There is a lot of information out there about which essential oils to use and to avoid during pregnancy. Many different sites and aromatherapy books list essential oils to avoid during pregnancy, but unfortunately, much of this information is conflicting and unclear. Why does one list say a particular essential oil is okay, while another list says "avoid when pregnant?" Does the "avoid" mean internally or externally, too? The aim of this series of articles is to clear up the confusion and specify the particular risks involved with certain essential oils based on chemistry and toxicology data, and not just rumors and folklore.
Essential Oils Everyone Should Avoid At All Times, Internally and Externally
These essential oils contain dangerous compounds. Avoid them in aromatherapy, personal care products, and internally.
Cade (Contains Benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen.)
Sassafras (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Ravensara anisata (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Basil (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole, a possible carcinogen.)
Camphor (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen, and contains Camphor [the compound] which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Calamus (Contains Beta-asarone, a possible carcinogen.)
Tarragon (Contains Estragole and Methyleugenol, possible carcinogens.)
Snakeroot (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Malaleuca bracteata (Contains Methyleugenol, a possible carcinogen.)
Bitter Almond (Contains Hydrocyanic acid, which is highly toxic.)
Armolse (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Sweet Birch (Contains Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Boldo (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Buchu (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Cassia (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Cinnamon Bark (Contains Cinnamaldehyde, a liver toxin and skin sensitizer.)
Costus (Contains Costuslactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Elecampane (Contains Alantalactone, a strong skin sensitizer.)
Horseradish (Contains Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Lanyana (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Mustard (Allyl isothicyanate, extremely toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes.)
Pennyroyal (Contains Pulegone, which is toxic to the liver.)
Dalmatian Sage (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Tansy (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Thuja (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Wintergreen (Contains high amounts of Methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic.)
Wormseed (Contains Ascaridole, which is extremely toxic.)
Wormwood (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy, Externally or Internally
Balsamite (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Ho leaf (Contains Camphor, a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Hyssop (Contains Pinocamphone, which is generally toxic, a neurotoxin, and convulsant.)
Indian Dill Seed (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Juniperus Pfitzeriana (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Parsley Leaf (Contains Apiol, which is generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Parsleyseed (Contains Apiol, which is a generally toxic, an abortifacient, and toxic to the fetus.)
Plectranthus (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Sage (Spanish) (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Savin (Contains Sabinyl acetate, known to be an abortifacient.)
Annual Wormwood (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin)
Cangerana (Contains Safrole, a possible carcinogen.)
Lavandula Stoechas (Contains Camphor which is a neurotoxin and convulsant.)
Lavender cotton (Contains Artemisia ketone, which is possibly toxic and a neurotoxin.)
Oakmoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Perilla (Contains Perilla ketone, which is potentially toxic.)
Rue (Has a strong folk history of being an abortifacient with a small amount of clinical evidence to back it up. It is not known which compounds are to blame, but it is likely that its general toxicity is to blame for its possible abortifacient nature.)
Treemoss (Contains Thujone, a neurotoxin known to cause convulsions.)
Essential Oils that are Safe for External, but not Internal Use During Pregnancy
Anise (Contains Trans-anethole, which displays weakly estrogenic activity. The amount absorbed through skin when used in a cosmetic item would not affect hormonal levels, however, an oral dose could have an effect.)
Fennel (Also contains Trans-anethole.)
Lavandin (Contains a small amount of Camphor. The amount that would be absorbed through the skin in a personal care product is 500 times less than the amount needed to cause a deleterious effect, so it is considered safe for topical use, but it would be prudent to avoid an internal dose.)
Nutmeg and Mace (similar chemically) (Animal studies have proven no ill effects to the mother or fetus when applied externally. There is one case study of a pregnant woman who ate a high amount of nutmeg in a cookie; she and her baby started having heart palpitations. Everything returned to normal after 12 hours. It is thought that the stimulant effect of the Myristicin in the spice was to blame. The amount of Myristicin that would be absorbed through a properly diluted personal care product containing nutmeg or mace would not be great enough to cause this effect.)
Rosemary (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Spike lavender (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Yarrow (Contains a small amount of Camphor. [See lavandin.])
Your Questions Answered
I have heard that lemongrass is not safe during pregnancy. Is this true?
