Warnings for Each Essential Oil
Essential oils can be the most healing product in the world … or the most harmful. You must visit your doctor to ensure that essential oils won’t compromise any medications you are currently taking or any conditions you may have. Perform a patch test on yourself or your loved one to ensure no allergies to any essential oils are present. I am not a doctor, nor am I a diagnostician. Below are a few of the warnings I found to be pertinent with most of the essential oils used in this book. This is by no means a complete list of the warnings and contraindications of each essential oil. Always complete a patch test on yourself or your loved one before using an essential oil and watch for adverse reactions. How to complete a patch test is explained in the “But First: Tips and Warnings” section of this book. I may indicate when I didn’t come across warnings, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Please complete your own research about using essential oils with your condition or ailment and medications.
Warnings
Aloe Vera Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Agrimony Oil
Prolonged usage can lead to stomach issues. Agrimony can increase allergies in some people.
Amber Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Angelica Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use if you have diabetes, epilepsy, or seizures, or on children. This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Anise Oil
Anise oil should not be used for prolonged periods of time. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Arnica Oil
Arnica oil should never be taken internally or applied to an open wound. Always use a carrier oil with arnica oil. A patch test should be used with arnica oil as it is known for causing skin issues and allergies in certain people.
Balsam Oil
Balsam oil is one of the most allergy-producing substances on earth. Ensure that you are not allergic by performing a patch test. Prolonged usage is not advisable.
Basil Oil
Always use a carrier oil with basil oil as it can burn the skin. Do not use in bathwater as it can burn the skin. Do not use if you have epilepsy, seizures, or are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Bay Oil
Use sparingly for short durations of time. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Benzoin
Should not be used in bathwater or in a diffuser as it is very thick and sticky and will adhere to skin. Always use a carrier oil to help dilute the benzoin. Do not use on children.
Bergamot Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying topically.
Birch Oil
Birch oil is very potent. Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying topically. Birch oil has had some severe allergies associated with its usage. Ensure you are not suffering any side effects with a patch test before using birch oil. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Black Pepper Oil
Do not use black pepper oil if you have any kidney issues as it can cause kidney damage.
Blue Chamomile Oil
(See Chamomile Oil)
Blue Cypress Oil
(See Cypress Oil)
Borage Seed Oil
Borage seed oil can cause thinning of the blood. Do not take if you have upcoming tattoos or surgeries. Do not take borage seed oil if you have any liver issues.
Cajuput Oil
Please check with your physician before beginning a regimen of mixing cajuput oil with other medications. Do not use on children.
Calendula Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Camphor Oil
Do not use on open wounds or mucus membranes. Do not heat camphor oil or use on children.
Cardamom Oil
Always conduct a patch test before beginning a new oil. Cardamom has caused skin issues in some people.
Cassia Oil
Cassia oil should always be mixed with a carrier oil before usage as it can cause burns due to its potency.
Cedarwood Oil
Do not use on children. Cedarwood oil can terminate a pregnancy. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant or are trying to conceive.
Chamomile oil can irritate the skin. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Cilantro Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Cinnamon Bark Oil
Cinnamon bark oil should not be used by those undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. This oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil as it can cause significant burns to the skin if undiluted. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Citrus Oils
These oils are phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Clary Sage Oil
Do not use if you have low blood pressure, or if you are hypoglycemic. Can cause drowsiness, so it’s better to not drive or operate heavy machinery while using this oil. Do not use if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Clematis Oil
Can cause skin irritations if applied without dilution.
Clove Oil
A natural blood thinner, do not take if you are taking blood thinners or are scheduled for an upcoming tattoo or surgery. Clove oil is very thick and strong, do not use in diffuser or in baths. Always dilute with a carrier oil. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Comfrey Oil
Do not take internally. Do not take if you have a liver disease, or a serious disease such as cancer. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Coriander Oil
Do not take if you have any kidney issues or if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Cosmos Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Dill Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Echinacea Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus can trigger asthma attacks, and should never be used in conjunction with other medications, on the face, on children, or by persons with high blood pressure.
Fennel Oil
Fennel oil should not be used if you have a disorder such as seizures, cancer, kidney issues, or hormone problems. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Fir Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Frankincense Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Garlic Oil
Do not give garlic oil to babies. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Geranium Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use if you have low blood sugar or have skin issues. May cause insomnia.
