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Unsafe Essential Oils:
By Marion Buckley-Smith(M.Sc.)
Don't assume that an oil is safe to use just because it is not on this list. Avoid using any uncommon oils not listed in reference books or leaflets. Essential oils are very powerful, so always take care - Always consult a therapist or reputable book.
References:
[1] Valerie Ann Worwood (1990). The fragrant pharmacy: A complete guide to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Bantam Books, London, UK.
[2] Daniele Ryman (1991). Aromatherapy: The encyclopedia of Plants and Oils and How they Help You, Judy Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd., London, UK.
[3] Shirley Whitton (1995). Essential Oils & Essences: A Practical Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Health, Quintet Publishing Ltd., London, UK.
By Marion Buckley-Smith(M.Sc.)
Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health. Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and stinging nettles sting. The following essential oils are considered unsafe for home use and should NOT be used under any circumstances [1].
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Also be cautious when using anise, aspic, basil, clove, coriander, hyssop, nutmeg and sage. Some of these oils contain significant amounts of 'phenolic ether' components (anethole, apiole, estragole, eugenole, methyl-chavicol, myristicine, thujone etc). In large doses these components can have many undesirable effects on the womb, including at its worst, causing miscarriage[2].
IFRA has placed strict proportion controls on the use of: angelica root, baume de Perou, bergamot, cassia, cinnamon, cumin, sassafras and verbena[2], so they should NEVER be used neat or undiluted.
Don't assume that an oil is safe to use just because it is not on this list. Avoid using any uncommon oils not listed in reference books or leaflets. Essential oils are very powerful, so always take care - Always consult a therapist or reputable book.
Some essential oils are not safe to use when pregnant, or to give to children. Any treatment offered to a child should be used in half strength or less [2].
Skin test:
People with sensitive skin or who are prone to allergic reactions should always do a skin test twenty-four hours before use[1]. Everyone reacts differently to essential oils, depending on their age, size, gender or allergies. Anyone who suffers from hayfever or allergies of any kind should always do a skin test before using essential oils, especially in treatments for children or the elderly [2].
Put one drop of the oil on a cotton bud and use it to just touch the inside of the elbow, the back of the wrist or under the arm. Cover the area with a bandaid and leave unwashed for 24 hours. If there is itching, redness or any other type of reaction, don't use that oil [2].
Alternatively, dilute one drop of oil into 5mL (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil. Rub a little onto the inside of your elbow and leave for 24 hours. If there is any reaction do not use that oil. The same procedure applies to carrier oils if you are not sure about them [3].
Toxic reactions:
Toxic reactions to essential oils can be felt immediately, and range from dizziness and nausea to exhaustion, epilepsy and even death. Some toxins cause allergy, for example, the tansy flower used in perfumery has caused terrible eczema on the hands of pickers [2].
Some essential oils have been documented as being photo-sensitive and should not be applied to the skin before exposure to the sun. Those that fall into this category are among the citrus oils - especially bergamot, and also angelica [1]. Do not sunbathe or use an ultraviolet lamp for at least 24 hours after using any of the citrus oils [3].
The following oils may irritate a sensitive skin: ginger, lemon, rosemary, pine, benzoin (if it is not pure) [3].
Pregnancy:
In pregnancy, the usual quantities should be reduced by at least half volumes of essential oils. Certain essential oils should be avoided altogether during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. These include [1]:
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General safety:
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and as such, should be treated with respect[3]. Remember, that one little drop of essential oil represents 25-35 grams of the plant itself [2]. The following guidelines are important[3].
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and as such, should be treated with respect[3]. Remember, that one little drop of essential oil represents 25-35 grams of the plant itself [2]. The following guidelines are important[3].
- Make sure you use only pure, high quality and unadulterated oils.
- Never use essential oils 'neat' on the skin unless you are professionally advised to do so (e.g., lavender can be used 'neat' in first aid).
- When blending essential oils with a carrier oil, always stick to a maximum 2-3% dilution for a body massage, and a 1.5% dilution for the face.
- Always us the recommended skin test before you try any essential oil for the first time.
- Do not use essential oils every day and do not use the same one consistently.
- Keep essential oils out of children's reach and away from your eyes.
- Never take the oils internally unless professionally advised.
- Never use essential oils in place of prescribed medication.
References:
[1] Valerie Ann Worwood (1990). The fragrant pharmacy: A complete guide to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Bantam Books, London, UK.
[2] Daniele Ryman (1991). Aromatherapy: The encyclopedia of Plants and Oils and How they Help You, Judy Piatkus (Publishers) Ltd., London, UK.
[3] Shirley Whitton (1995). Essential Oils & Essences: A Practical Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Health, Quintet Publishing Ltd., London, UK.
For more detailed safety information:
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established recommendations for many essential oils, and
The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States (FMA) have information available about fragrance safety.
Materials safety data sheets (LN-MSDS or SDF-MSDS) for essential oils are also available online.
Also available is a book by Robert Tisserand & Tony Balacs (1995). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK. Info on purchasing: New Zealand, Australia, UK,
USA.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has established recommendations for many essential oils, and
The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States (FMA) have information available about fragrance safety.
Materials safety data sheets (LN-MSDS or SDF-MSDS) for essential oils are also available online.
Also available is a book by Robert Tisserand & Tony Balacs (1995). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, UK. Info on purchasing: New Zealand, Australia, UK,
USA.
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This article may be freely reproduced in full
providing acknowledgment of the author is made,
and a link to http://www.earthwyze.com
is placed prominently on the article.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This article may be freely reproduced in full
providing acknowledgment of the author is made,
and a link to http://www.earthwyze.com
is placed prominently on the article.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last updated: 20 January 2006