Essential Oil Safety — The Myths We Need to Retire

Essential oils are one of the most misunderstood corners of natural wellness, partly because the information environment is dominated by MLM marketing that has, let's say, a complicated relationship with safety data. I want this thread to be a clearinghouse for the myths that cause real harm — and the science or tradition that corrects them.

Starting the list:

1. "Pure essential oils are safe to ingest." Most oils are not meant for internal use without a qualified aromatherapist guiding dose and carrier. "Pure" says nothing about safety; hemlock is pure too.

2. "If it's natural, it's hypoallergenic." Cinnamon bark, oregano, and clove are among the most common skin sensitizers, period. Natural or not.

3. "A drop on the skin is always fine." Neat application of most oils risks sensitization — meaning you may become reactive after repeated exposure, even if the first ten times were fine.

4. "Diffusing is harmless background." It's not, especially for cats, birds, infants, and people with asthma.

What myths would you add? What's something you were taught that you've since had to unlearn? And for the practitioners here — what's the one safety rule you wish every beginner memorized?