(NC) Scent is a powerful part of our human experience. Different aromas can take us down memory lane or transport us to a calming or energizing place. Essential oils often bring such scents to everyday items like candles, soaps and lotions. But there are some things you should know about them.

The meaning of essential
It may be easy to assume that essential oils are called that because they’re essential to our health, like essential nutrients. But it actually means that they’re the “essence” of something, specifically, a plant. Depending on the plant, oils may be extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, bark or whatever part will give off the fragrance or flavour.

The safety of natural
Even though essential oils are natural substances, made directly from plants, that doesn’t mean they are always safe for our health. In fact, many plants produce toxins to protect themselves against insects or animals, which can also harm us.

The ongoing research
Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, Health Canada has been evaluating the safety of essential oils. Lab studies have shown that some essential oils may affect important organs, hormones or the reproductive system when they’re breathed in, put on the skin or eaten. Developing babies could be especially sensitive.

To assess if they might pose a health risk, Health Canada draws on information about how these oils are being used in products and by consumers and in what quantities. After considering this information, they determine if there is a potential risk to people in Canada. If an assessment determines that essential oils could be harmful at current levels of exposure, there could be new regulations or guidelines about how particular oils are used.

Find more information at canada.ca/healthy-home.