One of my favorite evidence-based alternative medicine websites, Green Med Info, has an extensive list of abstracts on the potential dangers of Tylenol use, particularly in kids. The studies listed examine an array of risks, such as asthma, autism, hearing loss, ADHD (associated with use during pregnancy), blood cancer, toxicity and death. Check it out here. Granted, many of the studies are making associations and not necessarily concluding causation, but the evidence is compelling. Plus, I'm the kind of mom and practitioner who likes to err on the side of caution and reasonable doubt, especially when it comes to man-made, chemical- and sugar-laden "medicine" or food-like products. I steer away from these and opt for natural solutions and real food instead. There is certainly a time and place for modern medicine, but most issues, other than acute life-threatening illness or injuries, can be treated at home with diet, lifestyle and natural medicine. Many doctor visits and hospital stays can be prevented altogether by using natural solutions at the first sign of illness. It is up to each and every one of us to educate ourselves on how to use natural remedies, as well as diet and lifestyle as our everyday prevention and treatment, if we want to live a life of optimal health and fulfillment. As a Functional Medicine Nutritionist/Health Coach and essential oils enthusiast, I am passionate about teaching my clients and readers how to use nature's gifts in order to keep themselves and their families healthy.
For fevers, the calmative, cooling essential oils like peppermint, lavender or Roman chamomile are excellent. I typically go right to the peppermint for higher fevers. For babies under 1 year, I recommend diluting 1 drop of lavender in 1 tsp of carrier oil, like Fractionated Coconut Oil. A good extra-virgin olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil works well, too. Apply the oil to the back of the neck and upper spine, as well as to the bottoms of the feet. Lavender is a gentle but widely effective oil, which is why it's great for an array of issues in infants, including infection. After 1 year, 1-2 drops of peppermint in 1 tsp of carrier oil can be used when needed, for babies 2 and under. For adults, the oil can be applied directly to these areas with no dilution, otherwise termed as "neat". These fever-reducing techniques work well, and at the very least, will take the edge off of a high fever, without completely shutting down this important defense mechanism. As far as I know, there are no associations between using therapeutic grade essential oils and any of the aforementioned issues associated with Tylenol use. In fact, essential oils work on many levels (body, mind and spirit) to make you healthier when you use them, rather than taxing your system and making you weaker and more susceptible in the long-run. And, of course, they also get the job done. That's my kind of medicine.
Always remember that in order for any treatment to work for you at its fullest potential, whether it be essential oils, acupuncture, massage, herbs, etc., you must be taking care of yourself on the most basic levels, including good nutrition and hydration and restorative lifestyle practices.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions about how to use these essential oils in your everyday life.
Be well,
Angie
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