Re: Have you become sensitized?

[Guest guest]

No I haven't....and I have worked with large quantities of oakmoss resinoid

for the last 15 years too....have sometimes wondered if the resinoid is

safer than the ess. oil...sometimes in nature the whole product contains

things that counteract the individual components found in more rarified

extracts..

I have allergies to other things( milk, gluten, a number of chemical

ingredients in conventional cosmetics), but I've never ha a reaction to an

essential oil.

Ambrosia

[Guest guest]

> No I haven't....and I have worked with large quantities of oakmoss resinoid

> for the last 15 years too....have sometimes wondered if the resinoid is

> safer than the ess. oil...sometimes in nature the whole product contains

> things that counteract the individual components found in more rarified

> extracts..

Hi Ambrosia:

Everybody's different, or I can say every body is different.

There is no oakmoss resinoid, AFAIK, it's the absolute that's

made, no EO either. Are you sure you've been getting oakmoss? I

found this in Arctander: Resin Oakmoss” (a misnomer) is a hot

processed alcoholic extract of oakmoss often “touched up” with

synthetic perfume materials. I've found concrete and abs. of

oakmoss, but never the resin or resinoid. The concrete and

absolute are known sensitizers *but* of course, not everyone is

sensitized to it.

The " whole product " counteraction is known as quenching, but it's

not always true, of course. The most famous episode of

sensitization I know of is, ironically, lavender. A supplier

became sensitized and had to be hospitalized and can't even be in

the room when it's poured. Her system had a lavender overload and

she's sensitized for life. This was first reported over a decade ago.

> I have allergies to other things( milk, gluten, a number of chemical

> ingredients in conventional cosmetics), but I've never ha a reaction to an

> essential oil.

You're lucky. When I first obtained jasmine absolute in 1979 or

so, I knew nothing about diluting materials. So, I put a few

drops on my wrist, rubbed them together and had quite an itching

spell, followed by numerous bumps. They went away after 20

minutes or so, and I was able to enjoy the jasmine. Repeated this

routine for years before I knew enough to dilute.

Thankfully, I didn't use a large enough amount, and my system was

in good enough shape, that I didn't become sensitized after

suffering such repeated irritations.

Any others want to share stories of irritation, sensitization,

photo-sensitization, photo-toxicity? It'll be a help to newbies,

and some oldies, too! Maybe I'll post my workspace instructions

that are in my textbook, as the precautions can help perfumers.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

> Hi Ambrosia: Everybody's different, or I can say every body is

> different. There is no oakmoss resinoid, AFAIK, it's the

> absolute that's made, no EO either. Are you sure you've been

> getting oakmoss? I found this in Arctander: Resin Oakmoss” (a

> misnomer) is a hot processed alcoholic extract of oakmoss often

> “touched up” with synthetic perfume materials.

Correction: meant to write I've never seen it id'd as resinoid,

the alcoholic extract resin, yes, but I never purchased it. Can't

remember where I saw it. I use the absolute diluted to 3% for my

students kits, because I want them to experience it safely at

first, and then, with careful instruction, they'll know how to

handle it. I was careless years ago, and let it dry on my

fingers. Bad mistake.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

> Hi Ambrosia: Everybody's different, or I can say every body is

> different. There is no oakmoss resinoid, AFAIK, it's the

> absolute that's made, no EO either. Are you sure you've been

> getting oakmoss? I found this in Arctander: Resin Oakmoss” (a

> misnomer) is a hot processed alcoholic extract of oakmoss often

> “touched up” with synthetic perfume materials.

Correction: meant to write I've never seen it id'd as resinoid,

the alcoholic extract resin, yes, but I never purchased it. Can't

remember where I saw it. I use the absolute diluted to 3% for my

students kits, because I want them to experience it safely at

first, and then, with careful instruction, they'll know how to

handle it. I was careless years ago, and let it dry on my

fingers. Bad mistake.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

It's not the Oakmoss, but the artifacts collected with the moss.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

It's not the Oakmoss, but the artifacts collected with the moss.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

There was and is a resinoid, albeit not used often for obvious reasons. There

is or was a so called EO, but it lacked the olfactory purpose.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

There was and is a resinoid, albeit not used often for obvious reasons. There

is or was a so called EO, but it lacked the olfactory purpose.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

> **

>

>

> There was and is a resinoid, albeit not used often for obvious reasons.

> There is or was a so called EO, but it lacked the olfactory purpose.

