Mainstream Medicine and Essential Oils | Bridging the Gap
I went through a screening yesterday for a routine medical procedure, and while the nurse was kind, empathetic and professional, she did not have a clue about the potency of essential oils. To be perfectly frank, it was an eye-opening experience.
Look, I do not make a habit of going to the doctor's office on a regular basis. In fact, I haven’t seen one for nearly 5 years; so, my experience is limited, at best. Nevertheless, following our discussion, I went on a hike to clear my head and see things from a different perspective. I wasn’t offended, just blown away. Essential oils are incredibly popular; yet, their recognition classifies them as ‘bath and body’. Fortunately, my time in nature did more than refresh my thinking, it delivered a divinely inspired ‘idea’. So, I sat down and recorded an audio file for Mixcloud. At the same time, I thought I’d share a few facts that justify my desire to ‘bridge the gap’.
Basically, this woman told me essential oils would not interfere with the medications being used to prep and sedate me for said procedure. Mind you, she informed me that I needed to avoid all blood thinning medications or foods ……..
Did you know, there are a number of essential oils with anticoagulant constituents?:
methyl salicylate
cinnamaldehyde
estragole
anethole
carvacrol
thymol
The constituents listed above are found in such oils as:
thyme
cassia
cinnamon
clove
basil
oregano
myrtle
savory
patchouli
It’s important to point out, there are more than one variety for several of these oils, with these constituents being found in each one.
And then there’s the fact that I will be sedated. Essential oils are known for their calming and soothing properties. How is it that ‘we’ acknowledge this; yet, don’t believe there will be an issue when combined with medications? Additive effects are commonly discussed in the medical world; it’s a topic of discussion in pharmacology courses and the reason why certain medications cannot be combined. With that said, some essential oils have constituents with sedative qualities:
1,8 cineole a.k.a. eucalyptol
cedrol
anethole
thymol
linallol
eugenol
borneol
a-pinene
ciral a.k.a. geranial
valerenic acid
Oils with these constituents include, but are not limited to:
eucalyptus
rose
marjoram
clove
thyme
valerian root
lemongrass
cedarwood virginaian
lavender
myrtle
To use these oils while being sedated pose a potential problem due to either having an additive effect and /or interacting on the CYP450 enzymes. (the same can be said for the antiplatelet constituents.)
People around the world use oils like these and others. What’s more, many people undergo medical treatments on a regular basis. Are the oils interfering with the effects of medication? Chances are … yes. However, any additional sleepiness, sluggishness, agitation, anxiety and so on gets attributed to the individual, their behavior and demeanor rather than completing a full assessment and including a list of oils. Why? Because they are classified as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). In other words, they’re supposed to be; and that is no guarantee they are.
Natural is not always safe … especially when medications are involved.
Interactions are real. Let me know if you’d like an assessment around the medications you take and essential oils you use. The suggested donation for this service is $50; however, paying what you can is greatly appreciated.
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