Are There Fda Approved Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts derived from the roots, leaves, stems, flowers, bark or other parts of plants. They contain the “essence” of the plant’s fragrance and provide the plant’s true aromatic qualities. Essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for their health, beauty, aromatic and spiritual benefits.

In recent years, essential oils have grown increasingly popular as people seek more natural remedies for common ailments. The global market for essential oils is expected to reach $15 billion by 2026, up from $6 billion in 2018, reflecting an annual growth rate of 8.5%. [1] This rise in popularity has led to debate around regulation of essential oils and concern over safe use.

While many tout the benefits of essential oils, questions remain about the approval and regulation processes. Some argue that more oversight is needed to ensure quality and safety, while others want to maintain minimal barriers for alternative therapies. This article will explore whether there are any FDA approved essential oils and provide guidance on safe usage.

Brief History of Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. The use of essential oils dates back to ancient China, India, Egypt and Rome where they were incorporated into daily life for wellness and religious purposes (https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oils-in-the-ancient-world-pt-i/). Many ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used essential oils for embalming the dead, beauty treatments, medicinal benefits and even traded them (https://nurselovesessentials.com/essential-journey-spotlight/).

In modern times, the popularity of essential oils saw a resurgence in the late 20th century as people began recognizing their health and wellness applications. The use of essential oils has grown rapidly over the past decade from a niche market into a multibillion-dollar global industry. Market research indicates sales of essential oils soared from $1.3 billion in 2013 to $4.4 billion in 2018. The industry is forecasted to grow to $15 billion by 2026 as essential oils continue gaining mainstream acceptance for their many beneficial uses.

Essential Oils Uses and Benefits

Essential oils have many uses and benefits in aromatherapy, for physical health, mental and emotional health, and household cleaning. Some key uses and benefits include:

Aromatherapy

Essential oils can be inhaled or applied on the skin for aromatherapy benefits. Popular essential oils for aromatherapy include lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint. When inhaled, essential oils interact with smell receptors in the nose that send signals to the brain’s limbic system, influencing moods, emotions, and behaviors (https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/essential-oils-benefits-and-uses-chart).

Physical Benefits

Many essential oils provide physical benefits when applied to the skin or taken orally. For example, peppermint oil relieves headaches, eucalyptus oil clears congestion, and lavender oil aids with burns and cuts. Essential oils containing menthol, citrus, cinnamon, and thyme have antibacterial properties against skin infections (https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oil-uses-benefits/).

Mental/Emotional Benefits

Inhaling essential oils affects the brain and can promote relaxation, improve mood, and relieve anxiety and stress. Lavender, bergamot, chamomile, ylang ylang, and rose are especially helpful for reducing anxiety, depression, and stress (https://draxe.com/essential-oils/essential-oil-uses-benefits/).

Household/Cleaning

Due to their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, many essential oils can be used for natural cleaning and disinfecting. Popular choices are lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and orange. A few drops added to DIY cleaners provide pleasant natural scents and extra cleaning power.

Essential Oils Risks and Dangers

While essential oils can provide many benefits when used properly, they also carry some risks. One of the biggest risks associated with essential oils is ingesting them. According to https://wellnessmama.com/remedies/essential-oils-risks/, ingesting essential oils can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Some oils like wintergreen are toxic if swallowed. Accidental ingestion by children is also a major concern with essential oils.

Essential oils applied to the skin can also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Oils like cinnamon, clove, lemon and lemongrass are more prone to causing skin irritation. It’s important to dilute essential oils properly before applying them to skin. Using a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or almond oil can help prevent irritation. It’s also wise to do a patch test on a small area of skin first before wider application according to https://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/essential-oils-can-be-dangerous/.

To use essential oils safely, follow usage guidelines and dilute with a carrier oil as recommended. Keep oils out of reach of children and pets. Conduct a skin patch test before wider use. Avoid ingesting oils. Be wary of using oils neat or undiluted on skin. And consult your doctor if you have specific health conditions or concerns.

Regulation of Essential Oils

The current FDA stance is that essential oils are not approved or regulated by the agency. The FDA does not require testing, review safety data, or regulate labels for essential oils¹. Essential oils are treated like other cosmetics ingredients, which generally don’t undergo FDA premarket approval².

However, there have been calls for more FDA oversight and regulation of the essential oils industry. Some argue that increased regulation is needed to ensure safety and prevent misleading claims on labels³. The industry has resisted greater regulation, claiming their products are safe if used properly.