>

> -= Cß =-

>

>

I'm pretty sure it is resinoid that I have.

It's thick, brown globby stuff, looks disgusting and smells heavanly!

I've had the 1kg tin for 15 years or more...and it hasn't changed during

that time.

I used to use it in incense, and have had the stuff all over my hands at

various times...it's extremely sticky.

didn't hear anything about the dangers of oakmoss and sensitisation till

some years after I started playing with it...which is why Ive wondered if

this stuff behaves differently. Ive reacted quickly to so many things over

the years, but not this.

I had a friend with multiple sensitivites who used a cologne Id made for

him containing a fair bit of the oakmoss resinoid (filtered and diluted) as

after-shave (his idea, I didnt find out till 2 years later!)

He swore by the stuff, said it had cleared up a nasty shaving rash for him!

I do remember reading something about the problem with oakmoss being vastly

exagerated a while back...must see if I can dig out the article....

Ambrosia

--

http://www.perfumebynature.com.au

[Guest guest]

> **

>

>

> There was and is a resinoid, albeit not used often for obvious reasons.

> There is or was a so called EO, but it lacked the olfactory purpose.

>

> -= Cß =-

>

>

I'm pretty sure it is resinoid that I have.

It's thick, brown globby stuff, looks disgusting and smells heavanly!

I've had the 1kg tin for 15 years or more...and it hasn't changed during

that time.

I used to use it in incense, and have had the stuff all over my hands at

various times...it's extremely sticky.

didn't hear anything about the dangers of oakmoss and sensitisation till

some years after I started playing with it...which is why Ive wondered if

this stuff behaves differently. Ive reacted quickly to so many things over

the years, but not this.

I had a friend with multiple sensitivites who used a cologne Id made for

him containing a fair bit of the oakmoss resinoid (filtered and diluted) as

after-shave (his idea, I didnt find out till 2 years later!)

He swore by the stuff, said it had cleared up a nasty shaving rash for him!

I do remember reading something about the problem with oakmoss being vastly

exagerated a while back...must see if I can dig out the article....

Ambrosia

--

http://www.perfumebynature.com.au

[Guest guest]

Most of the resinoids are almost as hard as a rock. The absolutes, unless cut

for handling are very thick and sometimes appear 'fibrous' when pulling on the

glob.

The irritation issues depend on the collection of the botanical and the method

of extraction.  Usually, it's due to the twigs collected along with the moss

material. Hence it is variable from lot to lot.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

Most of the resinoids are almost as hard as a rock. The absolutes, unless cut

for handling are very thick and sometimes appear 'fibrous' when pulling on the

glob.

The irritation issues depend on the collection of the botanical and the method

of extraction.  Usually, it's due to the twigs collected along with the moss

material. Hence it is variable from lot to lot.

-= Cß =-

[Guest guest]

>

> Someone asked a question on my blog today about sensitization.

> It's always a good topic to address, whether you work with

> aromatics or not. Do you think you have become sensitized to a

> natural aromatic? I am, to oakmoss. If you don't understand

> what sensitization is, we can start a discussion. This is very

> relevant to natural perfumers.

>

> --

> Anya McCoy

Inadvertently sensitized myself to LEMON essential oil (which I love) using a

few drops daily as deodorant for 2-3 years. Now, if I apply Lemon EO to my

underarms or thin delicate skin on my forearm, I break out in a fine, red, very

ITCHY-to-painful rash which lasts for a week or longer. Can still use Lemon EO

on my palms & soles of my feet w/o discomfort.

Though I research EOs reference books before using EOs in healing formulas and

perfumes, I didn't 'register' the caution about Lemon EO until after my

sensitization happened. (darn)

Learned since then, some folks have genetic sensitivities to certain chemical

compounds in citrus, also found in other EOs (angelica, rose geranium, etc.).

Wish I knew exactly which ones...have my suspicions. Seems that both my father

and I have that genetic pattern. I can recognize by smell which EOs I need to be

careful of (they seem 'too intense' to me). Be forewarned and read your

reference books advisories!

~ Cynthe Brush

www.EssentialOilsForHealing.com

www.GaiasPharmacopeia.com

[Guest guest]

The only time I had a reaction was to spilling some hay absolute on my counter

after having blended for hours earlier. I remember getting light-headed and

having to stop to go outside. I probably did not have enough fresh air, even

though the windows were open.

Just curious, what were the symptoms of your sensitization to oakmoss absolute,

Anya?

