Guest guest Posted November 3, 2003 Report Share Posted November 3, 2003 In a message dated 11/3/2003 1:11:43 PM Pacific Standard Time, hales writes: Hi.. I don't think I asked this question onn this list, but do you all have any ideas about a peppermint (family?) sensitivity? Anyone can have a sensitivity to an essential oil. They are extremely strong so side effects are not uncommon. Also, being exposed too much to one that is okay with you (especially when undiluted -- called "neat") can usually create a sensitivity that you will never be able to get rid of. While Peppermint is a more mellow essential oil, and I even take a drop in a glass of water internally, keep in mind all eos are strong to a certain point. For instance, you should never put peppermint eo around the nose of a child under 2, and in some cases they're sinus cavities have completely collapsed!! This from something as seemingly innocent as peppermint. << I had a skin problem, contact dermatitis, diagnosed by a doctor, and the problem improved when I stopped using a massage lotion with peppermint oil.>> Usually peppermint lotions are used on the foot, and using it too often in lotions/creams on other parts of the body can be too harsh. The percentage of the oil in the cream could have also been too high, creating a sensitivity as I mentioned above, although usually this developed sensitivity only occurs with using the eo "neat". <<Any ideas about de-sensitizing myself, and has anyone else had similar problems with essential oils? I really like basil, peppermint, and oregano, which I believe are all related herbs..>> Embarrasingly I am not sure if they are related They may well be. If they ARE, that would explain the problem as usually an allergy to one herb in a family predisposes you to allergies to the other herb in the family. Like if youre allergic to ragweed family, be cautious with chamomile, ect. As for desensitizing yourself, it depends. These are pure eos being used? Not fragrance oils? If the sensitization is caused by overuse or simply your own bodies special situation, then from what I have read and learned, it is not possible to be desensitized. While liver cleanses are a good idea for everyone, I dont see it clearing up the problem if it is a true sensitivity. Simply because everyones body is different. Some peoples bodies do not like something; I dont consider it something "wrong" with you, just a unique situation. Same with people who can eat a healthy veggie and get sick from it -- like me in Eggplant, leaves me nautious for days and even throwing up. And I don't believe allergies are always "caused". Like Michael Moore says, there's a small amt of people that would die of an allergic reaction from any food that most of the world can accept. It's just their bodies. They're liver may fail from that when scientifically it shouldn't, because it's their liver, the way their body works. Hope this helps at all Erin "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he didn't exist." - The Usual Suspects Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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