Use of Essential Oils in Yoga – Risks

A few months ago, I wrote an article on use of essential oils within yoga industry. My concern was the lack of knowledge within the yoga community and a wide-spread use of essential oils in classes without clear explanation of the risks and contraindications.

I have since been made aware of more and an increasing number of yoga teachers dipping in the “essential oils” industry and introducing essential oils in their classes because the teachers themselves experienced the benefits and have found the particular essential oil helping them. Whilst that may be true, not every person and student may experience the same effect, and caution should be exercised in particular if a student is suffering from certain medical conditions.

As a mother, a pregnancy yoga teacher and someone who already suffers from epilepsy and migraines, I am fully aware of risks of using certain essential oils. However, I am also aware that many people are aware of the benefits of essential oils and not the risks associated with their use. Essential oils can be widely misused and the wider unregulated distribution can result in misrepresentation.  

DoTerra International is one of the companies that is widely used by many wellness practitioners including yoga teachers, because “they are the best” as claimed by many. In 2014, DoTerra received a warning letter by the US Food and Drug Administration for claiming their oils were “therapeutic” and used to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease amongst others endometriosis, cancer, tumour, ADHD and autism. Although the company itself did not make such claims, they were made by their paid consultant or “wellness advocate” who promoted their oils and were not medical professionals. As the regulation into essential oils is confusing, this isn’t surprising. The company has since rectified their claims and included an approved claims list on their website. 

However, as the use and sale of the oils is often done by professionals who don’t have relevant medical and/or health training (it is possible to do an online training on essential oils for as little as £20, and some online courses are free!!!), it is important to be vigilant. [1]I know that essential oils have many benefits, if used correctly, but I also know that some essential oils can cause skin irritation and burns many others can be poisonous if swallowed (Camphor causes seizures when swallowed and can cause poisoning when applied topically to children!). So, they are not exactly harmless!

It is absolutely essential to keep all the essential oils, away from children. Essential oils should be treated exactly like medication. You should also be aware that certain essential oils can be contraindicative to the medication that you are using.

As for yoga teachers and practitioners, you should do your own research and detailed essential oil training before you freely offer “calming essential oils” during Savasana or decide to use an oil on your student’s skin to enhance body stretching or meditation. And please offer full explanation and contraindications applicable to your essential oils, so that it remains fully student’s choice whether to accept it or not.

If you are interested to know more, please read the full research report provided to me by the Consumer Advocate in the US who have themselves done a very detailed research into the use and misuse of essential oils. Although it covers US only, it is a very insightful report and mentions companies and oils that are available widely within the UK and Europe. The report is published here with their full knowledge and support:  https://www.consumersadvocate.org/essential-oils

PREGNANCY STUDENTS, please be aware of the following extract on risks and contraindications:

“While there’s relatively little conclusive evidence, most experts recommend that pregnant women avoid using essential oils during the first trimester.

Once that crucial period has ended, many pregnant women can indeed benefit from aromatherapy or massage using diluted essential oils like lavender and ylang-ylang, which can help to alleviate nausea and anxiety.

It’s important to remember that these should never be ingested, especially by pregnant women or children.  

However, not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy or even while breastfeeding. The National Associate of Holistic Aromatherapists recommend that pregnant women stay away from the following oils:

Clary sage, in particular, has been rumored to cause contractions, and a pilot study was conducted showing some potential for clary sage to increase oxytocin, which in turn has the potential to induce contractions.

The study was inconclusive, however, and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists indicates that there have been no recorded cases of miscarriage or birth defect resulting from therapeutic uses of these oils.

Having said that, most aromatherapists still consider it safer to avoid the use of clary sage until it’s time for delivery.

There’s another reason for caution. The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists’ guidelines for pregnancy, urge caution when using essential oils on pregnant women as “the quality of many essential oils provided to clients or therapists are doubtful.”

Many aromatherapists’ associations also advise against the use of oils containing phenols, a naturally occurring chemical compound that can serve to fight infections but can also be highly irritant to sensitive skin. These oils include: oregano, thyme, clove, cinnamon, cumin, aniseed, fennel, anise star, sweet birch, and wintergreen.”

“A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that smelling orange essential oil could reduce anxiety during labor.

As with everything else, it’s important to check with your midwife and/or doctor before using any type of supplement, including essential oil. Because the quality of the oils cannot be guaranteed, it’s also important to use high-quality oils that have been tested and were found free from adulterations.”

Conclusion and Further Information:

The Consumer Advocate also did a study on which oils were 100% pure and free from adulterations (chemical mixing and dilution process), and it’s worth reading the report to understand the process and find out if your oil may be subject to the same process. https://www.consumersadvocate.org/essential-oils

I will carry on to politely decline the offer of certain oil being dabbed on me where my permission is asked in a yoga class. But will also politely leave the class, where oil is used without full explanation and my permission. Whether you are a yoga teacher, a yoga studio owner or just a yoga practitioner and a lover of essential oils, make sure that you are aware of what you are taking and be fully informed. As with anything, essential oils are very beneficial but aren’t exactly risk-free.

[1] For training on use of essential oils in the UK, please visit https://www.aromatherapycouncil.org.uk/standards