Top 10 Myths about the Use of Essential Oils

So, have you recently started taking an interest in essential oils? Chances are that you have heard all kinds of things about it – from how natural oils are always good to their benefits on rashes after applying the oils! In order to ensure that you use these oils right away, Gya labs has come up with distinct Essential oils, each one with their pros and cons defined. Here’s busting the top ten myths about the use of essential oils.

Myth 1: Use more essential oils for greater benefits

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The benefits of ylang ylang for skin is undeniable. But that does not mean you should use as much of it as possible and all the time. Regardless of whether the oil is allergic to you or not, excess use does not translate to greater benefits.

The right way to use any other essential oil is to dilute it with a carrier oil such that the mixture has not more than one to five percent of the essential oil. Even then, using once daily or thrice a week would suffice.

Myth 2: A rash is a sign of the body adjusting

This is one of the biggest and the most harmful myths ever about the use of essential oils. People remain under the impression that a rash is a sign that the body is adjusting or detoxing. Thus, they keep adding more oil to the skin that’s already showing allergic reactions to that oil.

Remember that ylang oil for skin may work wonders for your friend. However, your skin might react to it. So, stop using the oil immediately if you see any adverse skin reaction. You can skip that particular oil and try others in this case.

Myth 3: ‘Not for internal use’ is a sign of impurity

Just because the label says ‘for external use only’ or ‘not for internal use’ does not mean that the oil is impure or of a low-quality. Essential oils meant for therapeutic use are not to be consumed directly under any circumstance.

There are certain food grade essential oils that can be used for flavoring or baking, but let’s not confuse them with the therapeutic ones. Therapeutic essential oils can be highly toxic when consumed internally.

Myth 4: Essential oils are always safe because they’re natural

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Good quality essential oils are highly concentrated products that should be used carefully. They are undoubtedly derived from plants, but that does not mean they are safe for you. It depends on a lot of factors, such as the concentration of the oil used, way of usage, frequency of usage, etc. Check out this guide to learn more about how to use essential oil safely.

If you use undiluted essential oils in excess quantities, they will do you more harm than good.

Myth 5: Ancient Egyptians used essential oils

The ancient texts mention the benefits of plants like lavender or rosemary, but the method of steam distillation is a newer development. Back in those days, such plants were used for herbal remedies or as ceremonial incense. The extract that was derived from them using pressed oils and fats was a highly diluted product. It did not have the chemistry or strength of the modern-day essential oils.

Thus, though ancient Egyptians knew the use of these plants, they did not make essential oils in the modern sense of the term.

Myth 6: Pure oils come with no expiry date

Essential oils tend to last for a long time but not forever, regardless of how “pure” they are claimed to be. These are oxidation prone and get spoiled after a while. In most cases, the oils last for two to three years before they are ready to be tossed out.

A good indication would be to notice the look, color, and smell of the product. If you notice any significant changes in these three aspects, it’s time to toss the oil out. Also, remember to store it away from direct heat and light to make it last long.

Myth 7: Aromatherapy can cure cancer

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If only this was true! However, this is nothing more than a myth. Though some studies have tried to link the use of aromatherapy oils with cancer relief, none of those studies had substantial proof. There is no concrete evidence yet that aromatherapy can alleviate the symptoms of cancer. So, it is strongly advised to not consider the use of essential oils for that purpose.

Myth 8: Essential oils have hormones and minerals

Absolutely not! Essential oils have a lot of goodness in them, but the presence of minerals and hormones is not one of them. These are compounds made of plant molecules. So, the molecules found in these oils are primarily sesqui- and mono-terpenes, along with their distilled oxygenated derivatives.

You get a portion of the benefits that these plants have to offer the human body. It has got nothing to do with hormones and minerals.

Myth 9: Becoming an essential oil expert isn’t too tough

It takes years of learning and unlearning to become a seasoned expert in essential oils. Moreover, there is a lot of fake news and false information in the market about these oils. So, it is hard to separate the facts from the wrong information. In fact, misinformation has even led to issues like injury, overdosing, and the likes.

Thus, you should only try to get the information from a licensed practitioner – and not your friend who might have recently started using essential oils!

Myth 10: Essential oils and herbs have the same effect

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Essential oils, as mentioned before, have highly concentrated dosage of plant essence. On the other hand, traditional herbs have only a fraction of those components. Thus, the herbs have a milder result compared to the essential oils, even though they can be derived from the same plant.

At the same time, certain molecules cannot be distilled and put in essential oils. They are only found in herbs. Therefore, both herbs and oils have their place in the world of wellness through natural means.

Stop believing in these myths from now on and enjoy the natural goodness of essential oils the right way. The benefits will be evident for you to see.

Radulovic Jovica
Radulovic Jovica

I started my career at websta.me following the completion of my studies in Agricultural Economics at the University of Belgrade. My fascination with this field arose from recognizing the pivotal role marketing plays in companies' business strategies.

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