Essential Oil Usage Safety

Recently I was asked for a comprehensive list on the safety of oils. As I can't remember all safety instructions off the top of my head, I took some time and scanned some books and here is my semi-comprehensive list. I am sure I am missing an oil or two.  Just a few safety guidelines should be considered along with this list:

• Always dilute oils before placing on young children. Did you know that the liver does not fully develop until around the age of 12. Oils with phenols, or phenol-like constituents can actually harm a child's developing liver
• Always mix oils in a bath safe salt (Epsom salt, dead sea salt, sea salt) before adding to your bath water.  
• Just because one drop is good, does not mean that ten drops are better.
• Essential oils can interfere with Rx Prescriptions, and should thus be only used 2 hours before or after taking a pharmaceutical drug. 

Essential Oil/ Part Used/ Safety

Balsam Fir: resin, Safe

Basil: whole plant, not to be used during pregnancy, can trigger epileptic seizures in some, may irritate sensitive skin, use sparingly.

Bay Laurel: leaves, can cause dermatitis in some individuals, do not use while pregnant.

Benzoin: resin, use solid benzoin tears or benzoin resin that has been disolved in alcohol.

Bergamot: peel, safe but photo-toxic: do not apply before going into sunlight.

Bitter Almond: Never Use

Black Pepper: dried crushed berries, may irritate some skin types.

Boldo Leaf: Never Use

Calamus: Never Use

Cedarwood: wood, avoid during pregnancy

Cinnamon: bark, potential skin irritant and sensitizing agent, should never be used on skin (one of the most hazardous oils) Cinnamon oil from leaf is extremely more toxic.

Clary Sage: leaves and flower heads, Used in moderation, not used by pregnant women, not to be used in conjunction with other medicines or other substances with an iron base, and not to be used with alcohol consumption. 

Clove Bud:  buds, Never use clove oil from leaf or stem. Use sparingly and only in less than 1% dilution.  All clove oils can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. Never use during pregnancy.

Coriander: crushed ripe seeds, not to be used during pregnancy.

Cypress: needles and twigs, Safe.

Dill: whole plant, Safe. Excellent for babies. 

Elemi: resin, may irritate sensitive skin.

Eucalyptus Citriodora: leaves and twigs, toxic when taken internally, Safe externally with some sensitive issues.

Eucalyptus Globulus: leaves, Never use under age of 3, Externally non-toxic, non-irritant (in dilution), Internally it is considered toxic and can kill.

Eucalyptus Radiata: leaves, Safe, the Eucalyptus to use with children.  

Fennel: crushed seeds, those with seizure disorders should use with caution. Avoid during pregnancy.

Frankincense: resin, Safe

Geranium: leaves, stalks, and flowers, generally safe, can cause skin irritation in really sensitive individuals. Can lower blood sugar levels.

German Chamomile:  flowers, generally safe, do not use during pregnancy. 

Ginger: rhizome, very non-toxic only if used in large quantities might be unsafe. May irritate sensitive skin.  

Helichrysum: flowers, Safe

Horseradish: Never Use

Jaborandi Leaf: Never Use

Jasmine: flowers, not to be taken internally due to solvent extraction. An allergic reaction has been know to occur in some individuals. Do not use while pregnant.

Juniper: berries, avoid during pregnancy, also activates kidneys, caution if you have kidney problems.

Lavender: flowers, Safe for all ages and stages.

Lemon: peel, safe, but photo-toxic: do not apply before going into sunlight. Only non-toxic if organic.

Lemon Grass: grass, non-toxic, possible skin sensitivity in some individuals-use with care.

Mandarin Red: peel, safe but photo-toxic: do not apply before going into sunlight.

Mandarin Green: peel, safe but photo-toxic: do not apply before going into sunlight

Mugwort: Never Use

Mustard: Never Use

Myrrh: resin, toxic in high concentrations, not to be used while pregnant.

Myrtle: leaves and twigs, Safe

Neroli: flowers, Safe

Niaouli: leaves, Safe most suitable for children instead of tea tree.

Orange: peel, can cause mild dermatitis in those with sensitive skin.

Oregano: leaves, extremely hot oil, not to be used during pregnancy, on babies, or on children. Do not take for more than 10 days in a row can be extremely toxic for the liver. 

Palmarosa: fragrant leaves of grass, safe

Patchouli: leaves, safe

Pennyroyal: Never USe

Peppermint: whole plant, Do not use during 1^st trimester of pregnancy. Should not be used anywhere near babies and those under the age of three, as it could cause them to stop breathing. Do not use peppermint in conjunction with homeopathic remedies. Do not use peppermint oil while nursing.  May cause adverse reaction for those with atrial fibrillation.  When used in moderation peppermint is non-toxic.

Pine: pine needles, twigs, and cones, avoid use if you have high blood pressure. May irritate sensitive skin. 

Pink Grapefruit: the rind, safe but is photo-toxic: do not apply to skin before going out in the sun.

Ravensara: young leafy twigs, extremely safe even for newborns.

Roman Chamomile: flowers, generally safe but may cause skin sensitivities for some, do not use during pregnancy.

Rose: flowers, Extremely safe even for newborns (use a 1%-2% dilution.)

Rosemary ct. 1.8 Cineole : flowers and leaves,  use diluted only. Avoid during pregnancy, not recommend for epileptics, not for those with high blood pressure. 

Rosewood: heartwood, safe

Rue: Never Use

Sandalwood: mature heart wood, safe

Sassafras: Never Use

Savin: Never Use

Southernwood: Never Use

Spikenard: dried and crushed rhizome and roots, safe

Spearmint: whole plant, safe. Use in place of peppermint for little children and babies.

Sweet Marjoram: whole plant, can cause drowsiness, not to be used during pregnancy. Fine for children.

Tangerine: citrus zest, slightly photo-toxic.

Tansy: Never Use

 Tea Tree: leaves, possibly cause skin sensitivity in some people. Otherwise safe

Thuja: Never Use

Thyme ct. Linalool: whole plant, Safe

Thyme ct. Thymol: whole plant, not for those with high blood pressure. Irritation to skin must be used diluted, best when used internally or applied to the feet. Possibly cause skin sensitivity, liver toxin over time. Never use on children. Do not use while pregnant.

Valerian: dried roots, use only in extremely small dilutions, large doses may cause headaches, heart palpitations, muscle spasms, mental agitation, and delusion. Avoid during pregnancy.

Vetiver: root and rootlets, safe

Wild Chamomile: Never Use

Wintergreen: Never Use

Wormseed: Never Use

Wormwood: Never Use

Yellow Camphor: Never Use

Ylang Ylang: flowers, watch for sensitive skin, use in moderation, can cause headaches and nausea.

My references:

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils And Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
• Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson 
• The extensive classes that I have attended over the years