In contrast, essential oils face stricter regulation in the EU and Canada. The EU requires companies to submit safety data and regulates allowable ingredients and claims. Canada requires registration and labeling review for all natural health products including essential oils³.

Specific FDA Approved Oils

While essential oils themselves are not approved by the FDA, there are some specific uses of certain essential oils that have received FDA approval:

– Peppermint oil is approved as an active ingredient for over-the-counter use in products for temporary relief of itching associated with hemorrhoids [1].

– Wintergreen oil is approved as an external analgesic for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints [2].

– Tea tree oil is approved as an active ingredient for over-the-counter topical antiseptic use [3].

– Lavender and roman chamomile oils are approved for inclusion in over-the-counter drug products for aromatherapy [4].

So while the FDA has approved some specific uses of certain essential oils, the oils themselves are not “FDA approved.” The key context is that essential oils are regulated by the FDA differently depending on their intended use, such as in drugs, cosmetics, or food.

Best Practices for Safe Use

When using essential oils, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure safety. Here are some key guidelines:

Follow dosage guidelines – Essential oils are highly concentrated, so it’s crucial to follow recommended dosages. Going overboard with oils can result in skin irritation, nausea, and other side effects. Refer to safety guidelines on oil bottles and from reputable sources.

Do skin test for new oils – Before using a new essential oil, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reaction. Oils that are generally safe for some individuals may cause irritation in others.

Source from reputable companies – Not all essential oils are created equal. Source oils only from trusted suppliers that follow safety and purity standards. Reputable brands will often provide guidance on safe usage.

By carefully following dosage guidelines, testing new oils, and choosing quality sources, you can safely unlock the wellness benefits of essential oils.

Using Oils Responsibly

When using essential oils, it’s important to do so responsibly. Some key tips include:

Consult with your doctor if you have any health conditions. While essential oils can complement treatment, they should not replace medicine prescribed by a doctor. Pregnant women in particular should ask their doctor before using oils, as some are not considered safe during pregnancy.

Carefully monitor children’s use of essential oils. Consult pediatric guidance and use kid-safe application methods. The FDA does not recommend children under 12 use certain oils like peppermint topically.

While oils can supplement wellness routines, remember they are not a cure-all. It’s best to use them as an addition to, not a replacement for, conventional medicine.

Follow all usage guidelines from trusted brands or organizations. Only use therapeutic grade, 100% pure essential oils and properly dilute them before applying to skin.

Reporting any adverse reactions to the FDA helps regulate oil safety. Responsible reporting contributes to ongoing research about essential oil uses and risks.

When used attentively and cautiously, essential oils can be integrated into self-care routines. However, work closely with your medical providers and carefully follow usage directions for a safe, responsible experience.

The Future of Essential Oils

The essential oils market is projected to continue growing at a robust pace in the coming years. According to Grand View Research, the global essential oils market size was valued at USD 13.19 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% from 2022 to 2030. Driving this growth are increasing demand for natural and organic products, growing consumer interest in aromatherapy, and essential oils’ use in a variety of industries.

With the essential oils market rapidly expanding, there is increased possibility of more regulation from bodies like the FDA to ensure safety and standardization. The FDA already provides some guidance on using essential oils safely, but does not officially approve or regulate essential oils. However, if misuse and adverse reactions rise, the FDA may consider stepping in with more oversight and regulations for essential oils labeling, testing, and sales. This could impact the essential oils market by requiring more rigorous testing and compliance for companies.

Research into essential oils is also continuing to develop. According to research by Allied Market Research published in late 2022, over 800 studies investigating essential oils were conducted between 2015-2022. This growing body of research is revealing more about essential oils’ composition, effects, and potential therapeutic benefits. More high-quality clinical trials are needed, but increased research could lead to more standardized production, testing, and prescribing of essential oils as part of integrative medicine in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, essential oils provide a multitude of benefits but also carry risks if used improperly or without care. We explored how essential oils work and their many uses, from mental and physical wellness to home cleaning. However, essential oils can cause harm if misused or applied undiluted. It’s important to only purchase high quality oils from reputable companies. Do your own careful research to find safe oils that serve your intended purpose.

When using essential oils, follow usage guidelines and perform a skin patch test to check for allergic reactions. Consult your doctor before using if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, as oils can interact with treatment. Start with low dilutions and watch for any discomfort. Store oils properly and keep away from children and pets.

Overall the responsible, informed use of essential oils allows you to harness their benefits safely. But always exercise caution. As more clinical research emerges, we will continue clarifying ideal essential oil applications to promote health.