Separating Science From Fiction — Myth and Facts of Essential Oil

In recent years, the popularity of  essential oils has soared, captivating the senses and intriguing the curious minds seeking natural remedies and holistic well-being. These potent aromatic extracts derived from plants have a rich history dating back centuries, used for various purposes ranging from relaxation and mood enhancement to skincare and aromatherapy. However, amidst the buzz and enthusiasm surrounding essential oils, it is crucial to navigate through the maze of myths and separate fact from fiction. This article aims to demystify the world of essential oils, shedding light on common misconceptions and providing a balanced perspective rooted in scientific evidence. While essential oils undoubtedly possess unique qualities and therapeutic potential, it is essential to approach their usage with clarity and informed decision-making.

Myth #1: Essential oils are overhyped without cause.

FACT: This is completely false because there are many fantastic advantages to using essential oils. If you want to  research this idea further, you can Google and discover that there is a tonne of scientific evidence supporting it. Online skeptics have asserted that essential oils are fake and nothing more than a placebo effect. But it is wholly inaccurate, and numerous studies have demonstrated the various advantages of using essential oils. It's also given that your essential oil needs to be pure and of exceptional quality if you want to be sure you get fantastic results from it.

Myth #2: Pure essential oils never lose their potency and can last a lifetime.

FACT: This is a misconception because, despite the exceptional purity of the essential oil, it cannot last indefinitely. No matter how pure or wonderful the oil may be, oxidation reactions will cause it to eventually go rancid. Essential oils have a shelf life of one to six years, depending on many circumstances including their exposure to light, air, or heat. Therefore, it is usually preferable to finish using up your essential oils before they start to go bad.

Myth #3: 'Therapeutic grade' essential oils should always be used

FACT: The fact that there is no governmental or certifying authority that rates or certifies essential oils as such means that this is undoubtedly untrue. The purpose of labelling essential oils as "therapeutic grade" is often to draw attention to the product or to increase consumer appeal. If the essential oil is designated as therapeutic grade, it is based on internal standards established by the company itself and may or may not have been subject to quality control inspection by a third party. The key takeaway from this is that when purchasing essential oils, it's crucial to look behind the label that says "therapeutic grade." Keep in mind that there is no international consensus on what qualifies as "therapeutic," so you must be careful when making a purchase.

Myth #4: If using an essential oil causes a rash or redness on your skin, your skin or body is detoxifying.

FACT: Without a doubt! In this instance, the exact reverse is true. One of the truths about essential oils is that if using them causes a rash or redness on your skin, the oil is not right for your skin type. It is never a good thing when an essential oil irritates your skin or body, and it never indicates that your body or skin is detoxing. Actually, if you feel irritation, the essential oil is reacting negatively, and you must stop using it right away. In this situation, you can also attempt further dilution of the oil to see if the irritation still exists. The essential oil must also always be tested on a small area of skin before use.

Myth #5: The chemistry of the mixture changes depending on the order in which you add the essential oils.

FACT: This is another myth that is widely held among people who use essential oils. It's simply not true, though. It shouldn't matter how you combine the oils as long as you use the exact same ratio; this applies to both their chemical composition and other characteristics like scent and therapeutic benefits. Simply told, as long as you keep the proportions of the essential oils the same each time you mix them, it doesn't matter what sequence you combine them in. Therefore, if you maintain the same compositions, the outcomes will also stay the same.

Myth #6: Pure essential oils can be consumed as well as utilised without dilution.

FACT: This is undoubtedly untrue because essential oils should never be used undiluted due to their extreme concentration. Since they have not been tampered with or blended with any other oils, essential oils, in particular, are much more concentrated. One essential oil fact is that you should always dilute it with a carrier oil or other similar product before using it because doing so can be dangerous. A little goes a long way because they are so concentrated. The consumption of the essential oils is also untrue.

Myth #7: Essential oils that are real and pure don't freeze.

FACT: Again, this is false. If the temperatures are low enough, even authentic and pure essential oils will freeze like any other liquid. The ability of an essential oil to freeze cannot be used to assess its quality or purity because pure essential oils are known to freeze as well.You must wait for your oil to naturally defrost if it freezes before using it.

Myth #8: The usage of essential oils is safe for those who are expecting or nursing.

FACT: This is another one of the fallacies that people tend to believe. When used properly, most oils, including essential oils, are actually safe to be used by pregnant or nursing women. Essential oils should be kept out of reach of newborns, young children, and animals as well.

Myth #9: If you don't like the way an oil smells, your body still requires it.

FACT: This is one of the myths that people believe the most, believe it or not. And the facts of essential oils show us the exact opposite. While it's true that some essential oils take some getting used to before you start to enjoy the way they smell, it's entirely untrue to say that your body needs that oil if you don't. Actually, you should refrain from utilising such oil in such a situation.

Myth #10: The body will respond in the same way to both the essential oil and the herb from which it is derived.

FACT: This isn't always the case, though, as just a small portion of a plant's overall chemistry is made up of its essential oils. Additionally, the plant or herb actually has more molecules than the essential oil does. Even if essential oils are very helpful, this does not imply that they can treat the same disease or symptom as the corresponding botanical.