Home Herbals & Hedgerow - aromatherapy - essential oil cautions

essential oil cautions:

Because aromatherapy can benefit people of all ages, and the use of essential oils can be easily and safely practiced at home through a variety of methods, aromatherapy has become very popular as a home remedy. However, the following recommended precautions should always be considered prior to the use of any essential oils.

Essential Oils WARNING:

The following essential oils should NEVER be used under any circumstances.
 Do not assume that an essential oil is safe to use if it is not listed below.

Almond (Bitter)                                                                              Aniseed                                                                             Arnica
Birch                                                                                               Boldo leaf                                                                          Broom (spanish)
Calamus                                                                                        Camphor                                                                            Deertongue
Garlic                                                                                              Horseradish                                                                      Jaborandi leaf
Melilotus                                                                                        Mugwort                                                                             Mustard
Onion                                                                                              Pennyroyal                                                                       Rue
Sassafras                                                                                       Savin                                                                                Southernwood
Thuja                                                                                              Wintergreen                                                                     Wormseed
Wormwood

Always consult a physician: 

Individuals with the following conditions should ALWAYS consult with a physician or qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oils.
    
(1) during pregnancy
(2) chronic medical or serious health conditions
(3) receiving medical or psychiatric treatment
(4) taking homeopathic remedies
(5) intend treating babies or very young children 

Cautionary points:

(1) Essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin.
(2) Essential oils should not be used on the eyes.
(3) Essential oils should not be taken orally or used internally.
(4) If used regularly, essential oils should be changed every 2-3  weeks to avoid a build up of toxicity.
(5) Diuretic oils such as cypress, juniper berry and rosemary may over stimulate the kidneys. 
(6) Stimulating oils should be avoided in the evenings or sleep may be disturbed.
(7) Excessive use of essential oils may lead to headaches, nausea or rashes.
(8) Epileptics should avoid eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, sage, and camphor.
(9) Those with high blood pressure should avoid eucalyptus, rosemary & thyme.

Dermal Irritation & Skin Sensitisation

The following list of essential oils may be more likely to cause dermal irritation or skin sensitisation. These oils should always be avoided if an individual is known to have sensitive skin. Do not assume that an essential oil is safe to use if it is not listed below. 
Those with sensitive skin, and anyone using an essential oil for the first time, should perform a skin patch test prior to use. (See notes on how to perform a skin patch test below.)

ESSENTIAL OILS MORE LIKEY TO CAUSE DERMAL IRRITATION:

Alspice             Bay Laurel            Benzoin              Cassia          Cinnamon        Clove                     Fennel                Fir Needle
Oregano          Parsley                   Sage                   Spruce
Tagetes         Thyme

ESSENTIAL OILS MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE SKIN SENSITISATION:  

Anise                Bay Laurel            Benzoin            Cassia              Catnip               Cinnamon            Citronella          Clove
Fennel               Lemongrass        May Chang       Melissa
Oak moss          Peru Balsam       Pine                   Star Anise         Tagetes

How to perform a skin patch test: 
Those with sensitive skin, or skin intolerances, and anyone using an essential oil for the first time, performing a skin patch test prior to use is always recommended to test for irritation or sensitisation. 

To test for irritation: 
Mix 1 drop of the essential oil into 5 ml of carrier oil and mix well. Apply a small amount of the essential oil/carrier oil blend onto a small area in the crook of your arm and leave for 12 hours then check for any reaction. Alternatively, cover the skin to which the oil has been applied with a plaster and leave unwashed for 24 hours then check for any reaction.

To test for sensitisation: 
If there are no signs of irritation following the first test, repeat a second time, and repeat the test daily for 7 days. Rest for 7-14 days, apply the same blend of essential oil and carrier to the skin. At this stage, any sensitivity to the essential oil will become apparent.