5.5 Essential Oils
Description
This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
5.5 Essential Oils
Many people have found essential oils beneficial to healing and
preventing scarring. Essential oils should not be relied upon to
cleanse the piercing.
Aromatherapy practitioners emphasize differentiating between essential
oils and perfume oils. Oils should be used sparingly and diluted,
never full-strength, (neat). Suggested carriers include Grapeseed and
Sweet Almond oils. Some piercing studios which suggest essential oils
for aftercare provide customers with a premixed solution. Most health
food and alternative healing stores sell oils individually and can
make solutions.
Patch tests to determine sensitivity or allergy are strongly
recommended. Apply a drop of the oil to the inside elbow or
wrist. Acquired allergies to essential oils are possible.
Denise Robinson of Ambient, http://www.ambient.on.ca suggests using
oils in addition to hot salt water soaks or compresses. "In
combination with the heat, which opens up blood vessels, thus bringing
more white blood cells to the area and removing infectious matter, and
the mild antiseptic properties of the salt water, oils can be a
valuable addition. In addition to their own special abilities, many
oils have the inherent ability of stimulating the immune system. Using
a soap with these oils as an active ingredient can also help."
Lavender oil and Tea Tree oil are most frequently suggested. Both are
considered by aromatherapy practitioners to be antiseptic. However,
their antiseptic qualities have not been scientifically tested or
evaluated.
Lavender oil, when used for aromatherapy, is said to be very relaxing.
Lavender oil is very mild and few people experience allergic
reactions.
Tea Tree oil is very strong, both in scent and effect. It is said to
be antifungal and antibacterial. Some people use a mouthrinse of salt
water and a few drops of tea tree oil to aid the healing of oral
piercings.
Wheat germ oil contains vitamin E which may reduce scarring. However,
it is very sticky which may be detrimental towards healing. Some
people are allergic to vitamin E oil.
Brad Zutaut <bzutaut@ix.netcom.com> of Red Earth
<http://www.redearth.com> comments:
"I use tea tree oil on my piercings. I dilute it in grapeseed oil,
about ten drops in 15ml of grapeseed oil works nicely. I would never
use it undiluted. It acts as a lubricant as well as being
antiseptic. I've heard you can also dilute the tea tree oil in
lavender, as lavender is a gentle oil that can be used undiluted
itself. Tea tree is not as harsh as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as it
does not dry and it does not kill the healing tissue along with the
germs. For fresh piercings, I would recommend soaking them in salt
water to soften any crusties and then cleaning with rings with swabs
dipped in the salt water, and then applying the tea tree oil and
leaving it on. Wipe excess from around the piercing as it can stain
clothing. For healed piercings, I wash daily with antibacterial soap
and apply tea tree oil.
"Antiseptic oils should not be used on genital piercings involving
mucous membranes. I would be wary of using them on facial pierces near
the eyes. Tongue piercings can be healed by using one or two drops of
peppermint oil in a glass of water as a mouthwash. Do not use
peppermint oil undiluted."
Oils should be stored and handled responsibly. Prevent contamination
of the oil; do not touch the dropper or mouth of the bottle. Air
content of the bottle should be kept at a minimum. The bottle should
be dark or wrapped and stored away from sunlight.
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