Rumors about Lemongrass being unsafe started with a study about citral, the main component of lemongrass essential oil. Doses of citral were injected in to lab rats, and the rats became less fertile at a dose of .3 g/kg. This is equivalent to injecting around 30 ml (2 tbs) of lemongrass essential oil in to the abdomen every 4-5 days for 60 days. Wearing a lotion or product with lemongrass in it doesn't provide the dose to see any side effect.
Are there any essential oils I should avoid when I'm trying to become pregnant?
Follow the same guidelines and lists that I've outlined above.
Are there any essential oils that help increase milk production during lactation?
No. There is no scientific data to suggest that any essential oil used externally would increase lactation.
What's the truth about Lavender & Tea Tree? Are they really estrogenic?
They are not! Check out my previous article on the subject.
Some lists say citrus oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Is this true?
There is no reason to avoid citrus oils during pregnancy. The only side effect of a citrus essential oil is that it if left on skin in a high concentration and then exposed to strong sunlight, it can increase sunburn or cause a rash. This reaction varies from person to person and depends on their own sensitivities.
What about ________ essential oil? I've read it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Everything but those on the lists above are safe to use for aromatherapy purposes (lotions, soaps, in diffusers, etc) during pregnancy. All essential oils are very powerful substances. Essential oils should always be diluted properly (.5% to 5% depending on the oil) in a carrier oil. Do not use undiluted on skin. Always consult a reputable healthcare provider, herbalist, or naturopath before using any essential oil internally.
If there is a particular essential oil you're concerned about, write it in the comments below and I'll be happy to give you an analysis!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Chemicals to Avoid, Part 5: Nitrosamine Contamination
Numerous authorities link nitrosamines to cancer. They are listed as possible human carcinogens by the EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the U.S. National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens and the California EPA Proposition 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects. Several other databases cite strong to moderate evidence regarding the cancer-causing properties of nitrosamines. In addition, there is some evidence of endocrine disruption at very low doses. Studies have also linked nitrosamines to developmental or reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and systemic toxicity. Source
Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that are created in the presence of an amine (as in amino acid, protein, etc) and a nitrostating agent, such as nitrate.
Nitrosamines are a serious concern with meats preserved with nitrates and nitrites. As the body breaks down the amino acids in the presence of the preservative, the nitrate and the amino acids combine and create nitrosamines in the gut, causing, many sources suspect, colon and other internal cancers.
Nitrosamines are also a concern in personal care products. With these ingredients, nitrosamines are either created during the manufacturing of the chemical, or are created over time as the formula breaks down. Ingredients with nitrosamine contamination concerns include:
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA)
More than 9800 cosmetic items on the market today contain ingredients that can be linked to nitrosamines. Click here for the full list on the EWG Cosmetics Database.
Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that are created in the presence of an amine (as in amino acid, protein, etc) and a nitrostating agent, such as nitrate.
Nitrosamines are a serious concern with meats preserved with nitrates and nitrites. As the body breaks down the amino acids in the presence of the preservative, the nitrate and the amino acids combine and create nitrosamines in the gut, causing, many sources suspect, colon and other internal cancers.
Nitrosamines are also a concern in personal care products. With these ingredients, nitrosamines are either created during the manufacturing of the chemical, or are created over time as the formula breaks down. Ingredients with nitrosamine contamination concerns include:
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA)
More than 9800 cosmetic items on the market today contain ingredients that can be linked to nitrosamines. Click here for the full list on the EWG Cosmetics Database.
Chemicals to Avoid, Part 4: Formaldehyde Donors
Formaldehyde, most commonly associated with embalming fluid, is a known carcinogen. Its highly toxic nature makes it an effective preservative in cosmetics, too. While it's not typically listed in an ingredients list on its own, a number of preservatives work by slowly releasing a steady stream of formaldehyde in to the product. Common cosmetic formaldehyde donors include:
Many times, companies jump on the "paraben-free" bandwagon, but substitute the parabens with formaldehyde donors. Always read the ingredients label.
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Diazolidnyl Urea
- Urea
- imidazolidinyl urea
Many times, companies jump on the "paraben-free" bandwagon, but substitute the parabens with formaldehyde donors. Always read the ingredients label.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Chemicals to Avoid Part 3: Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins are chemicals that cause damage to the cells of the brain and nervous system, and, in addition to temporary symptoms, can lead to chronic disease. Neuron bundles in the brain transmit information through conducting electrical energy. When they are damaged, they can no longer correctly conduct this energy and do their job. Different areas of the brain control different functions. Parkinson's disease ocurrs when neurons of the substantia nigra become damaged, and fine motor control is affected. When other areas of the brain are affected it can lead to chronic depression, chronic anxiety, ADD & ADHD, chronic panic attacks, chronic insomnia, chronic fibromyalgia, chronic dimentia and a number of other disorders and diseases.
