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Epilepsy

Are there essential oils that can be beneficial for people with epilepsy?
As an aromatherapist I have heard to not use certain essential oils with epileptics, if so, which essential are considered contraindicated and why?
If a specific essential oil is not indicated does that apply to the herb species as well?


Epilepsy
Are there essential oils that can be beneficial for people with epilepsy?

Oils high in toxic ketones are said to be likely to induce attacks epilepsy - but the doses needed are substantial, and unlikely to be encountered in normal situations. In any case, the reactions of epilepsy sufferers are idiosyncratic. Theoretically a low dose of anything could cause a reaction, but there is no conclusive evidence that this is either a likely or significant factor.

As an aromatherapist I have heard to not use certain essential oils with epileptics, if so, which essential are considered contraindicated and why?

It may be that the more powerfully stimulating oils: camphor, peppermint, rosemary are contraindicated if any are at all. Research shows that significantly relaxing oils have been shown to reduce frequency of attacks. Therefore, those prone to epilepsy may wish to avoid stimulant oils and use more of the relaxing ones.


If a specific essential oil is not indicated does that apply to the herb species as well?

s i.e.’ Sage… No - one cannot necessarily extrapolate from herbal extracts to essential oils - unless the active principles are identical. Usually they are not.

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