German Chamomile Oil
(See Chamomile Oil)
Ginger Oil
Do not use ginger oil if you are on blood thinners, have sensitive skin, or have gallstones.
Ginkgo Biloba Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Ginseng Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Grapefruit Oil
This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure. Do not use if you have a skin condition as it can irritate the skin.
Helichrysum Oil (Immortelle, everlasting)
Do not use with blood thinners or with children. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Hibiscus Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Holly Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Honeysuckle Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Hyssop Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use if you suffer from a seizure disorder or high blood pressure. Do not mix with other medications.
Jasmine Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Juniper Berry Oil
Do not take for extended periods of time. Do not take if you have kidney issues. Do not mix with other medications. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Lavender Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Lemon Oil
This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Can cause skin irritation.
Lemon Balm Oil (Melissa)
Do not take if you have thyroid issues. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. May cause drowsiness.
Lemongrass Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Lemon Thyme Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Lime Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Linden Blossom Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Lotus Oil
Not enough known about use during pregnancy. Avoid if pregnant or nursing. No other warnings discovered by this author.
Mandarin Oil
This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Manuka Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Marjoram Oil
Do not use if you are taking blood thinners, or suffer from depression. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Melaleuca Oil
(See Tea Tree Oil)
Melissa Oil (Lemon balm oil)
Do not take if you have thyroid issues. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. May cause drowsiness.
Myrrh Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Myrtle Oil
Do not use internally or with children or any pulmonary issues. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Neem Oil
Do not use internally or with children or any pulmonary issues. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use if you have autoimmune disorders, have multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, or suffer from any liver issues.
Neroli Oil
Neroli can be a skin irritant in some people. Do not use on children.
Niaouli Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Orange Oil
This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Oregano Oil
Do not apply directly to skin, such as in the bathtub, as it can cause rashes or burns on skin. Always dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Oregon Grape root Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Palmarosa Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil should not be ingested by persons with any eating disorders.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation, so do not use in the bath. Never use peppermint oil with prescribed medications. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Peru Balsam Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use if you suffer from allergies, or kidney issues. Do not take internally.
Petitgrain Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Pine Oil
Do not use if you have sensitive skin as pine oil can irritate skin. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Pink Grapefruit Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Poppy Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Ravensara Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Roman Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil can irritate the skin. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Rose Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Rosemary Oil
Do not use if you have seizures, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or are trying to get pregnant. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not use on children.
Sage Oil
Not safe to use if you suffer from high blood pressure or any type of seizures.
Sandalwood Oil
Do not use if you have any kidney issues. Can cause allergic skin reactions, so a patch test should be completed before using.
Sesame Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Spearmint Oil
Do not take internally. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Spikenard Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Spruce Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Do not take if you suffer from any type of heart condition or asthma.
St. John’s Wort Oil
Do not mix with other medications unless under supervision of your prescribing doctor. Watch for side effects. Perform a patch test before using. This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Sweet Orange Oil
Use caution when giving to children and do not use for long periods of time. This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Tangerine Oil
This oil is phototoxic, and therefore should not be used before prolonged sun exposure.
Tarragon Oil
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
No warnings discovered by this author.
Thyme Oil
Do not use in the bathtub as it will cling to skin and burn. This oil is too thick to use in a diffuser and my harm your diffuser. Do not use on children. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Trumpet Vine Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Valerian Oil
This oil does not have enough evidence to present as safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding or trying to conceive. I would advise to not use during those times. Do not combine with other medications.
Vanilla Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Vetiver Oil
Do not take consistently for long periods of time.
Vitamin E Oil
Do not ingest internally.
Wheat Germ Oil
No warnings discovered by this author. Please complete your own research before using this oil. Do not use if you are a celiac.
White Fir Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Wild Orange Oil
No warnings discovered by this author.
Wintergreen Oil
There are many warnings about wintergreen oil. It is a very effective arthritis pain reliever, but do not use for extended periods of time. Ensure through your physician that it is safe to use wintergreen oil with your prescribed medications. Watch for side effects. Do not give to children. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Yarrow Oil
Has been known to cause headaches in some people. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.
Ylang-Ylang Oil
Do not use if you are on blood thinners or have high blood pressure. May cause headaches, watch for side effects. Can cause skin allergies in some people. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant.