Essential oils are naturally safe and have few, if any undesirable side effects when used as directed. They are, however, powerfully concentrated and should be used with care. Be sure to use only pure essential oils and follow all label warnings and instructions. Essential oils should never be used in the eyes or inside the ear canal. If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, apply a vegetable oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil to the affected area – water will not dilute essential oils.
CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR UNDER A DOCTORS’S CARE.
The following is a LIST OF SPECIFIC KNOWN SAFETY CONCERNS WITH ESSENTIAL OILS.
Basil:
NO during Pregnancy
NO for Epilepsy
Bergamot:
NO for Diabetics – may affect blood sugar control
Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after external application.
Cinnamon:
Dilute for topical use.
Clay Sage:
NOT SAFE to use during Pregnancy.
Using it on the abdomen may cause uterine contractions.
Clove Bud:
Dilute for topical use.
Internal use – only 2 weeks in a row.
If using internally, take a probiotic supplement 2x daily.
Cypress:
NEVER take internally.
Avoid during pregnancy.
Eucalyptus:
Dilute before use for sensitive skin.
Always dilute for children.
Never use on children’s face.
Fennel:
NO longterm internal use. Never use during pregnancy.
Never use if you have Epilepsy.
Dilute for topical use.
Frankincense:
People with blood clotting disorders should never use this oil.
This oil has blood thinning effects.
Geranium:
Never use during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Geranium influences certain hormone secretions.
Ginger:
Dilution required for topical application.
Grapefruit:
Can interfere with some medications. Consult your physician before use.
Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after external application.
Holy Basil:
Minimal use in those who have impaired liver function.
Do NOT use if you have a clotting disorder.
Do NOT use if you using blood thinners. This is an anti-coagulant.
Lemon:
Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after external application.
Lemongreass:
Never use during pregnancy – can stimulate menstrual flow.
NOT recommended for nursing mothers.
NOT recommended for children.
Melaleuca:
Never use during pregnancy – can stimulate menstrual flow.
NEVER TAKE INTERNALLY.
May cause dizziness, hives or digestive issues..
Myrrh: NEVER USE if you are pregnant ( Myrrh is poisonous to the fetus). Not recommended for diabetics or other blood sugar conditions – may lower blood sugar. Patch test for topical use.
Oregano: AVOID USE DURING PREGNANCY. This oil may cause embryotoxicity. Not recommended for infants and small children. Dilute for topical use. Patch test for sensitive skin. DO NOT take internally for more than 10 days.
Patchouli: Do NOT use if you have a clotting disorder. Do NOT use if you using blood thinners. May inhibit blood clotting. Poses a drug interaction risk. CONSULT PHYSICIAN if you are taking any prescription medications.
Peppermint:
Adverse interactions with some medications.
CONSULT PHYSICIAN about drug interactions.
Roman Chamomille:
AVOID USE DURING PREGNANCY. This oil stimulates blood flow to the pelvic region.
Can be used internally for ONLY 2 WEEKS.
Rose Hip:
AVOID USE DURING PREGNANCY. This oil stimulates blood flow to the pelvic region..
Rosemary:
Minimal use during pregnancy.
Do NOT use if you’ve been diagnosed with Epilepsy.
Sandalwood:
Use diluted on sensitive skin.
Wild Orange:
Avoid direct sunlight for 12 hours after external application.
Patch test for sensitive skin..
Wintergreen:
NEVER TAKE internally.
NEVER USE during pregnancy.
NEVER USE while breastfeeding.
Do NOT use when taking blood thinner medication.
Do NOT use before surgery.
Do NOT use if you have a bleeding disorder.
Do NOT use if you have a seizure disorder.
Do NOT use with ADD / ADHD.
Ylang-Ylang:
May cause nausea and headaches when used in excessive amounts.