Safety
Essential Oils are powerful and potent substances that demand respect from the user. As with most alternative or complementary modalities it is the user’s responsibility to research each modality fully before using them. I cherish that burden and strongly encourage everyone to NOT blindly use essential oils (or any other alternative modality) without first doing the research. There are plenty of online sources to aid in your EO education.
Essential Oils used irresponsibly CAN cause harm. This is not meant to scare but to impress upon you the responsibility that is yours in learning how to use these substances.
Aromatherapy - Schools of Thought
You will find that there are several schools of thought in the aromatherapy industry that are at odds. The English/British version of aromatherapy is gentle, massage oriented. Promotes only essential oils diluted in vegetable oil and never or very rarely uses them internally.
The French/Medical version uses essential oils more intensely and in concentrated form looking for profound medical results. You might see oils being used neat (undiluted) or internally, but this should only be done by a qualified practioner. All those new to aromatherapy and essential oils should follow the basic dilution guidelines below.
Guidelines for Safe Use
One standard of safety you will find promoted by most “experts” is that ALL OILS USED ON CHILDREN should be diluted with a carrier oil. The dilution percentages can change according to which book or course you are referring to but the basic is a 1% dilution which is 3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. For adults the basic dilution is about 6-15 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
Each essential oil has it’s own chemical constituents and properties..one can not use a blanket rule for all oils. If you want to experience essential oils, make it your business to learn about them from a variety of sources.
Indispensable Precautions for the Safe Use of Essential Oils by Daniel Penoel, M.D.
- Essential oils do not dissolve in water. They must be diluted with some type of vegetable oil.
- Essential oils, in their concentrated state, must never come in contact with mucous membranes or sensitive skin areas.
- Never add neat (undiluted) essential oils to bath water
- Generally people with allergies must be very cautious with essential oils. The least sensitive skin area is the soles of the feet.
- Some essential oils are light sensitive, so exposure to the sun must be avoided after application.
- Some essential oils have strong caustic characteristics and should be used very cautiously, generally in a diluted form.
- Essential oils rich in menthol should not be used near the throat or neck of children under 30 months of age.
- Care must be taken to close all essential oil bottles after use and to always keep out of reach of children.
- Taking essential oils orally (by mouth) requires oils of impeccable quality and the direction of a qualified health professional.
- Always keep some vegetable oil readily available when using essential oils. (Lauren’s note: if at any time an oil burns, do not try to wash it off with water, pour vegetable oil on it).
Other Precautions
Allergies - People with allergies should test an oil on a small area of sensitive skin (ie, inside of arm).
Epilepsy & High Blood Pressure - It is said that peopel with epilepsy and high blood pressure should avoid certain oils. I’ve not seen any studies that indicate this but it’s better to be safe until you are more well versed in the oils. Here are the oils that are contraindicated; hyssop, fennel, tansy.
Pregnancy - There are a number of oils that are contraindicated during pregnancy, though the list changes with each book you pick up/course you take. Basically, you will want to stay away from oils that contain constituents that are hormone-like or uterine stimulants, such as clary sage, sage, fennel, etc.
During my pregnancy, I avoided oils during the first trimester with an occasional Lavender or R. Chamomile application. This is what I felt most comfortable with since the oils are potent and not alot is known about the effects on a fetus.
The following is from Valerie Gennari Cooksley’s, Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils. Check out our Bookstore for more aromatherapy books.
Essential Oils That May Demonstrate Hormone-Like Activity
Aniseed
Basil
Chamomile, Roman
Clary Sage
Cypress
Fennel
Geranium
Nutmeg
Star Anise
Reported Abortifacient Essential Oils (may induce abortion)
**Lauren’s note: there are no studies or evidence or even cases to prove this statment but it is what the “experts” always publish**
Davana
Champaca Bark
Boldo Leaf
Ho Wood
Mugwort
Pennyroyal
Parsley Seed
Rue
Savin
Sassafrass
Red Cedarwood
Santolina
Tarragon
Thuja
Tansy
Wormwood
Wormseed
Essential Oils to Be Used with Caution During Pregnancy
Caraway
Cedarwood
Chamomile
Clary Sage
Cypress
Jasmine
Juniper
Lavender
Marjoram
Nutmeg
Peppermint
Rose
Rosemary
Essential Oils Regarded as Safe to Use During Pregnancy
Bergamot
Geranium
Lavender(angustofolia)
Lemon
Mandarin
Neroli
Orange
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang