LOVING essential oils

[dirtmonkey]

First off, if you have a problem with the idea of using Essential Oils, then don't use them. I'm only sharing my personal experience and information I've learned here. I was just going to note something I discovered that I like, but somehow this turned into a long defensive post LOL! I guess I felt I had to prove that I'm not just posting misinformation out of ignorance.

It turns out that my very favorite DIY flavors so far are Essential Oils (EO). Considering some of the reactions I've seen whenever someone types the word "oil", and even though I've seen many posts from a few people trying to explain the reality, I figure I'd better defend the idea. so:

1) Essential oils are not the lipid oils that can cause lipoid pneumonia. There are no mineral oils, base oils, animal fats, triglycerides or other fatty acid chains, or non volatile vegetable oils in pure, distilled*, essential oils. They can be mixed with those things as carrier oils, but then cannot be labeled as "100%" or "Pure".
2) Many, in fact nearly all, essential oils sold (at least in the US and western Europe) are tested for inhalation safety by laboratories so that medical and alternative therapy practitioners can feel secure in administering them as vapors. No, not vaping- but then food flavors are not tested for direct inhalation at all. Many EOs are also tested for food safety. I try to find information on both, because vaping produces microdroplets that we swallow.
3) I do homework before putting an EO in a juice. Some I might not, because they are already commonly used and known to be non toxic- the main food flavorings, lavender, chamomile, rosemary... And if I find something that throws up a red flag, I wouldn't use it (no pennyroyal, no red cedar, no rue, no Calamus...). Interestingly, some ingredients known to be toxic beyond tiny doses are used in flavorings anyway (wintergreen, sassafras...)

Here's one I'm vaping right now:

In 5ml 80/20 @ 15mg/ml nic.
(numbers are drops)
1 balsam fir EO (could use Gin flavor [which is juniper] instead)
.5 lemon EO
1 cinnamon EO
2 peppermint EO
1 menthol 50% (pending Koolada)
2 TPA bavarian cream
2 sweetener (sucralose; probably better with EM)

Balsam fir tree?!? Yep. I love the wild forest scent and flavor, and It's a good example of safety information that's easy to find:

"Toxicity tests show that balsam fir oil is not expected to be harmful to living organisms or the environment."
from: Balsam fir oil (129035) Fact Sheet | Pesticides | US EPA

and:

FDA Mainterm : FIR NEEDLES AND TWIGS, OIL (ABIES BALSAMEA (L.) MILL.)
CAS: 977107-97-3
FDA Regulation. : FDA PART 172 -- FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
Subpart F--Flavoring Agents and Related Substances Sec. 172.510 Natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors.
Oral Toxicity (LD50) : Oral-Rat >5000.00 mg/kg Luebke, William tgsc, (1998)
Dermal Toxicity (LD50) : Skin-Rabbit >5000.00 mg/kg Luebke, William tgsc, (1998)

I weigh almost 75kg, so even if I took in 375,000 mg (that's more than 3/4 pound!) of it over some time, I wouldn't hit a seriously toxic level. I could never get anywhere near that much in.

I feel pretty safe with that, even as a vape. It almost goes without saying that compared to smoking....... yeah you know

* I wrote in "distilled", because solvent extracted EOs might carry lipid oils in them too, or have solvent residues. Even supercritical CO2 probably carries some non-volatile oils and solids out with it. I'd have to see a full analysis before I'd use one.

 

[AutumnWolf]

Thank you for the well researched information! Very good to know...

 

[Lyndagayle]

Very interesting.

 

[Bostonsnboxers]

Personally I don't see an issue with occasional use of 'safe' EO's....however, the fact remains these oils cannot be expelled/absorbed by the lungs...how is that preferable to the tars left by cigarettes?

 

[Str8V8ping]

I just dont see a need to use them . You can make pretty much anything you can think of with just approved flavorings . I cant see taking a risk when theres a safer option .

 

[dirtmonkey]

Patti, why do you think that they can't be? Str8v8ping, why do you think they are less safe?

 

[dirtmonkey]

... I absolutely will change my mind if I find contrary evidence So far though, tested EOs like the safer ones I mention are coming out ahead in the safety department.

