Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, but some still do not understand what they are and if they should use them.Whether you're dropping them onto your body or filling a room through a diffuser, essential oils can be used for a range of ailments. "Every single body system that you could possibly imagine neurological, digestive, pain management, immune function, anti-aging. There is a plant for everything," holistic practitioner Roxanne Foura said.Foura said essential oils are distilled or cold-pressed from various plants, but they're not all created in the same way. "That's the deep dark secret of essential oils. Because it's an unregulated industry, there is a lot of filthy ingredients in non-therapeutic grade essential oils," she said.She said if you plan to use them, do your homework. Make sure they've been tested by a third party with published results. She suggested going to aromaticscience.org if you want to learn more.LG Health statementWGAL also reached out to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.Debra Dower, the manager of holistic health, provided the following statement:"Essential oils offer many health and wellness benefits and can be valuable in supporting a multitude of health conditions. However, before using essential oils, it is important to check with a trusted and knowledgeable health-care provider as to which oils might be appropriate for you. "Because essential oils are a concentrated byproduct of the volatile oils of plants, it is important to limit usage to the appropriate dosage. Due to possible interactions and contraindications, individuals with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy, cardiac or pulmonary conditions, or seizure disorders, or those taking certain medications should exercise special caution and consult with their health-care provider before using essential oils."Skin irritation is the most common side effect of essential oil overuse. Essential oils in the citrus family should not be used prior to sun exposure, as they may cause photosensitivity of the skin. Pet safety can be another concern when essential oils are used heavily in small spaces."

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, but some still do not understand what they are and if they should use them.

Whether you're dropping them onto your body or filling a room through a diffuser, essential oils can be used for a range of ailments.

"Every single body system that you could possibly imagine neurological, digestive, pain management, immune function, anti-aging. There is a plant for everything," holistic practitioner Roxanne Foura said.

Foura said essential oils are distilled or cold-pressed from various plants, but they're not all created in the same way.

"That's the deep dark secret of essential oils. Because it's an unregulated industry, there is a lot of filthy ingredients in non-therapeutic grade essential oils," she said.

She said if you plan to use them, do your homework. Make sure they've been tested by a third party with published results.

She suggested going to aromaticscience.org if you want to learn more.

WGAL also reached out to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Debra Dower, the manager of holistic health, provided the following statement:

"Essential oils offer many health and wellness benefits and can be valuable in supporting a multitude of health conditions. However, before using essential oils, it is important to check with a trusted and knowledgeable health-care provider as to which oils might be appropriate for you.

"Because essential oils are a concentrated byproduct of the volatile oils of plants, it is important to limit usage to the appropriate dosage. Due to possible interactions and contraindications, individuals with certain medical conditions, including pregnancy, cardiac or pulmonary conditions, or seizure disorders, or those taking certain medications should exercise special caution and consult with their health-care provider before using essential oils.

"Skin irritation is the most common side effect of essential oil overuse. Essential oils in the citrus family should not be used prior to sun exposure, as they may cause photosensitivity of the skin. Pet safety can be another concern when essential oils are used heavily in small spaces."

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Essential oils: What they are and how they're used - WGAL Susquehanna Valley Pa.