Maggie

[Guest guest]

The only time I had a reaction was to spilling some hay absolute on my counter

after having blended for hours earlier. I remember getting light-headed and

having to stop to go outside. I probably did not have enough fresh air, even

though the windows were open.

Just curious, what were the symptoms of your sensitization to oakmoss absolute,

Anya?

Maggie

[Guest guest]

>

> Someone asked a question on my blog today about sensitization.

> It's always a good topic to address, whether you work with

> aromatics or not. Do you think you have become sensitized to a

> natural aromatic? I am, to oakmoss. If you don't understand

> what sensitization is, we can start a discussion. This is very

> relevant to natural perfumers.

>

What are the symptoms of sensitization? Is it a permanent condition or will it

go away eventually?

I know the smell of choya loban, birch tar, and cade makes me nauseous. And

it's not because I don't like the smell, I actually do. But whenever I get

whiffs of those things out of the bottle, I get a little queasy. I don't know if

that has anything to do with sensitization( from what I gather it has more to do

with the skin).

I definitely get burned from cinnamon, cassia, and ginger oils. Which sucks

because I love my spices. Oddly enough clove oil or CO2 doesn't seem to bother

my skin at all.

>

[Guest guest]

________________________________

To: NaturalPerfumery

Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 3:38 PM

Subject: Re: Have you become sensitized?

 

>

> Someone asked a question on my blog today about sensitization.

> It's always a good topic to address, whether you work with

> aromatics or not. Do you think you have become sensitized to a

> natural aromatic? I am, to oakmoss. If you don't understand

> what sensitization is, we can start a discussion. This is very

> relevant to natural perfumers.

>

What are the symptoms of sensitization? Is it a permanent condition or will it

go away eventually?

I know the smell of choya loban, birch tar, and cade makes me nauseous. And it's

not because I don't like the smell, I actually do. But whenever I get whiffs of

those things out of the bottle, I get a little queasy. I don't know if that has

anything to do with sensitization( from what I gather it has more to do with the

skin).

I definitely get burned from cinnamon, cassia, and ginger oils. Which sucks

because I love my spices. Oddly enough clove oil or CO2 doesn't seem to bother

my skin at all.

