Dangers of Essential Oils: Top 10 Essential Oil Mistakes to Avoid | Dr. Josh Axe

Essential oils have been shown in studies to have very few negative side effects or risks when they are used as directed. But given how popular essential oils have become in recent years, and how many different brands of oils are now available, it’s not surprising that there’s some growing concerns regarding essential oil safety.

On this episode of Ancient Medicine Today, I'm talking about the top 10 mistakes people make with essential oils as well as internal use, topical use, and aromatic use.
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Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist with a passion to help people eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.
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This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Josh Axe and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

[enbonzakura]

Lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and lemon are all my favorites. Lavender just calms me down. Mint is for when I want to stay awake. Eucalyptus is for when I'm tired. Lemon is for when I'm feeling good. :)

[waynemason]

Please can you start adding subtitles for the deaf community.

[blondierubio]

Dr.Axe, THANKS a million for warning us about how to properly use the oils on ourselves and children. Very thoughtful of you.

[elizabethtrihub]

So well versed!! I love the way you don't skip a beat, you don't studder and you don't say "uumm". at all during your video. You kept me interested till the end. TY!!!

[mariahasakioili]

Being a certified aromatherapist, I advice/inform my clients on all the issues mentioned in the video as well. Glad to see that someone is giving such excellent information to those who are not trained or educated on essential oils, since they are not so “innocent”, “harmless” or “safe” as everyone thinks they are!! Yes, they are very interesting and could help people in several ailments, but...Many of those have serious contradictions and should be used in low quantities or not at all! Regarding pregnancy: it is adviced during the first trimester that pregnant women should avoid using ANY essential oil at all. After the first trimester only two or three essential oils could be used, and they should definitely be diluted in a carrier oil. Kudos for this video!!

[DrJanTaplin]

Glad that you are no longer promoting one of the MLM brands of oils. Many of them promote things that are not correct, like you mentioned...ingesting certain oils. Thanks for stepping up your game!!

[reginaeiland]

Thanks so much. I clicked on this skeptically, thinking you were going to be against what's natural, but you really taught me something, and it makes perfect sense!!

[JassminaVellucci]

I’v been using essential oils for several years. In my oil burner, hair and skin. I learned about the oils, how to use and their benefits. People need to learn about essential oils, and how to use them, which oils are good for what.

[myozbubble]

Getting a certification or training on aromatherapy is a great idea. And, it needs to come from an institute that is NOT affiliated with a direct sales or MLM business. In fact, training out of Great Britain is the Yale school of aromatherapy.

[TheLifeOnHigh]

Never knew essential oils had so much complexity. Thanks for the education Doc.

[michaelahambrock]

Use them in moderation and safely. We use them with some things like sore muscles, sinus congestion, or just for their therapeutic properties. Just went through an essential oil course, I enjoy learning about them.

[RheRheSmily]

Lavender oil under the pillow.
Jasmine oil in my candle burner.
Tea tree oil in my shampoo.

[theresecrouch]

Thankyou dr axe, im a professional housekeeper. ..i use no chemicals, but essential oils in all my cleaning. ..i change them according to my clients needs...our favorites are, rosemary, orange, pine, peppermint and lavender. ..i have made a cream that i use on my face with coconut oil as carrier and few drops of frankincense and mhyrr. ..love it...at night i diffuse grapefruit or peppermint and orange as these are my hubby's favorites

[remedymeHOUSEdoctor]

Great overview... One of my favorite oils is Thyme oil which shown selective toxicity, meaning it targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Powerful 🔥

[chefsabbaa]

I am an avid user of oils and diffusing so I was happy to see some honest information on the topic.
As a Chef it is imperative to spread positive but also truthful information about foods, chemicals, and tools we use and share with others.

[margiefua-paraz]

Thank you so much for the educational insight on essential oils. It never crossed my mind that it could effect little children and pregnant women in so many ways. I live in Hawaii and we normally use oils on skin for the sun and for stretch marks on belly. Thanks again Mahalo :)

[beebumble]

Rosemary, clove, peppermint, tea tree, lemon, my favorites. I use clove oil for tooth ache and/or gum issues.

[sarahferguson]

I agree with all of these points. However, I think all oils should be diluted unless it’s a rare, aggressive short-term treatment. I also think internal use can be dangerous unless you are under the care of a certified aromatherapist. But, your video is definitely a step in the right direction.

[valerievelarde]

I've heard of people who've lost their sense of smell getting it back after using peppermint oil 😍 My brother lost his sense of smell, I sent him some, but I have to keep on him 🙏 praying..

[freshbrewedasmr]

I use a lavender and chamomile pillow mist. It’s super relaxing!