Essential Oils

**Always consult with a qualified Therapist or Healer before using any essential oils.Always take extra care in babies, childrens and with diagnosed Medical conditions**

SAFETY GUIDELINES

Before using an essential oil, put a diluted drop inside the wrist, apply a plaster - check after 12hours for irritations

If allergic to nuts - do not use nut-oils

If oil gets into eyes, rinse immediately with cold water

Never take essential oils internally, unless prescribed by a Medically Qualified Aromatherapist. Essential oils do not mix with water and in an undiluted form, they may damage the lining of the digestive tract. In addition some essential oils are toxic if taken internally

In case of Pregnancy or Medical Conditions - first consult with Doctor or Medically Qualified Therapist, before using essential oils Citrus oils increase light sensitivity - so avoid during sunbathing for 6 hours after use

Hazardous Oils

Some essential oils can be hazardous, especially in inexperienced hands, either due to high toxicity levels or because they can cause severe dermal irritation. The next oils should not be used at all therapeutically. The oils which should be avoided in the context are

Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor (brown & yellow), Cassia, Chevril, Cinnamon (bark), Costus, Deertongue, Elecampane, Fennel (bitter), Horseradish, Jaborandi, Melilotus, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine (dwarf), Rue, Sage (common), Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme (red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed & Wormwood

Toxicity

Essential oils which should be used in moderation (only in dilution and for a maximim of two weeks at a time) because of toxicity levels are

Ajowan, Anise star, Aniseed, Basil (exotic), Bay laurel, (West Indian), Calamintha, Camphor (white), Cascsarilla bark, Cassie, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel (sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley,,Pepper (black), Sage (Spanish), Tagetes, Tarragon, Thyme (white), Tuberose, Tumeric, Turpentine, Valerian

Neat Application

In general, essential oils should not be applied to the skin - always dilute them in a carrier oil or cream first

There are exceptions to this rule, such as the use of neat Lavender for cuts, spots, burns etc. Certain non-irritant essential oils may be applied neat to the skin as a perfume, such as Ylang ylang or Sandalwood. Always do a patch test first , and keep well away from the eyes

Patch Test

Before applying any new oil to the skin, even as a perfume, always do a patch test. Put a few drops on the back of your wrist, cover with a plaster and leave for an hour or more. If irritation or redness occurs, bathe with cold water. For futher use, reduce the concentration level by half or avoid altogether

Dermal / Skin Irritation

Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentratioin are

Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil (sweet) , Black Pepper, Borneol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood (Virginian), Cinnamon (leaf), Clove (bud), Cornmint, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine Needle (Scotch and longleaf) Thyme (white) and Tumeric

These oils should be used in half the usual recomended dilutions. Always mix them first in a base oil, cream or gel before applying to the skin and do not use more than 3 drops in the bath

Sensitization

Some oils may cause skin irritations only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Even some very common oils, such as Tea Tree or Jasmine, have been known to cause 'sensitization' in a few cases. It is important for those with sensitive skins always to do a patch test before usin a new oil to check fo individual sensitization. Oils which may casue sensitization include

Basil (french), Bay laurel, Benzoin, Cade, Cananga, Cedarwood (virginian), Chamomile (roman & 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 balsem, Tumeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena , Violet, Yarrow an Ylang Ylang

Phototoxicity

Some oils are phototoxic i.e. they cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sungight. 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, Lime, Lovage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, use essential oils in half the usual stated amount, because of the sensitivity of the unborn child. Oils which are potentially toxic or have emmenagogue properties (i.e stimulate the uterine muscles) and are contra-indicated. The following oils, should be avoided altogether

Ajowan, Angelica, Anise star, Aniseed ,Basil ,Bay laurel, Calamintha, Cedarwood (all types), Celery seed, Cinnamon, Fennel (sweet), Hyssop, Juniper, Labdanum, Lovage, Marojam, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Snakeroot, Spanish sage, Tarragon an Thyme (white)

These oils are best avoided during the first 4 months of pregnancy

Peppermint, Rose and Rosemary

High Blood Pressure

Avoid tbe following oils in cased of high-hypertenson

Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage (Spanish & common), Thyme

Epilepsy

Avoid the following oils in cases of epilepsy, due to their powerful action on the nervous system

Fennel (sweet), Hyssop, Rosemary and Sage (all types)

Diabetes

Avoid Angelica oil in cases of diabetes

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with the following

Black pepper, Camphor. Eucalypus and Peppermint

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