Five things about essential oils that you may not know

Here are five things about essential oils that you may not know:

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. It takes a large amount of plant material to produce a small amount of essential oil. For example, it takes approximately 250 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just one pound of lavender essential oil.

Not all essential oils are safe for internal use. Some essential oils can be toxic if ingested, and even those that are considered safe for internal use should be used with caution and under the guidance of a trained professional.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways beyond aromatherapy. They can be added to skincare products, used in cleaning products, and even added to food and beverages for flavor and health benefits.

Essential oils can be adulterated or diluted with synthetic or low-quality oils, which can reduce their effectiveness and potentially cause harm. It's important to purchase essential oils from reputable sources and to look for oils that are labeled as "pure" or "therapeutic grade."

Essential oils can interact with medications and can be harmful to certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, young children, and people with certain medical conditions. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider before using essential oils if you fall into any of these categories.