Gladly Answering Questions About Essential Oils

By Caryn Gehlmann

My monthly “Just for the Smell of It” column gives me the chance to share with you fascinating news and tips in relation to our sense of smell. I love that our e3 community knows we’re available to provide trustworthy answers to questions about essential oils and their safe usage. So this year, I also want to use this column to share with you some of our responses to questions we get.

Our customers know they can count on e3’s clinical aromatherapists to provide well-thought-out answers and up-to-date research on their questions about essential oils. It’s a good reminder, that just because people distribute essential oils and have the best of intentions, doesn’t necessarily make them the best resource when you have health and safety issues you want to address.

This month’s question: I am pregnant. Can I continue to use Eucalyptus Citriodora undiluted topically on a spot rash that’s provided relief in the past?

There is no research to indicate contraindications. One of the first things we recommend to help you tune into and “listen to your body” is to smell the essential oil. How do you respond? Does it smell pleasant, or now that you’re pregnant and your sense of smell has changed, is it now offensive? Our bodies are designed to protect us, so if the smell is offensive that’s a good indicator that you shouldn’t use it. The other thing we would recommend is to dilute with a carrier oil or lotion/cream for topical application. Dilution is almost always the safer option and it still promotes effective results.

Read more about Eucalyptus Citriodora versus other types of Eucalyptus to find the best one for your needs. Read e3’s Dilution Guidelines to learn about how dilution minimizes the risks while enhancing the effectiveness of essential oils.

Now on to aromatherapy news that’s very timely right now.

Aromatherapy helps healthcare workers cope with high-stress levels.

It seems like every time I turn on the news I’m seeing reports about the high-stress levels of healthcare workers during this latest COVID-19 surge. According to recent surveys, the public health crisis is taking a toll on the mental health of healthcare workers and contributing to anxiety, stress, and depression. This is a deep concern of mine as I have both friends and family in health care.

The good news is many healthcare workers are benefiting from aromatherapy. Back in April of last year, I interviewed Jennifer Nidalmia, Asante’s Resiliency Program Coordinator, about how e3’s face mask spritzers were being used by healthcare workers to decrease stress and anxiety levels. This is no surprise since two nurse-driven aromatherapy studies indicate a decreased perception of stress and increased mood by staff.

We designed e3’s face mask spritzers after speaking with healthcare workers who were fatigued by wearing masks at hospitals all day long. They have quickly become one of our most popular products. They can be used by anyone who has to wear a face mask throughout the day! Many find breathing through a mask more pleasant when you have a lovely scent to inhale. We’ve been hearing that some are using it as hand sanitizer as well, they’re small enough that they can be easily placed in your pocket. We just added five more blends to our line of e3’s face mask spritzers. Take a look and you might find a new favorite!

Harmony – Eucalyptus Radiata, Ravintsara

Mood Rescue – Bergamot FCF, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lime

Peace – Lavender, Orange, Sweet, Patchouli, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang Extra

Stress Relief – Bergamot FCF, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin Red

Zen – Clary Sage & Frankincense

Another way hospitals are using essential oils — to test whether a person has lost their sense of smell!

How can someone tell the difference between the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu, colds, or allergies? According to the Surgeon General, one symptom that really differentiates flu from COVID is the loss of taste or smell. This article offers more research being done on this symptom and looks at how long this symptom sticks around. Apparently, some are losing their sense of smell for months!

For over a decade, e3 has partnered with hospitals to develop aromatherapy programs. Recently, I learned that hospital emergency rooms are using e3’s Peppermint essential oil to test whether a person has lost their sense of smell. This might be a good strategy to keep in mind if you’re trying to identify whether or not you have any symptoms!

Now that you know we’re happy to be answering questions about essential oils, do you have any questions for us? Please contact e3 or reach out to us on Facebook. We want to become your go-to place for reliable aromatherapy information, and your questions help us know what’s on the minds of our readers. If you want to explore The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils make sure to download our free new workbook.