Question November 07
I have noticed on some aromatherapy websites that some people suggest using essential oils in cooking. I thought that essential oils were strong chemicals and that maybe eating them would not be a good idea. What's your advice Emma? Hilda

Answer
I would NOT recommend ingesting any essential oils. Essential oils can be highly dangerous if taken orally. Most serious cases of essential oil poisonings have occurred by oral self-dosing.

Below are a  couple of ways to receive the benefits of essential oils:
a) in an Aromatherapy massage blend
b) by inhalation  
Neither of these formats are harmful to your health

Question October 07
Good morning Emma,
I just finished reading the School of Complementary Therapies newsletter, and what a treat it was!  A quick question regarding oils though  (I got the impression that you are the one who knows about these things) ...  I have quite a number of oils that were purchased over the last few years and I'm not sure how long I should be keeping them.  Actually, I don't even know exactly how old many of them are.  Can essential oils be harmful if they are too old?  Any suggestions would be welcome.Thanks  ...  Christl

Answer
There are many different ideas around about keeping essential oils. Some of the citrus ones are suggested last no longer than 6 months! On the other hand, some of the heavier oils like Patchouli actually improve with age. So, there is no hard and fast rule. I suggest you open the bottles and smell the oils. If they are still smelling good, then they should be fine to use. If they have faded a little, they will still be okay, but just not as effective. If the aroma is not quite right, I'd suggest you throw them out and get something new. The main reason for the time rules in Aromatherapy is the "therapeutic" actions of the oils may not be as effective if the essential oil is old. So, we say here at SCT "if in doubt, throw it out", just like milk and fish! FYI I have some oils that I've had for years and they still smell wonderful and have a fabulous therapeutic effect. Just keep your oils carefully, that is in dark bottles, away from the light, pets and kids and preferably somewhere cool. An old biscuit tin works wonders! Hope that helps, and thanks for writing to us.

Question Septmeber 2007
Good morning Emma, I just finished reading the School of Complementary Therapies newsletter, and what a treat it was!  A quick question regarding oils though  (I got the impression that you are the one who knows about these things) ...  I have quite a number of oils that were purchased over the last few years and I'm not sure how long I should be keeping them.  Actually, I don't even know exactly how old many of them are.  Can essential oils be harmful if they are too old?  Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks  ...  Christl

Answer
There are many different ideas around about keeping essential oils. Some of the citrus ones are suggested last no longer than 6 months! On the other hand, some of the heavier oils like Patchouli actually improve with age. So, there is no hard and fast rule. I suggest you open the bottles and smell the oils. If they are still smelling good, then they should be fine to use. If they have faded a little, they will still be okay, but just not as effective. If the aroma is not quite right, I'd suggest you throw them out and get something new. The main reason for the time rules in Aromatherapy is the "therapeutic" actions of the oils may not be as effective if the essential oil is old. So, we say here at SCT "if in doubt, throw it out", just like milk and fish!FYI I have some oils that I've had for years and they still smell wonderful and have a fabulous therapeutic effect. Just keep your oils carefully, that is in dark bottles, away from the light, pets and kids and preferably somewhere cool. An old biscuit tin works wonders! Hope that helps, and thanks for writing to us.

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The information contained herein is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or SCT. SCT and its associates do not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent is only to offer information to help you in your quest for a happy and healthy lifestyle. Accordingly SCT and its individual associates assume no responsibility for your actions.