Precautions

Please note that it is always possible to have an allergic reaction to any oil or oil blend. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using any essential oil that will have contact with the skin. This is to determine if you may be allergic or have a sensitization reaction to the oil.

Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.

Pregnant women and persons with health problems must consult doctor.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.

Essential oils should not be taken internally.

Products made with natural ingredients may still cause allergic reactions with some individuals.

When using oils on skin, be aware of any reactions that seem to be happening, and take first aid measures immediately. Flush the area with a lot of clean water and seek medical attention. Take the same steps (flush with clean water, seek medical help) if you spill undiluted essentials on yourself, or get them in your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.

Working with essential oils requires knowing the properties of the oils and being aware of the safety issues about the oils you use. For your convenience, I have compiled a list of essential oils based on information is from Julia Lawless book The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism (Illustrated Encyclopedia). You are encouraged to purchase the book and study it to gain the in depth knowledge required to master the art of apothecary.

Hazardous Oils: Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood.

Toxicity: Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximum of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are: Ajowan, Anise Star, Basil (exotic), Bay Laurel, Bay (West Indian), Camphor (white), Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagests, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Turmeric, Valerian.

Dermal/Skin Irritation: Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration: Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet), Black Pepper, Boreol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Thyme (white) and Turmeric.

Sensitization: Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always do a patch test before using a new oil to check for individual sensitization. Oils which may cause sensitization include: Basil (French), Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Canagaa, Cedarwood (Virginian), Chamomile (Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops, Jasmine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm (melissa), Litsea Cubeba, Lovage, Mastic, Mint, Orange, Peru Balsam, Pine (Scotch and long-leaf), Styrax, Tea Tree, Thyme (white), Tolu Balsam, Turmeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.

Phototoxicity: Some oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin, if the area will be exposed to the sun: Angelica Root, Bergamot (except bergapten-free type), Cumin, Ginger, Lemon (expressed), Lime (expressed), Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.

High Blood Pressure: Avoid the following oils in cases of high- hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish and common) and Thyme.

Epilepsy: Fennel (sweet).

Diabetes: Hyssop, Rosemary, Angelica, and Sage (all types).

Homeopathy: Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with the following: Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.