Neurotoxins are found everywhere--from the drugs we take, household chemicals, and personal care products.
A few neurotoxins in personal care products:
DEET, a common mosquito repellent ingredient is a neurotoxin.
p-phenylenediamine, found in hairsprays
Propylene glycol is in many products, from shampoos to lotions. It is also an industrial anti-freeze and a neurotoxin.
Artificial Colors--names like FD&C Aluminum Lakes and such. Most are neurotoxins.
"Fragrance" can be made up of over 3000 different compounds, many of which are neurotoxins.
For a definitive list of neurotoxins, visit this page.
Up next: Formaldehyde Donors
Neurotoxins are found everywhere--from the drugs we take, household chemicals, and personal care products.
A few neurotoxins in personal care products:
DEET, a common mosquito repellent ingredient is a neurotoxin.
p-phenylenediamine, found in hairsprays
Propylene glycol is in many products, from shampoos to lotions. It is also an industrial anti-freeze and a neurotoxin.
Artificial Colors--names like FD&C Aluminum Lakes and such. Most are neurotoxins.
"Fragrance" can be made up of over 3000 different compounds, many of which are neurotoxins.
For a definitive list of neurotoxins, visit this page.
Up next: Formaldehyde Donors
Monday, June 28, 2010
Chemicals to Avoid: Part 2 Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens are synthetic chemicals that enter the body and mimic estrogen. There are many sources of xenoestrogens, from air pollution, plastics, and water pollution. This article will cover the common estrogenic compounds found in personal care / cosmetic items.
Estrogen receptors are complex molecules within certain cells in our bodies. They have a complex shape that is designed to accept estrogen—just like a lock and key.
Estrogen receptors are designed to accept estrogen molecules. When estrogen locks in to a receptor, certain things happen—particular cells are spurred to grow and divide, other levels of hormones are signaled to release. It's a very complex process that affects many parts of our body, the heart, our bones, as well as our reproductive organs (men too!) When estrogen has done its job in the receptor, it's released and metabolized (broken down) and leaves the body.
When a xenoestrogen enters the body, it's different. Because these chemicals are similar in shape to estrogen, it locks in to these receptors--but not quite correctly. Because they're shaped differently, the all of the chemical bonds aren't formed correctly. The receptors are stimulated in negative ways, creating cells where they shouldn't be. This can lead to reproductive disorders such as:
There are a number of xenoestrogens in personal care products. One is a group of chemicals that you've probably heard of, parabens. They're listed on labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, etc. Parabens have been studied numerous times and have been found to act estrogenically in cells, and to accumulate in breast cancer tissue. They are used in a wide variety of products as a preservative. For expanded information on parabens, visit this page.
Phthalates—phthalates are a very harmful group of synthetic chemicals that can mimic estrogen. The problem is that phthalates aren't usually listed in the ingredients list—they're used as fragrance compounds, so whenever you see the listing for “fragrance” you don't really know what it is. There are over 3000 different chemicals used in fragrances, and many of them are phthalates. Also found in plastics--avoid heating foods with plastic wrap (or using it altogether.)
Aluminum is a known metallogestrogen and a toxin in all its forms. (More info here) Aluminum chlorohydrate found in anti-perspirants is what we usually think of, but did you know there's a higher concentration of aluminum in "the crystal" deodorants? They're pure aluminum salts! Other sources of aluminum include vaccines and some antacids.
Triclosan is also a common xenoestrogen. Triclosan is a compound used in hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial hand soaps. It has become a major problem because so many people are using these anti-bacterial soaps and washing them down the drain. Downstream the waters become polluted with triclosan, which then acts like estrogen in aquatic life—then you have fish and frogs and other animals that die off because they can't reproduce. We think that we need these antibacterial agents, but we don't. It's not about killing the bacteria, but washing it away. Triclosan only kills 99.9% of bacteria--that .1% ends up surviving and getting stronger. We then have more resistant strains of bacteria that lead to higher incidence of staph infections in hospitals, schools, and even homes.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative commonly used in place of parabens, but it also exhibits xenoestrogenic activity. (More info here.)
