I was thinking about the fact that there are so many people out there that have to make that choice between modern medicine pharmaceuticals and those that choose to only use natural solutions for the same problems. Sometimes when people talk about this topic it sounds like those are the only two choices, but in reality they are not. There are so many varying levels to be on in the middle of these two. For example my sister in law thinks naturally taking care of health through any type of herbal or alternative healthcare option is quackery and should be avoided at all costs. I thought I would never have anything in common in our first aid and medicine cabinet kits. I was wrong. She totally pulled out a bottle of Arnica Gel on our camping trip for someones cramping legs! It made me very excited to say the least.
There are also those who, like me, mostly use natural solutions for our family's issues, but if something persists for over a normal amount of time or is beyond our knowledge base we seek medical attention or a doctors opinion. For a long time I would take my kids into the doctor just to find out what it was they were sick with, and then I'd research how to naturally combat that instead of doing the prescription recommended.
There are extremists, though they are few and far between. I am sure some of my friends from high school think I am an extremist because back then I remember saying to them "I'd rather die than go to the hospital, no matter how sick or hurt I get." I have been to the hospital since, and no I am not that extreme in real life now that I am older. I do still get jitters about the idea and want to do everything I can to help myself at home first if the situation arose, but emergencies require emergency care and emergency physicians.
The main kind of person that made me want to write this today are those that want to use natural solutions but are afraid to. These people are on heavy medications and at certain points could actually have a flare and get deathly ill if they were to just stop taking their pharmaceutical pills. I know a lot of women with Lupus or other auto-immune disorders, and this is a very common trait with them. Many people are aware that essential oils are quicker and more effective than most herbs and pharmaceuticals in helping our bodies to feel better from all kinds of conditions by giving it the nutrition and molecular support it needs. Because essential oils have a molecular structure that provides a specific function, many people worry about reactions to their heavy medications. Therefore they worry that they are stuck with only one option, pharmaceuticals, because adding anything natural could interfere or react.
I want to put your mind at ease. I feel that knowledge is power. I do think its important to consult with your doctor, especially when on any medications, however it is comforting to know what is safe myself too. In the end we are all responsible for our own healthcare. Everyone and everything else is just tools, be they good or bad.
Out of all my research I found this list of essential oils that can interfere or react with drugs and how. I just want to note here that most of these findings are related to internal use potentially reacting with internal drugs, however the external use of essential oils seems to have no impact on the effectiveness or ineffectivess/danger of the drug. So I will post the list of drug contraindications here, but would note that for the best care and relief of flares or symptoms to take a very high quality food based supplement regimen like Lifelong Vitality along with a good diet without gluten to reduce inflammation (which causes flares), and then use essential oils on the outside of the body in targeted areas or the feet to relieve specific concerns. This can be done while using your medications, but can improve immunity and quality of life enough to reduce the level of need for the medications over time. It is important to talk to your doctor when changing anything about your health, even for the better, especially when there are medications involved.
The List of Contraindications for Pharmaceuticals and Essential Oils:
While most essential oils are safe with normal diluted topical use, there are a few exceptions.
Drug Injection Sites: Caution should be exercised using any topical aromatherapy preparations around drug injection sites or areas of the body where transdermal medications are in use (i.e., estrogen or nicotine patches, etc.).
Smokers: Interactions may be problematic with simple inhalation of essential oils(aka EO's) for someone who smokes because inhalation of EO's high in menthol, such as peppermint, will cause increased lung permeability of nicotine. Menthol also slows the ability to clear nicotine from the body. If you are a smoker, allow several hours to elapse between cigarette use and inhalation of EO's high in menthol.
Pre-Surgery Cautions: Many oils commonly used for respiratory issues, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, ravintsara and bay laurel are high in 1,8 cineole. Cineole can interfere with metabolism of anesthesia, and should be avoided (both topically and via inhalation) for at least a week prior to any surgeries to prevent complications. High cineole oils are also contraindicated for those on barbituates, as they induce rapid metabolism of these drugs. Post Surgery these oils however may be beneficial in the healing time needed.
Anti-Coagulant Drugs: Essential oils which are high in eugenol or methyl salicylate should not be used by those on anticoagulant drugs.
Other than the examples cited above, most known drug interactions in aromatherapy occur with oral, vaginal or rectal use of essential oils. Although these applications are common in parts of Europe, aromatherapy is seldom administered this way in the United States. This is because the British aromatherapy theology and the French aromatherapy theology for use medicinally is very different. The British theology is very hands off, just smell (as I interpret it). The French have gone beyond and done much more extensive research in medical situations with essential oils used internally as well. In fact it is common to have a prescription for essential oil use from a doctor in France.
Many aromatherapy schools in the U.S. have adopted the British theology, instilling fear of internal use into its student base. There is no need for this fear of reasonable internal use for tested and verified pure essential oils that are known to be safe and help alleviate symptoms. Knowing which oils are safe internally, that they are as pure as is physically possible, that they are from plants in the right soil as to give the greatest nutritional power and constituents is essential. Being sure that the oils used are of high enough quality for internal use is very important. Be sure they have not been chemically altered, have fillers, or adulterated in the gathering and distilling process (as this can make the oil toxic or work improperly). There is only one company I have found that sources from the greatest soils for each plant and does all the very necessary testing for each batch to verify purity and potency for the ability to get the expected results every time. I am proud to use their lemon, lime and grapefruit in my water, just a couple drops per glass. It tastes great, helps my energy naturally, reduces acid reflux, and helps my metabolism for better weight loss results. If you have taken a pharmaceutical drug, just stick to topically putting a couple drops where you need with some fractionated coconut oil, or the feet are a great place to rub them on. The feet have the biggest pores along with nerve endings from all over your body so it is the number one go to spot for topical application with most people.
Harris, Rhiannon. Drug-Essential Oil Interactions: Risks and Reassurances. Presentation to Alliance of International Aromatherapists, (17 Dec. 2008). Denver, CO.
