Released: 10 November, 2017

In recent months a growing number of FHT members have raised concerns about a company whose advocates promote potentially unsafe practices, including the ingestion (swallowing) of essential oils.

Please find below a set of statements from the FHT, which outline our position with regards to membership and insurance, the ingestion of essential oils and talks at FHT Local Support Groups.

FHT comment:

The FHT does not endorse the ingestion of essential oils or cover this particular practice for membership and insurance purposes. Nor does it cover the work activities of any advocates of a company that promotes the ingestion of essential oils. This is irrespective of whether the individual holds a qualification in aromatherapy, or has covered the ingestion of essential oils in any other training.

In the FHT’s opinion, the oral administration of essential oils is a potentially high-risk practice, particularly if the individual recommending or administering essential oils is not medically qualified to diagnose or has a lack of knowledge regarding essential oil pharmacology. For more information, please see our FHT Statement on the oral administration (ingestion) of essential oils, published in February 2016.

The FHT does not endorse or support talks given at FHT Local Support Group meetings by any advocates of a company that promotes the ingestion of essential oils. Continuing professional development (CPD) points will not be awarded by the FHT for any LSG meetings in such instances.