>

~~~~~

hi all,

i can't say i am sensitized to anything... although i don't as often get that

lil rush of euphoria from a whiff of clary sage... i remember the first time i

encountered clary, someone had told me to rub it into my shins before running to

prevent shinsplints. i am glad i had sat down to do this. *laugh* needless to

say it confirmed my early belief in plant power. and yes, it was fun. much

light! einsof

[Guest guest]

> Inadvertently sensitized myself to LEMON essential oil (which I love) using a

few drops daily as deodorant for 2-3 years. Now, if I apply Lemon EO to my

underarms or thin delicate skin on my forearm, I break out in a fine, red, very

ITCHY-to-painful rash which lasts for a week or longer. Can still use Lemon EO

on my palms & soles of my feet w/o discomfort.

>

> ~ Cynthe Brush

Hi Cynthe:

You point out how random sensitization can be. Some people are

allergic to strawberries, some are not. Years go by, someone who

loves strawberries and eats them a lot, they eat some

strawberries and get a rash or hives. Same with shellfish.

These spontaneous allergies (probably due to a build up in the

system) have been documented for many years, decades even. The

close use of essential oils, and by close I mean pouring them,

using them in daily care like you did, Cynthe, can cause a system

overdose.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

> The only time I had a reaction was to spilling some hay absolute on my counter

after having blended for hours earlier. I remember getting light-headed and

having to stop to go outside. I probably did not have enough fresh air, even

though the windows were open.

>

> Just curious, what were the symptoms of your sensitization to oakmoss

absolute, Anya?

> Maggie

Dear Maggie:

Thanks for sharing your experience. The more people who see

this, the more will be aware of the potency of the oils. Last

year I had an assistant pouring a LOT of oils in the other room.

It was very hot out, so the doors and windows were closed, and

the air conditioning was on, and the ceiling fans. He had no

problem, but the fan in his room was directing the vapors into my

studio. The scent of cilantro and thai lime, both very powerful

and aldehydic, filled my studio. Later that night and the next

day, I had vertigo. I couldn't figure out what caused it until I

spoke with another perfumer and she reminded me of the

liver/hormonal link. The vertigo disappeared in a day or so, and

I was really chagrined that I had violated one of my cardinal

rules: good ventilation. I have a HEPA filter and forgot to put

it on. Carelessness/forgetfulness can be trouble!

The oakmoss was in two stages: first the irritation and then it

was obvious my body was sensitized. Not all irritations result

in sensitization. My first three fingers on my left hand began

to burn, then itch, then little bumps appeared. This lasted for

days. A thick callous appeared in the first joint of the index

finger, and finally cracked. This would not go away for weeks.

It was very painful, and raw skin (a tiny bit, but still!) was

apparent under the thick callous.

Later on I knew I was sensitized because if I can in contact with

the *vapors* of oakmoss, my skin on those fingers would tingle.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

> What are the symptoms of sensitization? Is it a permanent condition or will it

go away eventually?

> I know the smell of choya loban, birch tar, and cade makes me nauseous. And

it's not because I don't like the smell, I actually do. But whenever I get

whiffs of those things out of the bottle, I get a little queasy. I don't know if

that has anything to do with sensitization( from what I gather it has more to do

with the skin).

> I definitely get burned from cinnamon, cassia, and ginger oils. Which sucks

because I love my spices. Oddly enough clove oil or CO2 doesn't seem to bother

my skin at all.

>

Hi :

Often irritation shows itself before sensitization, but not

always. Irritation can be a rash, hives, itching and such. About

getting nauseous on the deep, dark aromatics you mention -

they're so concentrated, and so freaking strong to begin with,

they probably just overcame your body for a bit. Again, it's

probably related to hormones, but I'm not an expert. With the

spices, you're describing irritation, which can cause burning,

itching, bumps, etc. I just remembered that clove oil makes me a

bit ill, probably due to the eugenol. I overused some clove oil

years ago when it was recommended for toothaches. I got

swelling, etc., in my mouth and to this day can't bear

eugenol-rich oils.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

> hi all, i can't say i am sensitized to anything... although i

> don't as often get that lil rush of euphoria from a whiff of

> clary sage... i remember the first time i encountered clary,

> someone had told me to rub it into my shins before running to

> prevent shinsplints. i am glad i had sat down to do this.

> *laugh* needless to say it confirmed my early belief in plant

> power. and yes, it was fun. much light! einsof

Hi einsof:

Clary sage and good Oud can do that. They have psychoactive

properties for sure!

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

[Guest guest]

I haven't. The only time I had an issue was when I accidentally dropped cinnamon

on my hand. I didn't notice until it started to burn.

[Guest guest]

I remember before I knew ANYTHING about essential oils, I bought a

cinnamon-scented bar of soap. And used it to wash up, including my face.

Broke out ALL OVER. I'm still resentful of that. I probably should have

known better, but the soapmaker should have put a warning on the soap too!

Or known better and just not made cinnamon soap.

Hmm....that reminds me. I don't have a warning on my own product page for

my cinnamon fragrance oil - which still includes some cinnamon EO....oops.

Andriot, owner

Vetiver Aromatics <http://vetiveraromatics.com>

[Guest guest]

> Do you think you have become sensitized to a natural aromatic?

I suspect I am somewhat sensitized to peppermint. Many years ago, I was sick and

had really chapped lips - so I used a very mentholated lip balm. The redder and

more swollen my lips became - the more I used. I looked like a circus clown

with bright red area all around my lips almost up to my nose! Finally I realized

- I may be " allergic " to this lip balm! Ever since then...I have to be careful.

Mint toothpaste makes my lips and gums feel tender. I can eat some mint candies

but after too many I start to feel " weird " - I don't seem to have any reaction

to spearmint, so I think it is specifically peppermint and not " menthol " in

general.

I am definately ALLERGIC to lemongrass - the herb & the EO. I noticed my throat

felt tight and slightly closed up after Thai Food. Then my sister mentioned to

me that a lemongrass candle I bought her made her throat close up and gave her a

horrible headache (and supposedly it was EO and no synthetics.) We finally put

two and two together and realized we are both allergic to lemongrass. Which

also answered the question why sometimes my summer Gin & Tonic gave me a

terrible heacache and made me feel sick - while other times I was fine (and not

a factor of quantity!) I was looking at the botanicals used to make gin - and

one brand used lemongrass instead of lemon peel! BINGO!

Sue

[Guest guest]

> > What are the symptoms of sensitization? Is it a permanent condition or will

it go away eventually?

I know of at least two people so sensitized to lavender that they have had to

leave the aromatherapy profession.

I understand sensitization to be different from allergy.

Maybe someone can outline the differences or I could probably find a resource if

needed. Sue