At least once a week, I have someone send me an article touting the dangers of using essential oils. If you type essential oils into any search engine, you will get a plethora of opinions, stories, and speculation on their safety and efficacy. I would like to dispel some of the myth and stigma that some are trying to attach to using essential oils and help you understand why some trained aromatherapists fear and tell others to fear essential oils.
Why should you listen to or trust me? First, I have spent my entire working life in some medical profession or another. I received my Emergency Medical Technician certification in Combat Medic School in the US Army when I was nineteen years old. I received an Associate’s in Medical Laboratory Sciences from George Washington University via US Army Medical Department and School when I was twenty and worked for three years in the Lab at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia. While going to nursing school, I worked as a Student Nurse Tech at Northwest Medical Center, Springdale, Arkansas. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse on the Critical Care Units at Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayettevile, Arkansas. A disc ruptured in my neck ten years ago and I had to have neck surgery. My health steadily declined after the surgery and I could not go back to work; I spent five years going from doctor to doctor, only to be told there isn’t anything they can do. Seven years ago, a dear friend introduced me to Rhonda Favono, ND, who became my naturopath. It took three years of detoxing and changing what I was putting in and on my body for my health to finally improve. I have spent the last seven years studying about natural health alternatives and am now enrolled in Trinity School of Natural Health to get my Doctor of Naturopathy degree. After working under my favorite naturopath for the past two years, I decided to open my own office, NWA Natural Living, where I enjoy helping clients reach their health goals naturally, through diet changes and pharmaceutical-grade supplementation, based on Qest4 bioenergetic assessment, Reams Biological Theory of Ionization, Iridology and other holistic modalities. (Post updated 8/3/17)
Second, I have used Young Living Essential Oils on myself and my family for seven years now. My family and I use them “neat” (undiluted) and we also take them internally on a daily basis. We have had no adverse reactions in those five years and our rate of illness is very low compared to what I see around us in our community. When we do get sick, our illnesses last three days or less, which is the average time it takes for your immune system to make antibodies. My family has not needed an antibiotic in over seven years. When I first started using oils, I used common sense while I educated myself and I have safely used oils on my family for almost a decade.
So, why all the misinformation? Why so many haters?
There are various philosophies or schools of thought when it comes to essential oils. In the United States and Canada, only two of these predominate: the English and the French. (German is the other philosophy but I will not discuss it here.)*
British School of Aromatherapy
The British School of Aromatherapy emphasizes massage with essential oils diluted in carrier oils in 2-5% concentrations. They discourage the use of oils neat and taken orally. This school of thought came about in the 1950’s, when a biochemist from France brought aromatherapy to Great Britain.
The British model relies on scientific research that was carried out on animals, using oils that were perfume or food-grade. Perfume or food-grade oils only contain certain compounds isolated from essential oils and not the whole oil. Perfume and food-grade oils are often diluted with other synthetic oils by suppliers. This has led to many false assumptions based on sub-standard scientific data being applied to the use of essential oils. It is this scientific data that is used by the British school to back up its philosophy. The British school also does not condone many beneficial practices used in America today, like Raindrop Technique.
Most formally trained aromatherapists in the U.S. are taught the British School model. The British philosophy believes that essential oils should only be used by trained professionals and those professionals should be licensed through a government accrediting agency.
French School of Aromatherapy
The French School of Aromatherapy emphasizes oral and neat application of essential oils. They also recommend inhalation, massage in fatty oil bases, as well as rectal and vaginal applications. Modern aromatherapy started in France in the 1920s and was developed by medical doctors whose interest was in healing disease and maintaining health. This included relaxation, massage and the emotional aspects of wellness.
The French philosophy relies on scientific research performed on humans using whole oils of therapeutic-grade quality. These are much more accurate and reliable than studies done on lab animals, using perfume or food-grade essential oils.
The French school believes that aromatherapy is safe and can be practiced, with common sense, by anyone, with minimal training. The French feel that applying essential oils was not a practice to be to be set aside for the exclusive use of professionals, requiring government licensing.
There is a huge difference of opinion between the followers of British and French philosophies. Up until a few years ago, most of the posts on the internet were initiated by practicing aromatherapists of the British school of thought. Those of the French persuasion are finally stepping forward to defend their way of practice, but most just want to be left alone to enjoy the benefits of the many ways the French School is able to utilize their oils.
Would I recommend following the French School philosophy to everyone?
- No. I would recommend following the French School of Aromatherapy ONLY if you are using therapeutic-grade,Young Living Essential Oils. If you do not know where your oils are grown, distilled and bottled, I recommend you do not use them at all. You are wasting your money and the potential for adverse reactions is great. You will not see the health benefits that I discuss on this blog using oils bought from a store.
Why do I, and the naturopath I am training under, only recommend Young Living Essential Oils?
- Watch for next week’s post and I will answer this question in-depth!
*The information on Schools of Aromatherapy in this post was taken from The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple, Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D., D.N.M.
**Our team of oilers, called Anointing Nations, made the resolution this year to commit to educating our team daily. “YL – It’s a Lifestyle” is a daily post that will be on our private Facebook group. I was asked to write weekly for this, so every Wednesday, I will focus on the YL Lifestyle and share how I live it daily with my family. If you are interested in joining my team, please message me or follow this link to my YL website for more information.
***All the statements, comments and photos on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All medical evaluations and decisions should be made by a licensed professional.