This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Lis-Balchin, M. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Possible health and safety problems in the use of novel plant essential oils and extracts in aromatherapy

South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 OAA

Aromatherapy is a branch of complementary or alternative therapy which is increasing in popularity, yet has scant scientific credibility. Aromatherapy should be defined as treatment using odours and practised as such. However, essential oils are usually used in conjunction with massage and often combined with counselling of some kind. The use of most commonly-used essential oils in massage is seldom dangerous, as they have low systemic toxicity, especially when used at 2% dilution (provided they are not adulterated); however, their safety during pregnancy, childbirth and babies has not been clearly demonstrated. Sensitisation, however, is a growing concern. Some aromatherapists are now introducing novel plant essential oils, extracts and phytols into their massage routine, many of which have no odour and are potentially toxic. The possible dangers of these plant products are therefore discussed using specific examples.

Key Words: Aromatherapy • essential oils • novel plant extracts • herbal extracts • phytols • safety problems

The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, Vol. 119, No. 4, 240-243 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/146642409911900407


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?