Aromatherapy oils (sustainable choices and safety tips)

Lavender field, The Cotswolds, Sarah Frances

Aromatherapy is very popular for both beauty and medicinal purposes, but it’s not as sustainable as you may think for many cases. It’s really important to avoid certain oils (like rosewood from endangered trees). And it’s best to choose organic aromatherapy oils, sold in plastic-free bottles.

Essential oils are better than non-biodegrable fragrance oils for scents. But should only be used in proper dilutions (neat oils poured down sinks can harm aquatic life).

Aromatherapy oils sould be avoided for pregnancy/nursing and some medical conditions (like epilepsy and asthma). And not used on or around babies or pets (air rooms before letting them back in, and don’t use in the bedroom, if pets sleep on your bed or nearby). Cats especially can’t break essential oils down in their livers.

Issues with eucalyptus aromatherapy oil

Mint Sprinkle

We’ve all see the heartbreakg images of wildfires in recent years. Climate change is one reason. But another is mass planting of flammable eucalyptus trees, to make aromatherapy oil, Tencel (a fabric) and ‘biodegradable packaging’ for the coffee and chocolate industries.

In small amounts, it may be fine. But Spain and Portugal have now banned new plantations, due to concerns over monocultures causing wildfires.

In Australia, too much demand for aromatherapy oils can also cause huge harvesting with chainsaws, where profit overtakes concern for koalas and other native forest creatures.

If used, always choose organic eucalyptus oil, that has a guarantee of being sustainably harvested, with no harm to koala bears.

Safety tips when using aromatherapy oils

Natural does not always mean safe. If you use aromatherapy oils:

Dilute essential oils with carrier oils (avoid oils in baths).
Avoid use in cars (allergies, babies, pets). Use charcoal bags.
Avoid going out in the sun for 18 hours, after using photo-toxic oils (bergamot, grapefruit, orange, lemon) to avoid burns and blisters.
Use natural reed diffusers (if used, read candle safety tips).

Aromatherapy oils are used diluted with a carrier oil (like organic jojoba oil), always follow the instructions on the bottle.

Or add a few drops to a warm bath, and swish around, before a relaxing soak for 20 minutes or so. Avoid adding carrier oils to baths, to avoid slipping hazards. Good choices are: