and your family’s health– at risk.

2. Believing the Lies On Your Label;  Labels claiming your oils are “organic”, “pure”, or “therapeutic grade” should not be accepted as fact. Unfortunately, even expensive essential oils marketed as “high quality” options are still exposed to harmful pesticides and other chemicals.

3. Getting Carried Away Without Carrier Oils; Carrier oils are quite literally an oil, like coconut oil or olive oil, that “carries” the essential oil into your body. They dilute the essential oil, making it safe to apply topically. Without it, you risk irritating your skin.

Any of these mistakes can quickly turn this ancient, health-boosting practice into a major health risk…but the truth is, using essential oils can eliminate hundreds of toxins from your life when they’re used correctly.

Be sure to follow my Wellness Within Journey column as I introduce and educate the fundamentals of essential oils and herbs. My next column; The Benefits of Dandelion.

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