Why Essential Oils Are Less Allergenic Than Herbs

Non-Allergenic (or much, much, MUCH LESS allergenic)

In the world of plant-based medicine, distillation is the process of extracting beneficial compounds out from plant matter. Whenever you consume a whole herb, your body becomes the “distiller,” extracting not only essential oils but also the much larger (allergenic) molecules such as enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and proteins.

These molecules are 100-1000 times larger than those of essential oils, and except on rare occasion and in trace amounts, never make it through the distillation process and into essential oils.

For that reason, herbs are more allergenic than essential oils, which do not carry the protein and polyphenol molecules typically responsible for allergic reactions.

In fact, many with allergies to herbs can handle the “essence” —i.e. essential oil — from that herb without a hitch.

As you begin playing with essential oils, it always good to begin with low, diluted doses until you discover just how much you like.

I tend to go hard or go home, so I’ve had moments like the time I put a wee bit too much cinnamon oil in the carrier for my face, and enjoyed a bright, red, hot complexion for about 3-4 minutes.

It wasn’t horrible and my husband sure found it funny, but at least I never forgot that lesson learned, and now I know to be more careful with “hot” oils like cinnamon, clove and oregano. By the way, I can’t think of any reason why cinnamon should be used on the face. Ah well. We all start out a novice…

So go easy, start low and increase slowly, and if you have a skin irritation, add some carrier oil for dilution. Yes, even if you only add the carrier after you are feeling an irritation it will alleviate the discomfort.

(I’ve seen this with children as well…who should not have had their adorable little paws in the oils cupboard to begin with…but if it happens…fear not. Add coconut oil or even milk and the fat will bind with the oil and pull it out. For this reason, don’t use water which will shove it in deeper.)

The Allergy/Detox Debate

THAT SAID…while many people will never experience a negative reaction from essential oils, some do.

There is disagreement in the scientific community as to whether literal “allergic” reactions to essential oils are even possible. Some say they’re not but must have some other explanation because the molecules typically associated with allergies are not present in the oil.

One popular claim is that a reaction is a sign that the oil has triggered detoxification through the skin. Others argue that proteins in the person’s skin can react with components of the oil, and in that way cause an allergy-like response, but not a true allergic reaction.

Whatever the explanation, most of the detox camp says to cover the affected area in carrier oil such as coconut, almond or even olive oil…drink plenty of water to facilitate elimination of toxins…try using the oil internally instead (if applicable), and back off topical application of the oil for a while.

The allergy camp also says to cover the area in carrier and back off the oil.

So there we can agree: cover the affected area with a pure carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil, and back off that particular EO. There is likely another essential oil with similar or the same benefits that will work better for you!

All camps agree that it is wise to begin with low, diluted doses, especially if you have sensitive skin. This will give you a chance to gauge the right number of drops and the best dilution for you.

Anytime you experience a rash or other reaction, temporarily or permanently stop using that oil.

The Good News: EOs are Non-Toxic

Essential oils are powerful and should be treated with respect, but so long as the essential oils you purchase are — not just labeled, but tested and proven to be pure — your essential oils will be safe, clean and non-toxic to your body.

Iatrogenic: Due to the activity of a physician or therapy. For example, an iatrogenic illness is an illness that is caused by a medication or physician.

A reported estimate of 250,000 people die every year in America as a direct result of prescription drugs or “iatrogenic” causes. That’s an average of ~4,800 Americans every single week—a true epidemic! Besides that, on a regular basis most of us eat, drink, breathe and slather things on ourselves that are filled with toxic, disease-causing ingredients without batting an eye.

These should be much more cause for concern!

I have heard of occasions where a person has an immediate and temporary reaction to an oil…not exclusively, but most often because the oil was cheap or fraudulent…containing fillers or residues of toxins such as pesticides or harmful solvents.

I have never heard nor do I know of any record of an essential oil causing toxicity, illness, or death.  

So please: take your time. Make sure you purchase your plant-based medicine from a trusted source.

I use, recommend, and sell doTERRA.

Enjoy huge savings by starting with a FREE MEMBERSHIP and deeply discounted Enrollment Kit. Feel free to reach out to me personally for guidance selecting your first oils! Easiest way to catch me is on Instagram or Facebook.

Then, start low and go slow. It’ll be so worth it to replace those unnatural, harmful substances and discover the oils that make your cells sing!