Guest guest Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 Hi y'all, Somebody asked on another list: > Why are some oils safe for the skin and some not? Does this mean > that it is not safe directly on the skin? And if some are not safe > on the skin, if it was diluted by lotions, wouldn't then be safe? The reason is that some chemicals are known irritants and/or known sensitizers .. others can cause photo sensitization .. others can absorb with frequent use and eventually build up a level of toxicity that can stress or damage the liver. Not a lot different than asking why we can rub Rose Petals on our skin with no problem but Poison Ivy is a no-no. Much like " a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, " dilution cuts back on the harshness of chemicals .. not a lot different than drinking straight bourbon .. few folks can do that .. most prefer it mixed, or diluted. A matter of reducing concentration and harshness. The final result of dilution of essential oils is less likelihood of irritation and/or sensitization. Though it's important to avoid irritation, it's more important to avoid avoid sensitization as irritation is a temporary condition - remove the irritant and things go back to normal .. not so for sensitization, it's for life! Many essential oils have been tested and a safe level of dilution is known for them. There is ONE reference publication available that presents the data on this testing .. " Plant Aromatics. " This is a compilation of data researched over many years by Martin Watt, Cert. Phyt. Medical Herbalist & Essential Oil Educator. The primary source of this research was the R.I.F.M. (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and their sister organization the I.F.R.A. (International Fragrance Research Association). These organizations collect safety data on essential oils in a number of ways: they gather scientific information and assess it, member companies report adverse reactions to materials to them, and if necessary, they in turn circulate warning notices to member companies. Finally, they have commissioned significant research evaluations for well over 30 years, and have published their findings on essential oil safety in the journal- Food and Chemicals Toxicity. So - you have a choice of going to the library and researching the back issues of Food and Chemicals Toxicity for the past 30 plus years, or if you are short on time, acquiring the following reference set ... ;-p Plant Aromatics is the Safety Manual on scientifically proven safe dilution for dermal application of essential oils. The old edition sold for $75 .. I've published the new, revised edition and offer it for $43.90. The revised edition came out in November 2001 and is now in the Third Printing. I am exclusive dealer for North and South America. You can review and/or order the Plant Aromatics Safety Manual at URL http://www.av-at.com/plantaromaticsavnp.html " Plant Aromatics " , New Edition 2001, includes (in one bound copy): Skin Irritation Sensitization Photo sensitization Oral & Dermal Toxicity It goes into: Reactions to Individual Chemicals Testing for Adverse Effects Skin Absorption Oils Not Recommended Absolute and Concrete Extracts Maximum Levels of Oils in Perfumes/Cosmetics Toxicity Levels Referenced Adverse Effects on the Skin And many more subjects Why does one need Plant Aromatics? I can think of three reasons. 1. Ethics and Personal Safety: Why should we use an EO in a dilution that is larger than that which has been tested as being safe? We have responsibility to ensure those who use our products - as well as our selves, are not injured. 2. Legal Liability: When we sell a product, we are considered as being professionals .. like it or not, we then become liable for any harm we might cause. Ignorance is no excuse for amateurs, much less an excuse for professionals. Will use of this safety data get you off the hook if you are hauled into court for a lawsuit? I don't know - but if one can quote solid safety data rather than standing there with their ignorance hanging out I would think they would be in a better position to show they took reasonable and prudent care to do the right thing, they made informed decisions using solid information, and they were concerned about ensuring no harm was done. Intent can mean much and a good defense can not hurt - methinks. 3. Professional Development and Knowledge: This cottage industry of AT thrives on a good deal of rumor ... data contained in many of the novels out and about are unreferenced tales passed from previously unreferenced novels - " Plant Aromatics " is more than rumor and is quotable as being scientifically sound. The date/time/who did the tests are referenced. I'll stray from the subject for a minute. There is another reference set I sell .. that is, keeping them in stock myself .. these two references are considered to be the Foundation Documents we need if we don't have anything else. One is " Plant Aromatics " and the other is: Sylla Shepherd-Hanger's " Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual " in two volumes. This is for the novice and the expert as it tells you all you need to know about each essential oil property ... each one is broken out into headings like these twelve - in columns: Botanical/Common Name - Plant Part - Family - Origin - Distill Method Specific Biochemicals Traditional & Esoteric Uses Integumentary, Skin/Hair and Nails Respiratory Muscular & Skeletal Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Immune Digestive Endocrine Genito-Urinary and Reproductive Nervous/Brain/Mind Safety Data It's a VERY handy reference set and I use mine daily - keep them beside my desk. It's not cheap but if one considers the information in it and compares that information to a stack of the unreferenced novels out and about - we will find it far less costly and far more valuable. You can review and/or order it at http://www.AV-AT.com/manual01.html Now back to the subject of this post - Plant Aromatics: Whereas Sylla's reference set deals with therapeutic and esoteric use of EOs, " Plant Aromatics " deals with Toxicity, Irritation, Sensitization, Photo Sensitization and other Safety Data .. and includes scientific references for the charts where percentages of dilution for various oils have been safety tested. This is a must for folks dealing with EOs that will be placed on skin, and this includes massage, perfume, cosmetics, soap or whatever. So .. there it is. If you want a copy just lemme know. If you are an established AVNP customer, I have your address and CC information .. if not, you should be ;-) We can make the transaction work even faster and smoother if you use my Secure Server for Credit Card information https://ladon.safe-order.net/av-at/securepay.shtml .. no Amer Express. We also take Pay Pal, Checks, Money Orders. first born younguns if they are house broken and bird dawg pups if they are AKC registered. Y'all keep smiling. Butch :-) http://www.AV-AT.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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