Frequently Asked Questions about Essential Oils

Yes, some essential oils can be ingested, but only by adults and on a suitable carrier (honey, neutral tablet, carrier oil). Never neat, never in water. Oral use is reserved for knowledgeable individuals or those guided by a professional. Many essential oils irritate the digestive mucous membranes.

Before age 3, only a few very gentle essential oils (true lavender, Roman chamomile) are accepted, in light diffusion or very diluted topical application. Between 3 and 7, the number of allowed essential oils increases but dosages remain low. From age 7, protocols approach adult levels with adjusted doses. Before 3 months, hydrosols are preferred.

Yes, many essential oils are toxic to cats (which cannot metabolize phenols) and potentially dangerous for dogs at high doses. Birds and rodents are also very sensitive. Avoid diffusion in the presence of animals and never apply essential oils on them without veterinary advice.

For a healthy adult, the general rule is not to exceed 6 to 8 drops per day of essential oils across all routes combined. Some gentle oils (lavender, tea tree) tolerate slightly more, while phenol-rich oils should stay below 2-3 drops. These figures vary depending on body weight and individual sensitivity.

In a tinted glass bottle (amber or blue), away from light and heat, tightly sealed. Most essential oils keep for 5 years, citrus oils rather 2-3 years. Carrier oils go rancid faster: store them in a cool place after opening. The scent and texture change when an oil has expired.

An essential oil is a concentrate of volatile aromatic molecules, extracted by distillation. It is not a fatty substance. A carrier oil is a fatty substance extracted from seeds or fruits (sweet almond, jojoba). The carrier oil serves as a base to dilute the essential oil before skin application.

Check for these details on the label: Latin name of the plant, producing organ, chemotype, batch number, geographic origin, and ideally the HECT or HEBBD label. A chromatogram being available is a very good sign. Be wary of essential oils all sold at the same price -- that often hides blending.

During the first 3 months of pregnancy, all essential oils are prohibited. After the 4th month, a few gentle oils are tolerated (true lavender, petitgrain bigarade, lemon in diffusion) at reduced doses. No oral use of essential oils throughout pregnancy. If in doubt, prefer hydrosols.

No, essential oils are not reimbursed by Social Security in France. They are not considered medications. Some supplementary insurance plans offer a 'complementary medicine' package that may cover aromatherapy consultations, but not the products themselves.

Citrus essential oils (lemon, orange) keep for 2 to 3 years. Wood and resin essential oils (frankincense, sandalwood) can last more than 10 years. The average is around 5 years. Keep your bottles sealed, away from light and heat. An essential oil that smells rancid or plasticky should be discarded.

Mix the essential oil in a carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, fractionated coconut). For an adult, use 3 to 5% for a local application, 1 to 2% for the face or sensitive areas. For children, halve the amount. Use the dilution calculator to get the exact number of drops.

Yes, it is even recommended. A blend (synergy) of 2 to 5 essential oils is often more effective than a single oil, because the molecules reinforce each other. Follow the compatibility rules and do not exceed the total recommended dose. Start with simple synergies before making them more complex.

Not necessarily in terms of chemical composition: a conventional essential oil of good quality can have a biochemical profile identical to an organic one. The advantage of organic is the absence of pesticide residues. For essential oils used orally or on the skin, organic is a plus.

Yes, some essential oils are used in cooking (lemon, basil, peppermint), but with extreme caution: a single drop is enough to flavor an entire dish. Always dilute the essential oil in a fatty substance (olive oil) or honey before incorporating it. Never heat an essential oil directly.

Opt for cold nebulization or ultrasonic diffusers: they do not heat the essential oil and preserve its properties. Avoid oil burners that degrade molecules at high temperature. Diffuse in 15 to 30-minute intervals, not continuously. Ventilate the room regularly.

Yes, like any active product. Certain molecules (linalool, limonene, geraniol, citral) are declared allergens under European regulations. Always perform a skin test on the inside of your elbow, 24 hours before first use. People with atopic conditions should be particularly careful.

No, essential oils are available without a prescription in France, in pharmacies, health stores, organic shops or online. No prescription is required. However, some highly toxic essential oils (sage, thuja, wormwood) are restricted to pharmacies.

Both labels guarantee the botanical and biochemical identification of the essential oil. HECT (Chemotyped Essential Oil) is a label popularized by Pranarom. HEBBD (Botanically and Biochemically Defined Essential Oil) is used by other laboratories. In practice, both offer an equivalent level of quality.