Safety Saturday: Citrus Oils & Phototoxicity!

Some essential oils, contain chemical constituents called FURANOCOUMARINS.

Furanocoumarins are a class of organic chemical compounds produced by a variety of plants as chemical defenses. They come in a variety of flavors and have adverse affects on a wide variety of organisms, ranging from bacteria to mammals.

Some furanocoumarins are PHOTOACTIVE--so their toxicity is enhanced in the presence of ultraviolet radiation.

***Essential oils which contain this furanocoumarin chemical compound include: Angelica, Bergamot, Dill, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Tangerine. ***

The PHOTOTOXICITY of these oils can cause skin reactions when they are applied to the skin and therefore should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 12 hours.

*****Please be mindful of photosensitivity when using citrus oils and blends containing citrus oils!*****

{Side Note: Have you ever wondered why pharmacists recommend that some medications not be taken along with grapefruit?? It's Furanocoumarins!}
Click to Learn More:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/…/ask-a-pharmacist/facts.aspx

References:
1. http://www.life.illinois.edu/berenbaum/newpage1.htm
2. https://books.google.com/books…
3. https://books.google.com/books…