 

[Bostonsnboxers]

It just makes sense to me. An oil isn't water soluable, and the only place you're going to find claims that they're actually absorbed through the lungs are aromatherapy sites selling them as therapeutic, or a holistic site claiming the same. Any actual studies or medical information I've read states the opposite...to the point that the oils aren't shown to be absorbed through the skin, etc (try it...rub some on the back of your hand).
So..if it's not absorbed, where does it go?
Personally I don't feel 'good' about vaping flavors either, but at least I know they're not laying there and building up in my lung tissue.
Like I said before...I don't see an issue with occasional use, but I'd be really worried about using them a lot.
Just my

 

[dirtmonkey]

Ah I see Patti. Actually though, it's the other way around. The smaller lipophilic (oil/alcohol soluble) molecules as many in EOs are often the ones that can pass through skin more easily, until you get to longer chain lipids- "true oils"- such as the base oils I mentioned in the OP. Those long chain fatty acids (fats and oils), and mineral oils, are the ones that can sit on surfaces.

The study showed that the dermis may be a much more lipophilic environment than originally believed and that distribution of smaller nonionized solutes into local tissues below a site of topical application may be estimated based on knowledge of their lipophilicity alone.

Cross, S. Magnusson, B., Winckle, G., Anissimov, Y., and Roberts, M.: Determination of the Effect of Lipophilicity on the in vitro Permeability and Tissue Reservoir Characteristics of Topically Applied Solutes in Human Skin Layers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2003) 120, 759–764;
doi:10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12131.x

edit: we're talking about lung linings, mucous membranes too, which are generally more permeable/absorbent than skin is.

Also, menthol and eugenol (clove oil) have been shown to increase transport of molecules through skin, and they are not water soluble. They're not the only compounds that do that, of course, but I'm not about to vape DMSO!

I know what you're saying about flavors. The thing is, most of those are not water soluble either; that's why they're mixed with PG and alcohol for sale. They are generally all the same individual chemical compounds that are either extracted from natual sources like essential oils, or synthetic versions of the very same chemicals... but very rarely tested even as much as whole essential oils are (with exceptions for obvious problems like diacetyl). That's what led me to discover that there is more safety information more closely related to inhalation for EOs than for food flavorings.

I don't look to alternative therapy sites for information: not that they're all wrong, but it's just impossible to sort out what's real and what's pure sales or other misinformation, without going to original sources

 

[dirtmonkey]

Oh- forgot to mention- volatile oils- EOs- generally evaporate when they aren't absorbed.

 

[Str8V8ping]

Patti, why do you think that they can't be? Str8v8ping, why do you think they are less safe?

Im not saying they are not safe or safe ,im just saying that there are regular flavors that can work the same so i dont see the need to experiment with other stuff . Just for me personally .

 

[Shilo]

Alot of people, myself included, are as scent sensitive to some essential oils that have in my opinion, infiltrated the market as more "natural" alternatives to perfume or artificially created scent. Some people have serious reactions to both perfume and essential oils- neither of which I want in my vape.

Now straight up natural carrier oils with little to no scent in products I'm all for that. I use avocado oil, grapeeseed, almond oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil in my hair and body products and in cooking but I don't want to vape those either. LOL

If you are enjoying it thats great, but I am just posting this to let people know there is a potential for allergic reactions to EO's in sensitive individuals like myself.

 

[dirtmonkey]

Yes, absolutely shilohcalista, in fact testing a little would be a great idea for everything anyone considers using either internally or externally. Even beyond actual allergies, some people are so sensitive to just the scent of some things that it can make them feel sick or give them serious headaches. Some incense and candle scents can do that to me even when they're not strong at all. I expect most people with those sensitivites will already know for the most part to stay far away from stronger flavors and scents, whether they're described as natural or artificial, either way.

I know people who can't even tolerate my mildest lavender or spearmint soaps, and those are supposed to be more innocent as far as actual allergies go.

Oh hey, that gives me an idea where to use some of these extra menthol crystals though.

putter putter putter ...

 

[Tona Aspsusa]

I know what you're saying about flavors. The thing is, most of those are not water soluble either; that's why they're mixed with PG and alcohol for sale. They are generally all the same individual chemical compounds that are either extracted from natual sources like essential oils, or synthetic versions of the very same chemicals... but very rarely tested even as much as whole essential oils are (with exceptions for obvious problems like diacetyl). That's what led me to discover that there is more safety information more closely related to inhalation for EOs than for food flavorings.

Great find/observation!

Please continue to post what you find - this is really useful information.
(Have you found anything on eucalyptus? What about different pine/spruce/etc? Cedar? (the Polish vendor I mostly buy from has a Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica) oil that looks rather interesting) )

The more I read about essential oils, the more I come to the conclusion that the "oil" part of the designation is really misleading.

