Safety Considerations/Toxicity

Basil

Produces a variety of chemo types. Each possess particular benefits and cautions. Linalool is the most common Chemotype. Ocimum basilicum ct. Estragole contains more than 73% estragole and is potentially carcinogenic; it may also inhibit blood clotting

Bergamot

Phototoxic - may cause skin pigmentation when applied before exposure to sunlight or other ultra-violet light. Extreme care must be taken in dermal applications or substitute with a rectified or bergapten-free oil

Black Pepper

Skin irritation if oxidized; old or oxidized oils should be avoided

Cajeput

Do not use with young children, essential oils high in 1,8 cineole can cause CNS and breathing problems in children

Carrot Seed

Avoid during pregnancy & breast feeding

Cedarwood, Himalayan

No known contraindications

Chamomile, German

May pose an interaction problem with certain drugs

Chamomile, Roman

XNon-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. It is considered one of the gentlest of essential oils and is particularly beneficial for treating children

Cinnamon

Extremely irritating to the skin & mucous membranes, use with care. Leaf is recommended over the bark for most aromatherapy applications. Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Clary Sage

Avoid during pregnancy. Most aromatherapists recommended avoiding if you will be drinking alcohol. Some people have experienced a severe hangover when normally they wouldn't get a hangover.

Clove Bud

Use well diluted and in moderation as it is a skin irritant and sensitizing agent.

Copaiba

Has a higher percentage of beta-caryophyllene than cannabis saliva. Beta-caryophyllene is what gives cannabis Salivia its analgesic and anxiolytic properties without psychotropic effects. is an excellent alternative to using CBD oil to create products to alleviate pain and anxiety.

Cypress

Old or oxidized cypress oil should be avoided due to possible skin sensitization.

Eucalyptus, Globulus & Radiata

Do not apply to or near the face of children under ten years of age.

Eucalyptus, Dives

Frankincense, Serrata

Helichrysum

Neroli

Orange, sweet

Palmarosa

Petitgrain

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing

Fennel, Sweet

Possible drug interactions. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers and children under 5 years of age.

Fir, Balsam

Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing but is prone to oxidation.

Fir, Siberian

Non-toxic but is prone to oxidation due to its high monoterpene content. Skin sensitization and irritation may occur if oxidized.

Frankincense, Carteri

Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitizing but can be a skin irritant if oxidized. Considered near threatened and is often adulterated so whenever possible, purchase from suppliers that are conscientious of how they source their oil and substitute serrata.

Geranium

May irritate sensitive skin

Ginger

No known contraindications. No known safety concerns

Grapefruit

Safe to use in aromatherapy for those individual who need to avoid the juice (juice may interact with certain medications). Presents a low risk of phototoxicity and can be used in skincare preparations up to 4%. oxidizes quickly so should be purchased in small amounts and used within a short period of time. Avoid old or oxidized oils.

Jasmine

No known contraindications but moderate risk of skin sensitization with a maximum dermal use level of 0.7%

Juniper berry

Listed on the US plant Savers, website as endangered therefore it is best to look at alternative oils with similar chemical profiles until its status has been upgraded.

Lavender

Vetiver

Non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing. no contraindications known

Lemon

Non-toxic, non-irritant. Sensitization can occur in some people. Phototoxic so should not be used on the skin prior to exposure to the sunlight or sunbed for 12 hours.

Lemongrass

Possible drug interactions. Maximum dermal concentration of 0.7% to prevent possible sensitization

Lime

Phototoxic, do not expose skin to sunlight or sunbed for 12 hours.

Mandarin

Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The furanocoumarin content is not sufficient to cause a phototoxic reaction. Do not use if old or oxidized as can cause skin sensitization

Sweet Marjoram

Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Often adulterated and mislabeling is a common problem, "oil of sweet marjoram" is adulterated with various essential oils.

Myrrh

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation

Niaouli

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but often adulterated. The most commercially available Chemotype of this oil is the 1,8 cineole, which should not be used with young children as 1,8 cineole can cause CNS and breathing problems in young children.

Oregano

A strong dermal and mucous membrane irritant. It is not recommended for use on people with hypersensitive skin, diseased or damaged skin or for children. Tisserand & Young recommended a maximum dermal use of 1%. It should not be used when pregnant or breast feeding. Several authorities believe it should not be used on the skin and lawless suggests it should not be used in aromatherapy. It must be used with extreme caution

Patchouli

Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Possible drug interaction; may inhibit blood clotting

Peppermint

Tisserand and Young state that peppermint oil should be avoided in cases of cardiac fibrillation and individuals with G6PD deficiency

Pine, Scots

Skin sensitization if oxidized

Ravinstara

Oils high in 1,8 cineole can cause CNS and breathing problems in young children. Do not apply to or near the face of children. Care must be taken when using with people who are asthmatic

Rose

No known contraindications, non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing. _ oil is commonly adulterated and may be sold completely synthetic

Rosemary

Do not apply to or near the face of children, avoid during pregnancy

Sandalwood, Australian

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Often adulterated

Sandalwood, Indian

Non-toxic and non-irritating, no known contraindications. As listed on the IUCN Red list to be sure to always purchase oils form a supplier who only deals with ethically sourced products.

Spruce, Black

Non-toxic, skin sensitization may occur if the oil is oxidized

Tea Tree

Non-toxic, non-irritant but possible sensitizing to some individuals

Thyme, Sweet

It is imperative that you are aware of the ct. you are suing as the risk of irritation and sensitization can be very high with those high in thymol

Thyme, Wild

Drug interaction, may inhibit blood clotting, mucous membrane irritation. Dermal maximum of 1% to avoid skin irritation

Ylang Ylang

Non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Excessive use may cause nausea or headaches. Often Adulterated.