Safety & Toxicology

Essential oils have been used medicinally for thousands of years and when used appropriately pose little risk. Essential oils are obtained from plants and, when processed correctly, contain potent chemical compounds each with their own proven therapeutic properties. Some oils are carcinogenic, phototoxic, hepatotoxic, neuro-toxic and renal toxic. Others can cause sensitisation and irritation and should not be applied to the skin. It is vitally important that they are handled with the relevant knowledge to ensure their effective, safe use. 

Essential Oil Legislation

While it is impossible to predict the long-term implications that Brexit may have on the essential oil trade industry, it will be ‘business as usual’ until the UK government decide which of our current laws and regulations they wish to keep, and which to amend. Approximately 60% of these laws were put in place by the EU so it seems unlikely all of these are going to change any time soon. Importantly, no matter what changes the UK decides to make, all products supplied to EU member states must continue to comply with the existing EU regulations.

Healthcare Policy Updates

The IFA are a stakeholder in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) who advise Government health policy. The Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health 10-year report highlights good practice in antipsychotic medicine prescribing for patients with dementia. This includes suggestions for alternatives, naming aromatherapy as an alternative. This was highlighted in NICE’s patient decision aid who also call for improvements to be made in the frequency of reviewing antipsychotic medication for people with dementia.

Sustainable Healthcare

A survey conducted by the Integrated Healthcare Collaborative (IHC) of which the IFA is a core member, showed that 85% of complementary and natural healthcare therapists do not use plastic-based products in their practice. Practitioners from across the complementary health sector took part to find out how sustainable our working practices are, and our sector’s impact on the environment. These results reveal a sector which has high environmental awareness, which cares deeply about the welfare of both the planet and patients.

Ground breaking research, trial one - results are released!

The IFA appointed Northumbria University to undertake three studies to determine whether essential oils can reduce chronic stress. Also comparing the difference between CO2 and traditionally obtained essential oils. Previous studies have not kept the essential oil active, subjecting it to oxygen and sunlight, which quickly kills the active ingredients, so results are not accurate. That is until now ….

The uniqueness of this research is that in the past, other studies have only investigated acute effects of stress with the impact of a single exposure of an essential oil sniffed over 10, 20 or 30 minutes once. Our pioneering study involved tackling chronic stress rather than just lowering stress levels for a small amount of time in response to an immediate stressor. There have been many studies that have identified the effects of massage on stress but none done in such a rigorous research protocol on the effects of essential oils on stress alone without massage. We are delighted to announce the results of the first trial are now available.

@ Acton Gardens Community Centre, Bollo Bridge Road, London, W3 8UU

Bringing together a panel of leading experts, this event provides attendees with the very latest insights into aromatic research and integrated care in a variety of subjects. Attendees will listen to motivating and inspiring talks and gain valuable knowledge transferable to their own practice. Speakers include Felicity Warner, Hana Tisserand, Jennifer Young, Caroline Osland, Victoria Plum and Dr Mark Moss. Topics include - palliative care, cancer care, addiction, cognitive function, mental health and integrative aromatherapy in the NHS. Additional highlights: 

• Opportunity to meet authoritative figures in the field with an open forum 
• Networking with colleagues
• Buffet lunch free of charge
• Sample the latest brands in the market with a free goody bag for attendees
• 6 CPD points awarded for attendance.