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notes on safety

Essential oils are highly concentrated essences that can be harmful if not used carefully, being up to 70 times more powerful than the plants from which the oil has been extracted. Whilst bringing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause undue worry, below are a number of safety guidelines to ensure the proper use of essential oils. If in doubt, consult your physician and/or a trained and accredited aromatherapist.

Essential Safety points:

• Never use essential oils undiluted.
  This can be exceptionally dangerous, owing to the potential reaction to such a powerful essence. Experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners may on occasion make an exception to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply undiluted oil on the skin.
• Never take essential oils internally.
  Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
• Some oils may cause sensitisation or allergic reactions.
  When using an oil for the first time, place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (as above, never use essential oils undiluted) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Practitioners should also be aware that certain individuals may be sensitive and/or allergic to different essential oils.
• Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.
  If in doubt, always seek medical advice before using or treating with essential oils.
• Never let children use essential oils.
  Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children at all times, in a locked cabinet or other secure location.
• Essential oils are flammable.
  Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards such as naked flames.

Specific Contra-indications

Please take note of our safety advice on each product and again, if in any doubt seek medical advice before using or treating with essential oils.

• Alcohol should be avoided for 12 hours after using Clary Sage, as it can cause disturbing nightmares/hallucinations.
• Never sunbathe after applying oils to your skin as this may accelerate sunburn.
  
  The most phototoxic (likely to accelerate sunburn) are citric oils - Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine & Ginger.
• If you have high blood pressure avoid using Rosemary, Thyme.
• If you have low blood pressure avoid using Lavender, May Chang & Sweet Marjoram.
• If you have kidney problems avoid using Juniper Berry.
• If you have liver problems avoid using Sandalwood.
• If you have epilepsy avoid: Basil, Camphor, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Hyssop, Peppermint, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang.
• If you have had ovarian, uterine or breast cancer AND are on HRT avoid using Fennel, Geranium & Rose

Safe Dosage Chart