Not all essential oils are healthy: What you need to know for your body, pets and home

Essential oils are often marketed as natural cures for everything from stress to skin issues. But “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” While many essential oils have healing properties, some can disrupt hormones, harm pets, and create toxic environments—especially if you’re using them without proper knowledge.

Let’s break down which essential oils are safe, which are not, and why it’s critical to understand what you’re diffusing into your air or applying to your skin.

1. Some Essential Oils Can Disrupt Hormones

Certain essential oils act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormonal system. This can be particularly concerning for women, children, and people with thyroid or reproductive concerns.

Essential oils that may affect hormone levels:

• Lavender Oil – Contains compounds that mimic estrogen and may block testosterone.

• Tea Tree Oil – Similarly shows hormone-disrupting activity in some studies.

Research has shown that consistent, long-term exposure (especially in products for children) may contribute to hormone-related imbalances. While these oils can still be used sparingly and safely by adults, moderation is key.

2. Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Dogs

Our pets are much more sensitive to essential oils than we are—especially dogs, whose sense of smell and liver metabolism processes make them vulnerable to toxicity.

Avoid using these oils around dogs:

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca)

• Wintergreen

• Pine

• Cinnamon

• Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Lime)

• Peppermint

• Sweet Birch

• Eucalyptus

• Clove

• Ylang Ylang

• Anise

• Pennyroyal

Even using a diffuser in a poorly ventilated space can be harmful. And applying oils directly on pets should never be done unless guided by a holistic vet.

3. How to Use Essential Oils Safely

Essential oils are concentrated plant compounds—stronger than most people realize. Here are some safety tips:

• Do your research before using a new oil.

• Avoid daily use of hormone-disrupting oils.

• Never diffuse pet-toxic oils in a room your dog has access to.

• Dilute oils properly with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin.

• Choose high-quality oils from reputable, transparent brands.

Final Thoughts:

Not all essential oils are healthy—and some can do real harm when used improperly. But with education and intention, they can still be part of a holistic lifestyle. The goal is not fear, but awareness. Understanding what you’re using—and how it affects your body and your environment—is the key to creating a safe, natural, and nourishing space for you, your family, and your furry friends.