INTERACTIONS: Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders and Essential Oils

In this second article on the dangers of possible interactions with essential oil use and certain conditions, we look at a very serious danger which is the triggering of Epileptic and other seizure conditions with essential oils. Aromatherapy is known to have extremely powerful effects on the mind and nervous system, at times inducing sleep or giving vital energy but in some cases, certain essential oils can cause a triggering effect which results in damaging seizures. This is why people with Epilepsy (and other chronic conditions as will be discussed in later articles) must be extremely careful as to what they are using in relation to essential oils, their scent and products produced with them. Both their scent and inherent chemicals cause to trigger such reactions in the brain, so it is extremely wise to read commercial product labels extremely carefully for so indicated essential oils.

Essential oils that should never be used by those with Epilepsy include:

• Rosemary
• Sweet Fennel (it is recommended that you avoid all fennel)
• Hyssop
• Sage (all forms of age essential oil)

While these botanicals may be all right to use in whole form, in essential oil form, they are extremely concentrated and have a profound effect on the nervous system and should be avoided all together. Using these essential oils and having a seizure disorder is a very bad accident waiting to happen. What many fail to take into consideration is many, many commercial companies produce products that use the above essential oils. The most common being...

Rosemary EXTENSIVELY used in soap, detergent and cosmetic products. If you or a loved one uses these products on a regular basis, why not sit down, gather all off the products together and read the labels extremely carefully. If any ingredient sounds, even remotely like Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis, discontinue use at once. Many health food stores carry scent/essential oil free natural products to be scented by you. These products are perfect for people with such conditions and will allow you to be more in control of the ingredients used. Rosemary is frequently used in perfumes as well and household fragrance sprays. Before buying perfume at the beauty counter, ask for a list of scents/oils used in it. All beauty counters are provided with little cards describing the essential oils, their notes and scent used in each perfume. Don't be afraid to ask! In addition, Rosemary essential oil is used in many food items as well and drinks, be on the look out for it.

Hyssop This essential oil, which is actually mildly toxic is highly used in Oriental/Asian type

The copyright of the article INTERACTIONS: Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders and Essential Oils in Aromatherapy is owned by Marie A. Miczak. Permission to republish INTERACTIONS: Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders and Essential Oils in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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