The European Chemical Agency intends to label Lavender essential oil dangerous because it has the capability of causing an allergic reaction. To date, by 2018, all lavender essential oil products will carry a health warning. The label may read " May be fatal if inhaled or swallowed ".This is the same labeling on lye, bleach and many poisonous household products. Lavender has been universally used for centuries as a fragrant,skincare product. The main properties are linalool, a terpene alcohol, and linalyl acetate, an ester of linalool.

Every natural or man made product can cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. In 40 years of hospital, clinical and private practice, I have never experienced any fatality from lavender oil. I have environmental clients who react to a photocopy, patients allergic to olive oil and toothpaste, but these are not considered harmful or fatal by the ECHA.

The European Chemical Agency was created to restrict pollution from synthetic pollution. When my clients ask my opinion about targeting lavender essential oil as harmful, my response is, it is an agricultural product and should be labeled accordingly. My thought is: " It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature".  Expect a showdown.

Recent regulations by the European Union to assess all insect repellents for toxicity and safety leaves only a few choices for consumers.Among the pending insecticides, lavender geranium and citrus essential oils and a seed extract from the Neem tree,Margosa, are expected to pass assessment.

In my travels and research over 20 years writing  Mother Nature's Herbal, I learned about these and many other natural insect repellents. I have found the best repellents come out of my gardens. I successfully use lavender for ants, moths and many flying insects. Lemongrass and citronella repels mosquitoes and geranium repels fleas, and most household pests. What the essential oils don't repel, Neem will. It has been used by gardeners for centuries to repel bugs from food crops and restore wood products. It's now recommended to wait up to 7 days before harvesting crops after application of Neem. It's time to take notice of what's growing in your garden that can replace potentially toxic products.

Author Judy Griffin, PhD.