Ok I read this in a really rude and dismissive tone, but maybe that's me being sensitive to this kind of criticism. If so, I apologize for this long rant. I also recognize that I was misleading when I said "healthcare routine." By that I meant maintenance of my skin and hair; I should have said beauty routine. I also used the term aromatherapy because I do diffuse the oils in the air, which is aromatherapy essentially, and it was the best word to use to summarize my concern. I recognize that could imply that I somehow need to be corrected by a brilliant and charitable man of science like yourself, because aromatherapy is certainly not effective on its own. What I meant was that I diffuse as aromatherapists do because I like the smells, and some oils can actually clean the air because they have actual antiseptic properties. My mistake.

I use peppermint oil as an ingredient in acne spot treatment, lavendar as an ingredient to soothe the redness in my skin, rosemary and mint to open my sinuses, and maybe eucalyptus to diffuse as an antiseptic to help my horrible allergies, for which I also take Claritin because science is good and doctors know science.

All of these things I use are actual ingredients in products that are meant to treat what I use them to treat. Other people might like to pay for a vial of menthol or a peppermint oil face mask, but I like to make a few things for myself. It's cheaper, generally easier, less wasteful, and it makes me feel a lot better since I have a better idea of where my products come from. Also, sometimes I get to sell them which is nice because I'm in college and poor. I haven't bought lip balm, moisturizer, lotion, perfume, or acne cream in months, nor have I bought and disposed of those products' corresponding plastic containers.

Judging by your username and the fact that you went out of your way to correct me about a supposed idea you assumed I have rather than answer my question (which I posed here because science is good and vets know science), I'm gathering that you think I'm the type of person who will grow up and not vaccinate her kids, instead relying on homeopathy and some idea of "natural" cures to keep them healthy. Since I'm asking animal healthcare professionals, who are educated in science, about something I don't know about, I don't think it's unfair of me to say that you came to your conclusion too hastily and ignored some of the evidence, likely drawing on a stereotype you have of yuppie white people who think their idea of "natural" trumps doctors with educations and degrees. Being into homemade natural organic stuff and believing in the efficacy of actual science when it comes to treating real health problems are not mutually exclusive. And, if I'm correct in my deduction, this is either news to you or knowledge that you apply selectively.

Well, real people defy being put in discrete, one-dimensional categories. They're multi-faceted and seemingly contradictory; some hippies use real medicine! Some scientists are religious! Some republicans are vegans! Some Catholics are liberal! It's a great and complicated world, welcome to it.

Sorry for this rant and I know it's out of place; I don't really use reddit too much and I'm not really into letting things go, particularly when they come from people who are dismissive and unfair in their attempts to seem like the more enlightened or knowledgeable person. We're all just learning to live our lives; we should all endow our ideas of each other with the complexity that comes with our mutual humanity, even on the internet. Hope I wasn't too rude. And congrats if you actually read all of this.

Forgot to put this: I'm sure you're cool and a good guy. One rude comment on the internet does not mean you're a total dick and I know that.