• The Winnebago Indians of the last century boiled the leaves of the [[Wild Bergamot - Monarda fistulosa]] plant to make a poultice. Besides the oil-absorbing properties of the leaves, the essential oils of the plant may be drying and antibacterial. Other essential oils used as folk remedies for acne include the oils of juniper, thyme, and rose. • Oils may be applied as they occur in aromatic plants, in the form of poultices. • They may also be applied as extracted essential oils available in health food and herb stores. • <mark style="background: #FF5582A6;">From 2-20% of essential oils put directly on the skin enter the circulatory system unchanged</mark>. For this reason, <mark style="background: #FFF3A3A6;">it is a standard in aromatherapy that essential oils be diluted to about 3% before being applied to the skin.</mark> (Some oils are contraindicated from any use on skin in any dilution.) ## Various oils may cause: Burns, including third degree burns Allergic reactions like poison ivy or poison oak Photosensitivity Photocarcinogenicity Hepatotoxicity Neurotoxicity ## Sources: - [[Infectious Diseases Part I]]