Understanding the Composition of Stress Away
Stress Away is a proprietary essential oil blend from Young Living, formulated with several distinct botanical extracts. Its key ingredients are copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla, ocotea, and lavender. While marketed for its calming aroma, it is the pharmacological activity of these concentrated constituents that determines its potential side effects. Unlike regulated medications, essential oils are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating or curing diseases, and their safety profiles require careful consideration.
Topical Side Effects: Skin Irritation and Photosensitivity
Skin reactions are some of the most common side effects of applying essential oils topically. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, they must be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) before application to the skin to minimize risks. Failure to do so, or having particularly sensitive skin, can lead to adverse reactions.
- Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Ingredients like copaiba, cedarwood, lavender, and vanilla can cause irritation, redness, itching, or rashes (contact dermatitis). An allergic reaction can be delayed, sometimes appearing 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Performing a patch test is always recommended before wider application.
- The Danger of Phototoxicity: The lime oil in Stress Away poses a significant risk of phototoxicity, a condition where a substance on the skin reacts with UV light. If the lime oil was produced by cold-pressing the fruit peel (as opposed to steam distillation), it can cause severe skin reactions like burning, blistering, and lasting hyperpigmentation when the treated area is exposed to sunlight or tanning beds. The manufacturer's warning to avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after application confirms this risk.
Inhalation Side Effects: Respiratory and Allergic Reactions
Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils through inhalation via a diffuser, is a popular way to use Stress Away. However, it is not without risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.
- Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling highly concentrated essential oils can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This is especially concerning for individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD, as it can trigger flare-ups.
- Indoor Air Quality: Continuous diffusion in poorly ventilated spaces can lead to an overwhelming concentration of oil particles in the air, creating a greater risk of adverse effects. It is recommended to diffuse for short periods (30–60 minutes) and ensure the room is well-ventilated.
The Severe Risk of Ingestion
Under no circumstances should an essential oil blend like Stress Away be ingested. Despite some essential oil companies promoting this practice, it is highly dangerous and can lead to severe and life-threatening toxicity. Ingestion can cause:
- Oral and throat irritation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Severe gastrointestinal issues and damage to the stomach lining.
- Central nervous system depression or stimulation, resulting in lethargy, seizures, or coma.
- Aspiration into the lungs, which can cause chemical pneumonia, a major risk factor for essential oil poisoning.
Special Considerations for Sensitive Populations
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of essential oils due to their body's different metabolic and physiological characteristics.
- Children: Infants and young children have thinner skin and less developed livers, making them more susceptible to toxicity. Ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal. Topical use of certain oils, including lavender, has been linked to hormonal disruption and prepubertal gynecomastia.
- Pregnant and Nursing Women: Due to limited safety data, pregnant and nursing women are advised to use essential oils with extreme caution or avoid them altogether. Some constituents can pass into the bloodstream and may pose risks to the fetus or infant.
- Pets: Many essential oils are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, whether applied topically, inhaled via a diffuser, or ingested. Cats, in particular, lack the necessary enzymes to metabolize essential oils and are highly susceptible to poisoning.
Comparison of Topical vs. Inhaled Risks for Stress Away
| Aspect | Topical Application (on skin) | Inhaled Application (diffused) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Absorption through the skin and into the bloodstream. | Inhalation into the lungs and absorption into the bloodstream. |
| Primary Risk | Skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, phototoxicity. | Respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups, and systemic exposure. |
| Severity of Risk | Generally localized skin reactions, but phototoxicity from lime oil can be severe. | Can cause discomfort and trigger respiratory issues, with risk increasing in poorly ventilated spaces. |
| Key Precautions | Always dilute with a carrier oil, perform a patch test, and avoid sun exposure for 12+ hours due to lime oil. | Use in well-ventilated areas, diffuse for short intervals (e.g., 30-60 minutes), and ensure pets and children can leave the room. |
Important Safety Precautions
Given the potential for adverse effects, several precautions should be taken when using Stress Away or any other essential oil blend. These steps help minimize risk and ensure a safer user experience.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take other medications, consult with a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist.
- Conduct a Patch Test: For topical application, apply a small, diluted amount of the oil to a discreet area of skin, like the inner forearm, and wait 24–48 hours to check for any reaction.
- Dilute Properly: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil. The standard recommendation is 1–2% dilution for adults, using about 1–2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Never Ingest: Essential oils are highly potent and should not be swallowed under any circumstances. In case of accidental ingestion, call Poison Control immediately.
- Use Diffusers with Caution: When diffusing, use a low concentration and ensure the area is well-ventilated. Always allow pets and children the option to leave the room.
- Avoid UV Exposure After Topical Use: Due to the lime oil component, avoid sunlight and UV radiation for at least 12 hours after applying Stress Away to the skin.
- Store Safely: Keep all essential oils in a cool, dark place and out of reach of children and pets.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Over Natural Claims
While essential oil products like Stress Away are often promoted as safe and natural, it is crucial to recognize their potent pharmacological properties and potential side effects. The concentrated nature of its ingredients—copaiba, lime, cedarwood, and lavender—carries risks ranging from skin irritation and phototoxicity to severe respiratory distress and poisoning, especially in sensitive populations. The most significant risks are associated with ingestion and topical application without proper dilution. For the safest use, consumers should prioritize medical advice over anecdotal claims and strictly adhere to dilution guidelines and other precautionary measures. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is risk-free, and an informed approach is essential for preventing adverse health outcomes.
Visit MedlinePlus for more information on the dangers of accidental essential oil ingestion.