And a strong agree from me on being aware that "natural" flavourings/EOs/extracts/whatever can be just as allergenic or sensitizing as artificial or more purified ingredients. To take two rather well known examples: Tea Tree Oil (fabulous anti-septic and fungicide) and Limonene, which is a major part of any EO made from citrus. Using these daily is something I wouldn't recommend to anyone - if not for any other reason than the fact that they are very very useful and versatile things*, and it would absolutely suck to not be able to use them anymore.

*Tea Tree Oil is good for preventing the odd spot to become inflamed acne, against dandruff and most other fungus-caused problems (but dilute it! And be careful.). Limonene on its own (much cheaper than in an EO) is a very good solvent for removing glue stains and cleaning mirrors and such - on par with turpentine, but smells so much nicer.

 

[dirtmonkey]

I have only looked up a few so far, the ones I was most interested in using; I can say that black spruce (Picea mariana) is about as safe as the balsam fir; and I already know to stay away from any "cedar" that is actually a Thuja species; species of Juniperus and Cedrus are much safer. Pine oil can be very strong, and can be like turpentine, so I'd check it out very closely first- it probably depends on particular species. I will check those out in the next couple days myself; unfortunately I'm behind on paperwork today :-|

I usually start by searching Google with the name of the plant and the words 'essential oil' and 'toxicity'. Sometimes I jump over to scholar.google.com when I want to eliminate all the alternative therapy advertising or get to formal research.

The more I read about essential oils, the more I come to the conclusion that the "oil" part of the designation is really misleading.

What a polite turn of phrase I don't think the word is actually misleading, because "oil" can be used in English for many kinds of things; it's a very general descriptive term from long before the chemistry was discovered. The problem is that people over-simplify and assume that when a word is used, everything described by it is the same thing. So the problem isn't the word, it's that people just want a one size fits all answer, and don't like to investigate things that "everyone just knows". Other people have written about it here before, I am far from the first to mention that EOs are not at all the same as mineral oil... *shrug*. I'm not feeling very curmudgeonly lately, so I stop there

 

[dirtmonkey]

So far, other than mint oils, EOs seem to work better at standard/lower voltages with single coils. High voltage might be OK with dual coils or whatever coils can handle it without getting too hot in one place. When the oils get too hot they start changing flavor, usually not for the best. Even one of the mints; a local one, is more delicate that way; that oil also has a greenish tint, and tastes more herbal, so I think it wasn't steam distilled. It probably has more flavors directly extracted from the plants that get affected by heat.

The same thing happens to me with some of the artificial flavors, but I haven't tracked which ones are the worst.

 

[slr817]

I have been vaping Cinnamon Red Hots flavored juices..pretty sure the juice I use has cinnamon oil in it..for over 2 years...I have COPD and my lungs have improved significantly so it can't be hurting me too bad...my Dr. Said my lung function tests have never been better...I'm sure the vaping vs smoking 2 pad has a lot to do with that too.

 

[J**2]

I just dont see a need to use them . You can make pretty much anything you can think of with just approved flavorings . I cant see taking a risk when theres a safer option .

How do you think the oils are unsafe ? Most of the flavorings we use aren't water soluble. That's why they are diluted in PG and etoh. I just dont pay for the PG and drip directly in a bottle.

J

 

[J**2]

Personally I don't see an issue with occasional use of 'safe' EO's....however, the fact remains these oils cannot be expelled/absorbed by the lungs...how is that preferable to the tars left by cigarettes?

This is not true. Do you think the lung is an environment not allowing lipophilic molecules ( oils) to diffuse ? I beg to differ. How do you think nicotine is cleared from the lungs ? Most drugs ARE lipophilic. If they weren't they wouldn't cross the blood brain barrier and have psychotropic effects.


I found a really good article on limonene which composes about 90% of sweet orange oil. According to this article it is easily metabolized and may actually have applications in cancer therapy.

http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/12/3/259.pdf

Show me an article investigating the INHALATION of ARTIFICIAL flavorings. EOs are much better studied than the artificial crap we are breathing.

Most people making an argument against EOs are reacting out of fear. Each ingredient whether EO or "approved" ingredients ( not really none are ) must be looked at on an individual basis.

The truth is PG has been fairly well studied with inhalation and looks to be pretty safe. It is bactericidal and virocidal. Heck it may be GOOD for you. In one study it caused a 95% reduction in colds in a pediatric ward. But..... We are putting a lot of things in our lungs that aren't studied. I'd rather put an organic compound that has been around for thousands of years in my lung than a artificial lab created compound.

Jeff

 

[frosting]

I just wanted to say here... For the love of god don't use the essential oil of mugwort. You will die.

Other then that, to each their own! Please keep staying safe! I'll stick with my flavorings and use my oils in my oil burner! Most of my essential oils don't smell like they would taste good anyways.