Essential Oil Safety

Essential Oil Safety

Always store oils out of the reach of children.
Keep flammable oils away from flames.
Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any therapies with essential oils
Dilute oils as recommended
Never take oils internally
Always test oils on a skin patch first.

Mixing and using safely

Always wash your hands before and after using essential oils.
Make sure you are in a well ventilated area.
Mix away from the client.
Use recommended dilution at all times.
Use small quantities for babies, small children and the elderly.
Handle oils carefully to prevent contact with skin and cross-contamination.
Keep out of contact with the eyes.
Avoid prolonged or excessive exposure.
Take frequent breaks.
If prescribing oils for a client's home use, ensure that they understand the instructions for use.
Keep accurate records of treatment and blends.
Lavender and Tea tree are the only oils that can be applied directly on to the skin undiluted. Always skin test first.

Prohibited oils

The following oils have been reported to be potentially harmful. Many are toxic, narcotic, capable or causing miscariage, and likely to produce epileptic type effects, and others, such as cinnamon bark and clove bud are powerful irritants if misused by untrained therapists. These oils are considered very dangerous to be used in aromatherapy. Some present more than one hazard. The following oils if you decide to use them. They must be used with caution under the direction of an aromatherapist, there are a lot of valuable oils but need to be carefully used with an understanding of the undesirable effects they may cause

Almond bitter	Mustard
Aniseed	Origanum
Arnica	Pennyroyal. European
Boldo leaf	Pennyroyal, North American
Calmus	Pine, dwarf
Camphor, brown	Rue
Camphor, yellow	Sage
Cassia	Sassafra
Cinnamon bark	Savin
Clove bud	Savory. Summer
Clove leaf	Savory, winter
Clove stem	Southernwood
Costus	Tansy
Elecampane	Thuja (cedarleaf)
Fennel, bitter	Thuja plicata
Horseradish	Wintergreen
Hyssop	Wormseed
Jaborandi leaf	Wormwood
Mugwort (armoise)

Fennel ( Sweet)	*Foeniculum vulgare*
Hyssop	*Hyssopus officinalis*
Rosemary	*Fosmarinus officinalis*
Sage
Wormwood

Basil

Birch

Cedarwood

Clary Sage

Cypress

Geranium

Hyssop

Jasmine

Juniper

Marjoram

Myrrh

Nutmeg

Peppermint

Rosemary

Tarragon

Thyme

The Following oils should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy, and used with caution during the remainder of the pregnancy. Use in small amounts and well diluted (1-2 % for massage: 3-4 drops added to a carrier oil for baths. If you have a history of miscarriage

Chamomile

Geranium

Lavneder

Rose

Contraindications

Pure essential oils are very strong and should only be used in the recommended dilution and application. Some oils are toxic, some are skin irritants. Many oils have contraindications to their use and may exacerbate existing health problems. There are local and general contraindications to practice. These must be identified during a preliminary consultation before any oils are used on a client.

Local contraindications

1. Local contraindications are localized areas on the body that should be avoided and include:
2. Recent operations, fractures or sprains
3. Severe bruising
4. Swelling
5. Varicose veins
6. Cuts, new scar tissue
7. Local skin infections/conditions (eczema etc.).

General contraindications to practice

1. Fever
2. Influenza
3. Migraine
4. Infectious skin disorders
5. Permission from the clients' GP should be sought before treating people with the following conditions:
6. A history of thrombosis or embolism
7. High or low blood pressure
8. Epilepsy
9. Diabetes
10. Major system dysfunction (renal, hepatic, digestive etc.)
11. Nervous system dysfunction
12. Fatal illnesses (cancer etc.)
13. Recent severe haemorrhage
14. If client on medication or homeopathic preparations

Special care is needed for:

1. Allergies and skin disorders
2. Pregnancy
3. Babies, children and the elderly
4. Sensitive skin
5. People with disabilities

When in doubt, get GP permission or ask the client to sign a disclaimer.

Click the banner to return to page listings!