Salicylic acid, commonly used as an anti-aging or anti-acne treatment, is a suspected xenoestrogen.
NEXT UP: NEUROTOXINS
Estrogen receptors are complex molecules within certain cells in our bodies. They have a complex shape that is designed to accept estrogen—just like a lock and key.
 |
| Estrogen receptor molecule |
 |
| Estradiol, one of the body's forms of natural estrogen |
Estrogen receptors are designed to accept estrogen molecules. When estrogen locks in to a receptor, certain things happen—particular cells are spurred to grow and divide, other levels of hormones are signaled to release. It's a very complex process that affects many parts of our body, the heart, our bones, as well as our reproductive organs (men too!) When estrogen has done its job in the receptor, it's released and metabolized (broken down) and leaves the body.
When a xenoestrogen enters the body, it's different. Because these chemicals are similar in shape to estrogen, it locks in to these receptors--but not quite correctly. Because they're shaped differently, the all of the chemical bonds aren't formed correctly. The receptors are stimulated in negative ways, creating cells where they shouldn't be. This can lead to reproductive disorders such as:
- Anovulatory Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (having a period without ovulating)
- Uterine Fibroids
- Ovarian Cysts
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Reproductive cancers, uterine, ovarian, breast, etc.
There are a number of xenoestrogens in personal care products. One is a group of chemicals that you've probably heard of, parabens. They're listed on labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, etc. Parabens have been studied numerous times and have been found to act estrogenically in cells, and to accumulate in breast cancer tissue. They are used in a wide variety of products as a preservative. For expanded information on parabens, visit this page.
 |
| Methylparaben. Note the similar ring-like structure to the estrogen. |
Phthalates—phthalates are a very harmful group of synthetic chemicals that can mimic estrogen. The problem is that phthalates aren't usually listed in the ingredients list—they're used as fragrance compounds, so whenever you see the listing for “fragrance” you don't really know what it is. There are over 3000 different chemicals used in fragrances, and many of them are phthalates. Also found in plastics--avoid heating foods with plastic wrap (or using it altogether.)
Aluminum is a known metallogestrogen and a toxin in all its forms. (More info here) Aluminum chlorohydrate found in anti-perspirants is what we usually think of, but did you know there's a higher concentration of aluminum in "the crystal" deodorants? They're pure aluminum salts! Other sources of aluminum include vaccines and some antacids.
Triclosan is also a common xenoestrogen. Triclosan is a compound used in hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial hand soaps. It has become a major problem because so many people are using these anti-bacterial soaps and washing them down the drain. Downstream the waters become polluted with triclosan, which then acts like estrogen in aquatic life—then you have fish and frogs and other animals that die off because they can't reproduce. We think that we need these antibacterial agents, but we don't. It's not about killing the bacteria, but washing it away. Triclosan only kills 99.9% of bacteria--that .1% ends up surviving and getting stronger. We then have more resistant strains of bacteria that lead to higher incidence of staph infections in hospitals, schools, and even homes.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative commonly used in place of parabens, but it also exhibits xenoestrogenic activity. (More info here.)
Salicylic acid, commonly used as an anti-aging or anti-acne treatment, is a suspected xenoestrogen.
NEXT UP: NEUROTOXINS
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Chemicals to Avoid
Our skin is our body's largest organ and is highly absorbent. What we put ON our bodies ends up IN our bodies. Chemicals in personal care products can and do affect our health, from skin issues, allergies, asthma, headaches, hormonal imbalances, and even increased cancer risk. The big companies like to tell us that "it's just a small amount" so the chemicals pose no risk, but think about everything you use every day--shampoo, body wash, face wash, moisturizier, body lotion, makeup, hair products--this is multiple daily exposure, and the toxic load can build up. Over the years I've made "top five" or "top ten" lists about which chemicals to avoid, but there are just so many! Today, I've narrowed it down to five major risk categories.
NEXT UP: XENOESTROGENS
ETHOXYLATED COMPOUNDS
Ethoxylated compounds are synthetic chemicals created using the known carcinogen ethylene oxide. Chemical manufacturers are able to create synthetic chemicals that have skin-conditioning or cleansing products similar to oils, soaps, and natural butters but at a much cheaper price. Many times these chemicals are made out of cheap petroleum or animal by-products. These are the parts of the animals from the bottom of the barrel, literally, that no one wants. First, they take out the meat that they sell to people, then they take the lesser cuts and use them for hot dogs and other low-grade meats. Then, the pet-food companies have their pick. The leftover sludge of fats and cartilage is then processed and sold to cosmetic companies to make ingredients like stearic acid and cetearyl alcohol.
