Are Oil Diffusers Healthy?

Topical Use Versus Ingestion

In terms of topical use versus ingestion, patients hoping to use essential oils need to consider the appropriate application method for each particular type of oil. Prior to topical use, patients should perform a skin patch test to check for any irritation that might develop. The skin patch test is carried out by cleaning the inside of the forearm with soap and water. Next, the essential oil should be applied to the area in a quantity that moistens the site without saturating it. The application site should be covered with sterile gauze, and this needs to be left in place for twenty-four hours. After that time, the gauze can be removed, and the site should be inspected for any redness, skin peeling, or other signs of irritation.

If the patient experiences a burning sensation or itchiness during the twenty-four-hour patch test, the gauze should be removed immediately, and the application site should be washed with a base oil or full-fat milk to promote fast recovery. Aromatherapists advise against topical application of oils containing cinnamon, cloves, or lemongrass, as these are associated with skin irritation for many individuals. In terms of oral use (ingestion), only a few essential oils can be safely used in this manner, and clinicians recommend that patients avoid ingesting essential oils unless they are doing so with the guidance of a registered aromatherapist or physician. Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are associated with high rates of poisoning when ingested.