LEARN MORE ABOUT CAUTIONS TO TAKE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Published with permission from Green Valley Aromatherapy
Pure essential oils are a representation of nature in one of its most powerful forms. Harnessed, essential oils offer a world of possibilities to the knowledgeable user, but along with these possibilities comes a great responsibility. This is educational information and any opinions expressed here do not replace professional medical advice.
If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner. Always use the best quality essential oils, purchased from a reputable company. Do not apply essential oils directly to skin, with the exception of Tea Tree and Lavender (still use with caution). Do not use essential oils if you are taking homeopathic remedies without consulting with homeopathic doctor first.
Do not use the same essential oil exclusively over a long period of time. You can become sensitive to the oil. Always blend essential oils in a well-ventilated room. Do not take essential oils internally. Always follow suggested amount, however, use less rather than more if you are unsure of amounts.
Keep essential oils away and out of reach of children. Keep essential oils away from eyes. When adding essential oil to the bath, drop directly under running water to avoid high concentration and skin sensitivity.
Essential oils are flammable and should not be stored by any open flame such as candles. We have heard of self-combustion in towels folded and stacked straight from the dryer.
FIRST AID MEASURES: If essential oil is ingested, rinse mouth out with water. Drink a large glass of milk. Seek medical advice immediately. If essential oil gets into eyes, flush with a large quantity of water immediately. Seek medical advice immediately.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS: These contraindications apply only to direct application of essential oils to the skin. They do not apply to diffusing essential oil, perfume oil and soap makers. Babies and small children – use Chamomile essential oil only at a 1% dilution.
- PREGNANCY: Avoid using essential oils in first trimester if there are concerns, or use only under the direction of a qualified aromatherapist. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the following essential oils should only be used in a 1% dilution when used on the body for massage: Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile, Cardamom, Neroli and Palmarosa. Other essential oils can be used in diffusers (i.e. Spearmint essential oil for nausea).
- HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Avoid Cypress essential oil, Clove essential oil, Nutmeg essential oil, Pine essential oil, Rosemary essential oil, Sage essential oil and Thyme essential oil.
- LOW BLOOD PRESSURE: Avoid the use of Marjoram essential oil and Ylang Ylang essential oil.
- EPILEPSY: Avoid Fennel essential oil, Hyssop essential oil, Peppermint essential oil and Sage essential oil.
- INSOMNIA: Avoid Peppermint essential oil, Basil essential oil, Lemon Verbena essential oil and Rosemary essential oil.
- GASTRIC PROBLEMS: Avoid Cinnamon essential oil, Clove essential oil and Oregano essential oil.
- CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE / URINARY PROBLEMS: Avoid Juniper Berry essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and Black Pepper essential oil.
- ESTROGEN PATCH WEARER: Avoid Geranium essential oil.
- SUN EXPOSURE: Before going into the sun or using tanning beds, avoid Bergamot essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Lime essential oil Mandarin essential oil, and Orange essential oil.
- SKIN IRRITANTS: Use a maximum of 3 drops when using the following oils in a bath: Basil essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Lemon Grass essential oil, Nutmeg essential oil, Peppermint essential oil and Thyme essential oil.
- CARDIAC FIBRILATION: Do not use Peppermint essential oil and Rosemary essential oil.
- ASTHMA: Some essential oils can help with asthma symptoms but proceed with caution.
*This is educational information and any opinions expressed here-in do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.*
© Green Valley Aromatherapy. Green Valley Aromatherapy is a wholesale and retail supplier of pure essential oils and aromatherapy products. www.57aromas.com.