So, where does ethylene oxide come in to play? Well, companies can turn a fatty acid like stearic acid in to an emulsifier, steareth-20, which is able to combine water and oil. Using the ethoxylation process, chemists can design chemicals that are able to do things that they otherwise would be unable to do.
The problem with the ethoxylation process is that trace amounts of ethylene oxide can remain in the product. Ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen, and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Other compounds like sodium lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol are penetration enhancers, and break down the protective barrier of skin, delivering these carcinogenic chemicals further in to the skin and bloodstream.
Additionally, the ethoxylation process can create 1,4-dioxane, also a known carcinogen.
Recently a study done by the State of California and the Organic Consumers Association found that a number of personal care products that were supposedly "natural" contained higher than acceptable levels of 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated compounds. In fact, once the state of California found out about the contamination, it sued the companies that it had tested. Every product sold in California that contains a carcinogen must have a warning label. The brands were forced to reformulate and most of them fixed the contamination problem. But this was only a handful of “natural” companies—the big brands have gone untested and unregulated for 1,4-dioxane contamination.
How to spot an ethoxylated compound
There are three easy ways to spot an ethoxylated compound. First is looking out for "PEG." PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene Glycol is used in cosmetics as a skin conditioner and emulsifier. It usually is followed by a number, reading PEG-200. The number following the PEG is the number of moles (a unit of measure in chemistry) that the glycol has been treated with. So PEG-40 is polyethylene glycol treated with ethylene oxide 40 times. The higher the number, the more ethylene oxide
Second, look for the suffix "eth." Sodium laureth sulfate or ceteareth-20 are two examples. The "eth" indicates it has been treated with ethylene oxide.
Third, look for dashes followed by a number, as in steareth-20.
One last ingredient to avoid: "vegetable emulsifying wax." This is a blend of fatty acids and polysorbate 60 and steareth-20, which are ethoxylated compounds.
NEXT UP: XENOESTROGENS
Thursday, May 13, 2010
2000 "Fans!"
This week we reached a fun milestone: 2000 "fans" on Facebook!
In celebration, we offered a rare two-day 20% off sale! A promo code was posted to our Facebook page, and we encourage you to join us in this final day. Go to our Facebook page for the promo code and save.
While we've only been on Facebook for a short while, we've really taken to it. At first we weren't quite sure what we were doing, but now we can't live without it! We love being able to answer your questions in a public forum and hear all your great feedback and comments. It's also a great way for us to give you quick updates for new content on our blogs, new products and pictures in our store, and updates on promotions. We love being able to interact with our customers in this fun and easy way.
Not signed up for Facebook? That's the great part--you don't have to be a Facebook user to get all these updates--just follow the link to our Facebook page from our home page and it will take you there. All of our posts are visible even if you're not logged in. So join us! If you're not on Facebook, stop by often. If you're on Facebook, become a fan (or "like" our page as it's now changed to). We'd love to hear from ya!
In celebration of hitting the 2000 Facebook fans mark, we're offering a 20% off promo code good through tonight, Friday, May 14, 2010 until Midnight MST. Click here for the promo code.
In celebration, we offered a rare two-day 20% off sale! A promo code was posted to our Facebook page, and we encourage you to join us in this final day. Go to our Facebook page for the promo code and save.
While we've only been on Facebook for a short while, we've really taken to it. At first we weren't quite sure what we were doing, but now we can't live without it! We love being able to answer your questions in a public forum and hear all your great feedback and comments. It's also a great way for us to give you quick updates for new content on our blogs, new products and pictures in our store, and updates on promotions. We love being able to interact with our customers in this fun and easy way.
Not signed up for Facebook? That's the great part--you don't have to be a Facebook user to get all these updates--just follow the link to our Facebook page from our home page and it will take you there. All of our posts are visible even if you're not logged in. So join us! If you're not on Facebook, stop by often. If you're on Facebook, become a fan (or "like" our page as it's now changed to). We'd love to hear from ya!
In celebration of hitting the 2000 Facebook fans mark, we're offering a 20% off promo code good through tonight, Friday, May 14, 2010 until Midnight MST. Click here for the promo code.
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