Safety tips for essential oils

Concentrated plant extracts, often used in aromatherapy and massage, have long been popular among spagoers. The strong scents of the oils appear to stimulate the brain's limbic system, the command center for emotion and memory. Several small studies have found that lavender and lemon-balm oils can reduce anxiety and agitation, at least among intensive-care and dementia patients.

But essential oils are highly concentrated chemical substances that can cause adverse reactions in some instances. For that reason, they should never be ingested. And pregnant or nursing women or people who have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, epilepsy, or migraine headaches should avoid them. Other individuals who want to try essential oils should take the following precautions:

Avoid toxic oils. Compounds found in wormwood, pennyroyal, sassafras, and wintergreen oils may be toxic and difficult for the body to process. An oil may also cause problems if you're allergic to the plant family it's derived from, so check the label for its botanical origins.

Follow directions. If the label doesn't contain safety information, check the company's Web site--or don't use the product.

Apply with caution. Some oils meant to be inhaled, such as citrus oils, can cause severe burns if applied to skin before sun exposure. And many oils can cause rashes or burns if applied at full strength. So heavily dilute with bath soap or lotion before applying to skin, and avoid sensitive areas such as the genitals and eyes.

Don't use them on kids. There's little research on how essential oils affect infants and small children, and some oils that are safe for adults may be dangerous for kids. So avoid using essential oils on infants and toddlers, and use them cautiously with other children. Remember to keep the oils out of children's reach.