Technically the same rules apply to homeopathy, herbs, and anything that can be considered “medical”.
I am not a vet, and won’t pretend to be. There will be many times you will be referred to your veterinarian. I can’t make a diagnosis, give you a prescription or a treatment plan. There is no promise of a cure. You need to take what you learn and make your own decisions about implementing it.
My goal is to educate you with what I know and help you learn how to use natural wellness approaches. Privately, with my clients in a 1:1 or private educational group, we can share much more information & leverage resources as needed. Some folks will call this the Kitchen Table discussion. To have a seat the table for the additional education will require being an active Loyalty Member of Young Living or being a subscriber to this forum. (details to follow)
For others:
FDA Compliance Rules for Essential Oils
They’re used for aromatherapy, massages, skincare and so much more. Technically they are considered cosmetics. There is a tremendous amount of scrutiny, flagged content, and watching being done on FB, FB Groups, and websites related to sharing public information.
The FDA has strict compliance rules when it comes to essential oils and medical claims. We can’t make them. Especially if you’re someone who stands to make money off the sale of essential oils. But you will see many a dog mama in Facebook groups say all sorts of things. Individuals can share their own personal testimony/experience as they choose. Groups like mine cannot do that. So it gets a bit awkward – and often feels like to the group member that the “expert” isn’t so expert, forthcoming, or helpful. Tough spot to be in .
The FDA classifies essential oils as “cosmetics” and “food additives,” which means they can’t make any medical claims. In other words, you won’t see any statements like “cures cancer” or “treats anxiety” on essential oil labels. This is because the FDA hasn’t evaluated the safety and efficacy of essential oils for these purposes, and so they can’t be marketed as medical treatments.
So why is the FDA so strict about essential oils and medical claims?
Well, for starters, even though they are natural substances, if not used properly they can present risks. For example, some essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity. Additionally, not all essential oils are created equal. Synthetics, Adulterants, and other chemicals can make them unsafe to use. Even essential oils that have been deems GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for ingestion have limits and even more considerations for our dogs and other pets.
Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of essential oils for various medical conditions is limited. There are a couple of reasons for this — expense in testing & resistance from the big corporations. One of the holistic vets I know looked into doing some testing a few years ago. She encountered, the dosage at which 50% of the participants die in animal testing is known as the LD50 (Lethal Dose 50). It’s the amount of a substance that is lethal to 50% of the population of test animals. The LD50 is used to determine the toxicity of a substance, but it is not a measure of the safety or efficacy of a drug. The LD50 is used as a preliminary toxicity test to guide the selection of doses for further animal and human testing.…. no one wants to do this testing.
While some people claim that essential oils have therapeutic benefits, there’s a lack of robust, peer-reviewed scientific studies to support these claims. Though this is increasing through research and you’ll find many articles on PubMed and research books Until more research is done, the FDA can’t approve the use of essential oils for medical purposes.
But just because you can’t make medical claims about essential oils, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy their benefits! There are plenty of ways to use essential oils safely and responsibly, without making any medical claims. Here are a few ideas:
Aromatherapy: Essential oils are well-known for their pleasant scents and can be used for aromatherapy to enhance mood and create a relaxing environment. Simply diffuse a few drops in your home or office, or add a few drops to a warm bath for an at-home spa experience.
Massage: Essential oils can be used in massages to help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. Just remember to dilute the oils in a carrier oil before applying to your skin.
Skincare: Essential oils are often used in skincare products because they’re believed to have skin-nourishing properties. However, it’s important to do a patch test before using any new essential oil on your skin, as some oils can cause skin irritation.
Cleaning: Essential oils are a great alternative to harsh chemicals when it comes to cleaning your home. Try adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to your cleaning products for a fresh, natural scent.
Cooking: Essential oils can be used to flavor food, but it’s important to remember that they’re highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. Start with just a drop or two to avoid overpowering your dish.
But what about things like digestive health, the aging brain, joint support relief, and so on. Well, as long as we talk about the systems of the body and how they support our well-being or relieve discomfort, we should stay on the right side of the rules. You’ll also see this disclaimer often: “These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
It’s why we encourage you to do your own research and make sure you have a full view of all the details associated with your specific pet’s needs & goals. Too many people fling out answers to generic questions and don’t have the full scope of information to give you a complete answer.
It’s why you’ll sometimes hear topics and answers phrased in a really odd way on social media. We’re trying to avoid disease names when discussing specific essential oils.
Some of you may get frustrated with this restriction, especially if you’re looking for answers to help your dog or family. But don’t worry! This is where a good aromatherapist and essential oil educator can help you the most. As a certified canine nutritionist, homeopathic educator, and essential oil educator I can help you understand how essential oils support the systems of the body & ideally help us keep our focus on wellness and longevity.
Schedule time with me to discuss your dog’s well-being and your goals.