Questions and answers about essential oils

Common misconceptions about essential oils

The Basics

1. What are essential oils?
2. What makes the oils “essential”?
3. Are essential oils 100 percent natural?
4. How are essential oils obtained from plants?
5. How are essential oils regulated in the United States?
6. Historically, how were essential oils (or plant-based scents) used?
7. Who uses essential oils today, and how common is essential oil usage?
8. How are essential oils used in religious practice?

Uses and Benefits of Essential Oils

9. What does scientific research tell us about essential oils?
10. How is the research limited in what it can tell us about essential oils and their possible benefits?
11. Do essential oils have medicinal properties?
12. Should I believe claims that essential oils can cure diseases?
13. Should I use essential oils instead of prescribed medications?
14. What is an antimicrobial essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
15. What is an antibacterial essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
16. What is an antifungal essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
17. What is an antioxidant essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
18. What is an astringent essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
19. What is a febrifuge essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
20. Which essential oils are good for wound care?
21. What is a cephalic essential oil, and which essential oils have this property?
22. What other properties are attributed to essential oils, and is there science to back up these claims?

Buying Essential Oils

23. How are essential oils sold?
24. What is a “therapeutic grade” or a “food grade” essential oil?
25. What is a multilevel marketing company, and should I buy essential oils from one?
26. How do I know if the essential oil I’m buying is 100 percent pure?
27. How do I know if an essential oil is organic?
28. What are essential oil blends, and are they more effective than single oils?
29. Why are some essential oils very expensive, while others are lower cost?
30. How is the marketing of essential oils changing, and what will this mean for consumers?

Home Use

31. What are carrier oils, and why should I use them?
32. What are the different ways that essential oils can be used at home, and are certain methods better than others?
33. Can essential oils be taken internally?
34. What is the best way to store essential oils, and can they go bad or lose their potency?
35. What precautions should people take when using essential oils?
36. How long does it take for an essential oil to work?

Essential Oils in Everyday Products

37. How are essential oils used in food?
38. How are essential oils used in cosmetics?
39. How are essential oils used in scented products like air fresheners?
40. How are essential oils used in skin care products?
41. How are essential oils used in hair care products?
42. How are essential oils used in medicine?
43. What new uses for essential oils are on the horizon?

Potential Hazards and Side Effects

44. Are some essential oils toxic?
45. How can essential oils affect hormones?
46. Can essential oils be used with children?
47. Can essential oils be used with pets?
48. What should pregnant women know about using essential oils?
49. Can people be allergic to essential oils?
50. How much usage of an essential oil is too much?